Exploring Udine's Authentic Cuisine: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Udine, a charming city located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy, offers a diverse and delicious culinary experience. Influenced by its proximity to Slovenia and Austria, Udine's traditional cuisine is a fusion of Italian, Slavic, and Central European flavors. Discover the gastronomic delights of Udine as we take you on a journey through its local dishes, recommend some top restaurants, and even share a recipe or two.

Local Dishes

Udine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes that showcase the region's bountiful produce and rich cultural heritage. Here are a few must-try local dishes:

1. Gubana: This pastry is a true masterpiece. Gubana is a traditional Slovenian sweet bread filled with nuts, raisins, and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. It's a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.
2. Jota: A comforting winter soup, jota is made with sauerkraut, beans, potatoes, and various cuts of meat. This hearty dish is full of flavor and is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
3. Frascarelli: Frascarelli is a type of pasta made from semolina, eggs, and water. It's typically served with a rich meat or mushroom sauce and grated cheese. The pasta has a unique texture that sets it apart from other Italian varieties.
4. Frico: Frico is a delicious cheese and potato pancake. It's made by frying grated cheese and mashed potatoes until they form a crispy and golden crust. Frico is often served as a side dish or a snack.
5. Brovada: This dish consists of fermented turnips, which are marinated in red wine and spices. Brovada is a tangy and slightly spicy accompaniment to dishes such as polenta or sausages.

Top Restaurants in Udine

When it comes to dining out in Udine, you'll be spoiled for choice with a wide range of restaurants that cater to different tastes and budgets. Here are three top recommendations:

Osteria alle Volte

A charming osteria located in the heart of Udine, Osteria alle Volte is known for its traditional Friulian cuisine. The menu features dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, and the cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Trattoria Al Vecchio Orologio

This family-run trattoria offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere along with delicious food. Trattoria Al Vecchio Orologio is famous for its homemade pasta dishes, such as frascarelli and lasagna, as well as its extensive selection of local wines.

La Taverna di Dante

For a fine dining experience in Udine, La Taverna di Dante is a must-visit. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves innovative dishes that showcase the region's culinary traditions. Each plate is a work of art, and the attentive service adds to the overall dining experience.

Recipes to Try at Home

If you want to recreate some of Udine's traditional flavors at home, here are two recipes that you can try:

Recipe 1: Gubana

Ingredients:

• 500g flour
• 50g sugar
• 100g butter
• 50g raisins
• 50g walnuts, chopped
• 50g almonds, chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rum
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cloves
• 1 egg
• 25g fresh yeast
• 125ml milk

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, egg, honey, rum, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix well.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
5. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape and sprinkle the raisins, walnuts, and almonds evenly over the surface.
6. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the longer sides, to form a log shape.
7. Place the log in a greased baking dish and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow to cool before serving.

Recipe 2: Frico

Ingredients:

• 200g Montasio cheese, grated
• 200g potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese and mashed potatoes. Mix well.
2. Melt the butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
3. Add the cheese and potato mixture to the pan and spread it evenly.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and crispy.
5. Flip the frico using a spatula and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Remove from the pan and let it cool slightly before serving.

Explore Udine's Culinary Delights

Now that you're familiar with Udine's local dishes, top restaurants, and even have a couple of recipes to try at home, it's time to explore the city's culinary delights. Venture into the charming streets of Udine and taste the flavors that make this region's cuisine so unique.