Italian cuisine is renowned for its authenticity and rich culinary tradition, but many dishes considered “Italian” outside of Italy are either heavily adapted or completely invented abroad. While these “fake” Italian dishes aren’t part of the traditional repertoire, they’ve become beloved in their own right. Here are some “not-so-Italian” Italian dishes to try.
Italian cuisine is one of the most celebrated in the world—but not everything labeled “Italian” actually comes from Italy. From spaghetti and meatballs to fettuccine Alfredo, many dishes that dominate Italian restaurant menus abroad are either heavily modified or completely invented outside of Italy. Yet, they’ve become part of the global “Italian” food identity.
These so-called fake Italian dishes are often rooted in Italian-American traditions, shaped by immigration, local ingredients, and changing palates. They may not be served in Rome or Naples, but they’ve carved out a place in kitchens around the world—offering comfort, nostalgia, and bold flavors that people continue to love.
This list dives into 15 popular Italian-inspired dishes that aren’t authentically Italian—but are still absolutely worth trying. Whether you’re a food purist or just hungry for a satisfying bowl of pasta, you’ll find something intriguing here.
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Why These Dishes are Worth Trying
While not authentically Italian, these dishes are a testament to how Italian cuisine has inspired creativity and adaptation worldwide. They may not transport you to Rome or Naples, but they offer delicious experiences in their own right.
Tips for Enjoying “Fake” Italian Cuisine
Don’t Compare: Appreciate these dishes for what they are, not for their authenticity.
Experiment: Try these creations alongside traditional Italian dishes to see the differences.
Pair Wisely: Complement these meals with wine or sides that elevate the flavors.
Enjoy exploring the flavorful world of “fake” Italian cuisine!
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How to Eat Them
These dishes are often more indulgent than their authentic counterparts. Think heavier sauces, more cheese, and generous portions. They’re usually served as standalone main courses, unlike traditional Italian meals which often separate pasta, meat, and vegetables. Enjoy them warm and fresh, ideally paired with a crusty piece of bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Some of these dishes can also be customized to your liking—add more garlic, spice things up, or mix in vegetables that aren’t traditionally Italian. Because they’re not bound by strict culinary rules, you’re free to tweak them without offending anyone’s grandmother.
How to Partner Them
Pair these meals with bold, fruity wines like Zinfandel or Primitivo that can stand up to the richness. Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or even mozzarella sticks (another Italian-American invention) are great partners. Dessert-wise, go for a chocolate-heavy treat rather than delicate pastries—these meals call for something equally over-the-top to finish.
If you’re hosting a dinner, consider serving a couple of these “fake” Italian dishes side by side with traditional ones to spark conversation and comparison. It’s a fun way to appreciate the evolution of food across cultures.
In Italy, many of these dishes would be considered culinary blasphemy. Fettuccine Alfredo, for instance, is virtually unknown in Italy in the form most Americans eat it. Italians may recognize the name but not the cream-drenched version common abroad. Similarly, chicken Parmesan is an Italian-American hybrid—breaded cutlets smothered in marinara and cheese—but it’s never found on a traditional Italian menu.
There’s also a long-standing debate about whether celebrating these dishes dilutes true Italian cuisine. Purists argue that it perpetuates stereotypes and oversimplifies a highly regional and nuanced culinary culture. On the other hand, food evolves, and many believe these creations deserve respect for their own cultural significance—especially in the context of immigration and adaptation.
Lastly, these “fake” Italian dishes have their own cult followings. Just because a dish isn’t traditional doesn’t mean it lacks authenticity in its own right. In fact, they represent an important chapter in how cultures merge, adapt, and create new food identities. Whether or not they’re “Italian” may not matter to the millions who consider them comfort food.
1. Spaghetti with Meatballs
The Truth:
In Italy, meatballs (polpette) are served as a standalone dish, not with pasta.
Why It’s Popular:
Immigrant communities in the U.S. created this hearty combo, which has become a classic comfort food.
Where to Try It:
Italian-American restaurants or diners.
2. Chicken Alfredo
The Truth:
In Italy, Fettuccine Alfredo exists but is made with butter and Parmesan, not heavy cream or chicken.
Why It’s Popular:
The Americanized version adds cream and chicken for a richer flavor.
Where to Try It:
Italian-American chains like Olive Garden.
3. Pepperoni Pizza
The Truth:
In Italy, pepperoni means bell peppers. The spicy sausage topping popular in the U.S. doesn’t exist in traditional Italian pizza.
Why It’s Popular:
Spicy, flavorful toppings cater to American palates.
Where to Try It:
Pizzerias worldwide, especially in the U.S.
4. Garlic Bread
The Truth:
Italians enjoy bruschetta, which is toasted bread topped with garlic and olive oil, but garlic bread as known in the U.S. isn’t a staple.
Why It’s Popular:
Butter and garlic are irresistible combinations.
Where to Try It:
Any Italian-American restaurant or as a side with pizza.
5. Caesar Salad
The Truth:
Though the name sounds Italian, Caesar salad was created in Mexico by an Italian-American chef.
Why It’s Popular:
Its creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy croutons are universally loved.
Where to Try It:
Italian-inspired restaurants worldwide.
6. Shrimp Scampi
The Truth:
In Italy, scampi refers to langoustines, often cooked simply with garlic and olive oil. The Americanized version adds shrimp and pasta.
Why It’s Popular:
Combines familiar seafood flavors with pasta.
Where to Try It:
Seafood restaurants or Italian-American eateries.
7. Italian Dressing
The Truth:
Italians don’t use creamy, tangy bottled “Italian dressing.” They simply drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over their salads.
Why It’s Popular:
Packaged salad dressings cater to convenience and bold flavors.
Where to Try It:
Supermarkets or casual dining spots.
8. Hawaiian Pizza
The Truth:
Pineapple on pizza is virtually unheard of in Italy and is often met with disdain by locals.
Why It’s Popular:
The sweet-savory combo appeals to many outside Italy.
Where to Try It:
Chain pizza restaurants.
9. Penne alla Vodka
The Truth:
Though vodka sauce has Italian-American roots, it’s not a traditional Italian recipe.
Why It’s Popular:
The creamy tomato-based sauce is indulgent and flavorful.
Where to Try It:
Italian-American restaurants or pasta-focused eateries.
10. Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
The Truth:
Italian pizza is thin-crust and simple, while Chicago deep-dish is an entirely American creation.
Why It’s Popular:
It’s loaded with cheese, sauce, and toppings, appealing to those who love hearty dishes.
Where to Try It:
Pizzerias in Chicago or specialty pizza spots.
11. Mozzarella Sticks
The Truth:
Italians enjoy fresh mozzarella in salads or as a topping but not in deep-fried stick form.
Why It’s Popular:
Crispy, cheesy snacks are universally irresistible.
Where to Try It:
American diners or fast-food chains.
12. Spaghetti Bolognese
The Truth:
In Bologna, Italy, ragù alla Bolognese is served with tagliatelle, not spaghetti.
Why It’s Popular:
Spaghetti is a universally recognized pasta shape.
Where to Try It:
Italian restaurants outside of Italy.
13. Meat Lover’s Pizza
The Truth:
Italian pizzas are minimalist, often with only one or two toppings like prosciutto or mushrooms.
Why It’s Popular:
Heavily loaded pizzas cater to those craving protein-packed meals.
Where to Try It:
Chain pizzerias or casual dining spots.
14. Cheesecake “Cannoli”
The Truth:
Authentic cannoli is filled with ricotta or mascarpone, not the cream cheese mixture often used abroad.
Why It’s Popular:
Cream cheese fillings are easier to source and adapt for non-traditional desserts.
Where to Try It:
Bakeries offering Italian-inspired desserts.
15. Alfredo Pizza
The Truth:
White sauce pizzas topped with Alfredo-style cream sauce are an Americanized concept, as Italian pizzas rarely use cream sauces.
Why It’s Popular:
Creamy and indulgent, it’s a comforting twist on traditional pizza.
Where to Try It:
Gourmet pizza spots or Italian-American chains.
Final Thoughts
Not every plate of pasta has to come with a stamp of authenticity. The so-called fake Italian dishes have brought joy to generations of diners, especially those in countries where Italian immigrants shaped the food scene. They reflect innovation, adaptation, and a love for bold, rich flavors.
While it’s important to respect and preserve traditional Italian recipes, it’s also okay to embrace these globally loved imposters for what they are—delicious reinterpretations that have earned their place on the table. You don’t have to choose between real and fake—there’s room for both on your plate.
In the end, the best Italian food (real or not) is the one that makes you want seconds.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.