Guide
Italian cuisine explained
What is the difference between pinsa and pizza? Why is there no cream in a real carbonara? And what do you drink with pasta amatriciana? This guide explains the dishes, wines and habits behind our menu.
Dishes
- What is pinsa? The difference with pizza explainedPinsa is an oval, airy Roman flatbread made with a long-fermented dough. Learn how pinsa differs from pizza and which pinsas you can eat at Benoti.
- Burrata: Italy's creamiest cheeseBurrata is a fresh cheese from Apulia: a mozzarella shell with a creamy filling. Learn where it comes from and how to enjoy it at Benoti.
- Mozzarella di bufala: why buffalo mozzarella tastes differentMozzarella di bufala is made from buffalo milk and tastes fuller and creamier than regular mozzarella. Learn the difference and find it on Benoti's menu.
- Carpaccio di manzo: the story of a Venetian classicCarpaccio was created in 1950 at Harry's Bar in Venice and named after a painter. Read the story and discover Benoti's carpaccio, also as a pinsa.
- Pasta all'amatriciana: tomato, guanciale and pecorinoAmatriciana is a pasta sauce from Amatrice with tomato, guanciale and pecorino. Learn what belongs in it, what doesn't, and how Benoti serves it.
- Carbonara: why there is no cream in it in RomeRoman carbonara is made with guanciale, egg yolks, pecorino and black pepper, without cream. Read its history and discover Benoti's Pinsa Carbonara.
- Pesto alla genovese: basil, pine nuts and patiencePesto comes from Genoa and is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese and olive oil. Learn how it should be made and taste Benoti's homemade pesto.
- Lasagna: Italian comfort food, layer by layerLasagna comes in many regional varieties, from Bologna to Naples. Learn the difference and discover Benoti's lasagna with ragù.
- Seafood pasta: scoglio, prawns and lobsterAllo scoglio means 'from the rock': pasta with seafood. Learn what goes into it and discover Benoti's pasta with prawns, seafood and lobster.
- Guanciale or pancetta: what is the difference?Guanciale is cured pork cheek, pancetta is cured pork belly. Learn the difference and why guanciale is the base of carbonara and amatriciana.
- Truffle in Italian cuisineTruffle is an underground fungus with an intense aroma. Learn the difference between white and black truffle and taste truffle on Benoti's pinsas.
- Tiramisù: the dessert that picks you upTiramisù means 'pick me up': ladyfingers with espresso, mascarpone and cocoa. Learn where it comes from and end your dinner at Benoti on a sweet note.
- Tartufo dessert: the ice cream ball from CalabriaA tartufo is an Italian ice cream dessert shaped like a truffle, originally from Pizzo in Calabria. Discover Benoti's four tartufo flavours.
- Antipasti and tagliere: how an Italian meal beginsAntipasti are Italian starters, a tagliere is a board to share. Learn what belongs on it and discover Benoti's antipasti.
Wine and drinks
- Italian wines on our list: from Barolo to FranciacortaA tour of the Italian wines on Benoti's list: Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Ripasso, Primitivo, Vermentino, Franciacorta and Prosecco.
- Aperitivo: Aperol Spritz, Negroni and the Italian early-evening ritualThe aperitivo is the Italian moment before dinner: a bitter drink and something to nibble. Read about Aperol Spritz, Negroni and Limoncello Spritz at Benoti.
- Digestivo: limoncello, amaro, grappa and sambucaAn Italian dinner ends with a digestivo. Learn the difference between limoncello, Amaro del Capo, grappa, sambuca and amaretto.
- Italian coffee culture: espresso, cappuccino and the unwritten rulesIn Italy you drink espresso at the bar and cappuccino only in the morning. Learn the unwritten rules of Italian coffee culture.
Italian cuisine
- Neapolitan cuisine: simplicity, sunshine and characterThe cuisine of Naples revolves around top produce: tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, pasta and the sea. Learn what makes it special. Our chef is from Napoli.
- Vegan Italian food in AntwerpItalian cuisine is naturally rich in vegetables, pulses and olive oil. Discover Benoti's vegan dishes: Tagliere Vegano, La Vegana and more.
- How Italians eat: antipasto, primo, secondo and dolceAn Italian meal has courses: aperitivo, antipasto, primo, secondo with contorno, dolce, caffè and digestivo. Here is how to order like an Italian.
- Italian menu terms explained: from al dente to scoglioWhat do al dente, tagliere, scoglio, astice or della casa mean? A handy glossary of Italian terms you'll find on the menu.