Great Italian Restaurant Comfort Food for Colder Weather

As winter approaches, Italian restaurants often switch to more heart-warming dishes perfect for braving the cold. Rich in flavour and paired with robust wines, Italian comfort foods like pasta and pizza provide a delicious escape from the chill.

Here are some of our favourites.

Classic Lasagne

Lasagne is a classic Italian comfort dish that embodies layers of pasta, rich Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. It’s a filling meal that feels particularly fitting as the temperature drops. The hearty nature of lasagne makes it a favourite on Italian restaurant menus, especially in the winter.

For a wine pairing, a glass of Sangiovese complements the lasagne’s depth, adding bright cherry notes and soft tannins to balance the richness of the sauce and cheese. This combination brings out the flavours of the Bolognese, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Risotto al Funghi

Mushroom risotto is a warming, earthy dish that highlights the depth of Italian cuisine. Made with seasonal wild mushrooms, this risotto has a richness that provides a satisfying, savoury bite, ideal for a chilly evening. The creamy texture and aromatic flavours make it a cosy and luxurious option for winter dining.

A perfect wine pairing with mushroom risotto is a glass of Pinot Noir. This light-bodied red wine has earthy and fruity notes that align well with the mushrooms' flavour profile. Alternatively, try an oaked Chardonnay, which offers a creamy texture and gentle acidity to harmonise with the dish’s richness.

Pizza Quattro Formaggi

Few things are more comforting than a pizza hot from the oven, and the four-cheese pizza is a winter delight, ideal for cheese enthusiasts. Topped with a combination of mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and Parmesan, this pizza offers flavour and a perfect blend of creamy and sharp textures. Italian restaurants often prepare Quattro Formaggi with a thin, wood-fired crust that enhances its appeal and adds a touch of smoky warmth.

For a wine pairing, consider a Barbera d’Asti. This medium-bodied red has just enough acidity to cut through the richness of the cheeses while enhancing their complex flavours. For those who prefer white wine, Gavi provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the pizza’s intensity with its citrus crispness.

Ossobuco

For those seeking a more indulgent meal, ossobuco is a traditional Italian dish featuring braised veal shanks in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce. This slow-cooked recipe is tender, flavourful, and perfect for warming up on a winter’s night. Italian restaurants often serve ossobuco with creamy polenta or saffron risotto, making it a complete, comforting meal for colder weather.

For the wine, Barolo’s full body and complex tannins complement the meat’s richness, adding layers of depth to each bite. Its flavours of dark berries and spice enhance the earthy notes of the braised veal, creating a balanced and memorable meal.

Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce

Finally, gnocchi is another comforting Italian staple, and when served in a creamy gorgonzola sauce, it becomes an excellent choice for winter dining. These soft potato dumplings absorb the rich blue cheese sauce, offering a satisfying, melt-in-the-mouth experience that’s particularly warming on a cold day.

A good wine pairing for gnocchi with gorgonzola is a glass of Chianti. The acidity in Chianti cuts through the creaminess of the sauce, refreshing the palate and accentuating the dish’s flavours. If you prefer a white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc with herbal and citrus notes provides a pleasant contrast to the gorgonzola’s bold taste.