Tropea Food and Wine

Tropea’s culinary scene is a true reflection of Calabria’s rich gastronomic traditions, blending fresh, local ingredients with time-honored recipes. From antipasti to desserts, every course tells a story of the region’s connection to the land and sea. The town’s cuisine is famously tied to its iconic Cipolla Rossa di Tropea IGP (sweet red onion), which adds a unique flavor to many dishes. Complementing the food are Calabria’s exceptional wines, crafted from ancient vineyards that thrive in the region’s sun-drenched climate.

In this section, we’ll explore the full culinary journey Tropea has to offer, from savory starters to indulgent desserts, paired with some of the finest local wines.

APPETIZERS

Tropea’s culinary identity shines through its appetizers, which showcase the town’s unique ingredients and flavors. These small dishes are more than just starters—they are a celebration of local traditions and the region’s renowned produce.

The sweet red onions of Tropea, known as Cipolla Rossa di Tropea IGP, are often caramelized and paired with creamy cheeses such as ricotta or pecorino. This simple yet elegant dish highlights the unique balance of sweetness and tanginess that Tropea’s onions are famous for. In a local twist on the classic onion soup, Tropea’s version, xuppa di cipolla Tropena, uses its signature red onions to create a rich, flavorful broth. Often served with toasted bread and melted cheese, this dish is a heartwarming way to begin any meal.

While ‘nduja (a spicy, spreadable pork sausage) is a Calabrian specialty, Tropea adds its own flair by stuffing it into sweet bell peppers or small chili peppers. The combination of the smoky heat of ‘nduja and the sweetness of the peppers creates a bold and unforgettable appetizer. Tropea onion fritters are a delicious hit! These light, crispy fritters are made with a batter of finely chopped Tropea onions and herbs, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Served hot, they are a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.

FIRST COURSE

Tropea’s first courses are a celebration of the region’s fresh, high-quality ingredients, combining the bounty of the land and sea into flavorful dishes that are both comforting and unforgettable. Here are some iconic first courses you must try in Tropea. We begin with an Italian classic-pasta! We could make no mention of pasta in this marvelous city without Fileja alla Tropeana. This handmade, spiral-shaped pasta is a staple of Tropea’s culinary tradition. Often paired with a rich tomato sauce infused with Cipolla Rossa di Tropea IGP and spicy ‘nduja, this dish perfectly balances sweetness and heat. It’s a quintessential Tropean experience that highlights the region’s love for bold flavors. Risotto al Cipolla Rossa di Tropea is where Tropea’s signature red onions take center stage in this creamy risotto. The natural sweetness of the onions adds depth to the dish, complemented by a touch of local white wine. It’s a simple yet elegant choice that showcases the unique flavor of Tropea’s most famous ingredient. Spaghetti alle Alici e Cipolla Rossa is a dish that celebrates Tropea’s coastal location, this spaghetti pairs fresh anchovies with caramelized red onions. The combination of salty and sweet flavors, enhanced with a drizzle of local olive oil, creates a harmonious and delicious plate. Zuppa di Pesce Tropeana (Tropea Fish Soup),drawing from the fresh catch of the day, this hearty soup features a medley of seafood, including mussels, clams, and fish, simmered in a tomato-based broth with aromatic herbs. Served with crusty bread, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that pays homage to Tropea’s maritime heritage.

SECOND COURSE

Second courses in Tropea embody the rich culinary traditions of the region, showcasing both the land’s agricultural abundance and the sea’s fresh offerings. These dishes are hearty, flavorful, and deeply rooted in the town’s heritage. Let us share some of our favorites below!

Tonno alla Tropeana (Tropean-Style Tuna) is where fresh tuna, caught from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea, is the star of this dish. It’s typically grilled or pan-seared and served with a sauce made from Cipolla Rossa di Tropea IGP, tomatoes, and olives. The sweet and savory combination perfectly complements the tender, flaky tuna. Baccalà con Cipolla Rossa e Patate is a beloved local dish, this recipe pairs salted codfish (baccalà) with Tropea’s signature red onions and potatoes. Slow cooked to perfection, the dish is infused with olive oil and aromatic herbs, creating a comforting and flavorful meal.

Polpette di Melanzane (Eggplant Meatballs) is a special vegetarian delight, these eggplant-based meatballs are a staple in Tropea. Made with finely chopped eggplant, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, they are fried to golden perfection and often served with a light tomato sauce. Involtini di Pesce Spada (Swordfish Rolls), where thin slices of swordfish are stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, capers, and herbs, then rolled and baked or grilled. The result is a delicate yet flavorful dish that highlights the freshness of Tropea’s seafood. Capretto al Forno (Roasted Goat) is a traditional dish often served during special occasions. Roasted goat is marinated with local herbs and slow cooked to tender perfection. It’s a true representation of Calabria’s rustic culinary roots.

SIDE DISHES AND STREET FOODS

Tropea’s culinary offerings extend beyond traditional courses, with side dishes and street foods that perfectly encapsulate the town’s vibrant flavors and reliance on fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely meal at a restaurant or wandering through the bustling streets of Tropea, these dishes and snacks offer a delightful way to experience the town’s gastronomic culture.

Among the side dishes, Peperonata alla Tropeana stands out as a colorful and flavorful option. This dish features a slow-cooked blend of bell peppers, Tropea red onions, tomatoes, and olive oil, allowing the natural sweetness of the vegetables to shine. Another popular side is Zucchine alla Scapece, a tangy and refreshing dish made with thinly sliced zucchini that is fried and marinated in vinegar, garlic, and mint. For a heartier accompaniment, Patate e Cipolla Rossa al Forno combines crispy roasted potatoes with the sweetness of Tropea’s renowned red onions, seasoned with rosemary and olive oil for a comforting and aromatic experience. Tropea’s street foods are equally enticing, offering a quick and portable taste of the town’s unique flavors. Pitta di Tropea, a savory stuffed bread filled with ingredients like Tropea red onions, olives, tomatoes, and cheese, is a local favorite for those on the go. Another must-try is Arancini di Cipolla Rossa, a Tropean take on the classic Sicilian rice balls, filled with caramelized red onions and cheese, then fried to golden perfection. For a lighter snack, Frittelle di Verdure—crispy fritters made with seasonal vegetables and herbs—are a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

DESSERTS

Tropea’s desserts are a delightful culmination of the town’s culinary traditions, offering sweet treats that reflect the region’s rich agricultural heritage and creativity. From traditional pastries to unique local specialties, these desserts are the perfect way to end a meal or enjoy a mid-afternoon indulgence.

One of the most iconic desserts in Tropea is Torta di Cipolla Rossa, a surprisingly delicious cake made with the town’s famed sweet red onions. The onions are caramelized and incorporated into the batter, creating a moist and flavorful dessert with a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with a glass of dessert wine. Another local favorite is Pignolata, a traditional Calabrian treat consisting of fried dough balls coated in honey or chocolate. This dessert is often enjoyed during festivals but can also be found year-round in local bakeries.

For a lighter option, Granita al Limone is a refreshing lemon ice that’s perfect for warm days by the sea. Made with locally grown lemons, it’s a tangy and invigorating way to cool off while savoring the flavors of the region. Of course, no dessert experience in Tropea would be complete without sampling Gelato alla Cipolla Rossa, a unique creation that transforms the town’s signature red onions into a creamy, sweet, and slightly savory gelato. It’s a one-of-a-kind treat that surprises and delights adventurous food lovers.

WINES

Tropea’s wine culture is deeply rooted in Calabria’s winemaking traditions, with the region producing some of the most distinctive and flavorful wines in southern Italy. The fertile soil and Mediterranean climate create ideal conditions for cultivating a variety of grapes, resulting in both robust reds and crisp whites that pair beautifully with the town’s cuisine.

Among the white wines, Greco di Bianco DOC stands out as a regional specialty. This wine is made from the Greco grape variety, which thrives in the warm Calabrian climate. Known for its golden hue and aromatic profile, Greco di Bianco offers notes of dried fruits, honey, and citrus, making it an excellent companion to seafood dishes or even desserts like Tropea’s signature Torta di Cipolla Rossa.

For red wine enthusiasts, Cirò Rosso DOC is a must-try. Produced primarily from the Gaglioppo grape, this wine is celebrated for its deep ruby color and complex flavors of red berries, spices, and earthy undertones. Cirò Rosso is a versatile wine that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of Tropea’s Fileja alla Tropeana or roasted meats like Capretto al Forno.