Typical Dishes of Cortina d'Ampezzo: Flavors of the Dolomites

Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled among the stunning peaks of the Dolomites, is not only a destination for sports and nature, but also a true gastronomic paradise.
Here, the culinary tradition is a fascinating mix of Venetian, Tyrolean, and Ladin influences.
If you are visiting - perhaps on the occasion of the Milan-Cortina Olympics 2026 - you can't miss these typical dishes!

Casunziei Ampezzani

One of the symbols of Cortina cuisine:

• Handmade crescent-shaped ravioli.
• Traditionally filled with red beets, or spinach or squash.
• They are served with melted butter, poppy seeds and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

Council: To be tried in mountain lodges for an authentic experience!

Stew with Polenta

A rustic and hearty dish:

• Chunks of meat (often venison or beef) slowly stewed with red wine, herbs and spices.
• Served with a soft corn polenta yellow or taragna.

Perfect for rejuvenating after a day in the snow!

Dumplings

Also typical of the Dolomites:

• Large dumplings made of stale bread, bacon, chives and sometimes cheese.
• Serve in hot broth or dry with melted butter and sage.

They are an ideal comfort food on cold winter days.

Goulash Cortinese style

Ampezzan version of the famous Hungarian dish:

• Tender beef stew cooked long with sweet paprika, onions and red wine.
• It goes, of course, with polenta.

A dish rich in flavor and tradition.

Apple Strudel

The quintessential dessert of the Dolomites:

• Thin puff pastry filled with apples, raisins, pine nuts and cinnamon.
• Served hot, often with a custard or scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Perfect to enjoy in a retreat in front of a lit fireplace.

Typical Products to Taste

• Local cheeses: such as Puzzone di Moena or Cherz, often served with honey and homemade jams.
• Speck ampezzano: smoked of course, thinly sliced.
• Mountain honey: scented with rhododendron and linden.
• Alpine herbs: used for relaxing herbal teas or digestive liquors.

Wines and Beverages to Try

• Wines of the Dolomites: Müller Thurgau, Pinot Noir, Lagrein.
• Flavored Grappa: with blueberries or mountain herbs.
• Bombardino: a hot, alcoholic eggnog drink, perfect on the slopes!

In short: Cortina to Taste

In Cortina, every dish tells a story of mountains, family and tradition.
After a day of skiing or a walk in the Dolomites, savoring local dishes is a must.

Taste the tradition. Live Cortina.