What is Tiella di Gaeta?

Tiella di Gaeta | Traditional Savory Pie From Gaeta, Italy | TasteAtlas

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Savory Pie

Tiella di Gaeta

Tiella di Gaeta is a savory pie consisting of two layers of crispy dough that is generously filled with boiled octopus or squid, tomatoes, capers, and Gaeta olives, then flavored with parsley, pepper, and salt. Although a local legend says that this dish was invented by Frederick IV of Bourbon, it is much more likely that it was, like so many others Italian gastronomical specialities, originally prepared as a poor man's meal and a way to use up leftover food.

The fillings may vary and include other types of seafood such as salt cod or anchovies and different seasonal vegetables, but tiella always has to be soaked in the famous olive oil from Gaeta.

Gaeta, Italy

WHERE TO EAT The best Tiella di Gaeta in the world (according to food experts)

Federica Provolenti and 5 other food critics.

"If you decide to try tiella at Giordano, I recommend the onion one."

Marcella Scialla

"Fresh and quality products make these tiellas among the best in the area, particularly appreciated not only for the taste but also for the right consistency and for the not too greased seasoning. The fillings with which they are prepared are various, but among the most appreciated there are certainly the classic one with scarola and olives and the one with octopus and cuttlefish. Absolutely not to be missed."