What exactly are cicchetti and how do they fit into Venetian food culture?

Cicchetti are Venice’s version of tapas — small plates and snacks enjoyed in traditional bars called bacari. They’re at the heart of Venetian social life, served alongside a glass of wine or spritz and meant for sharing in good company. Arancini are a popular cicchetti because they’re both comforting and substantial, making them perfect for snacking while catching up with friends.

Why is smoked mozzarella used instead of regular mozzarella?

Smoked mozzarella (scamorza) has a firmer texture and a delicate smoky flavour that makes it ideal for cooking. Unlike fresh mozzarella, which can release water when heated, scamorza melts smoothly while holding its structure, giving you that gooey centre without making the rice ball soggy. The smokiness also adds depth that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms and spinach.

Can these arancini be served as a meal or are they just a snack?

Traditionally they’re enjoyed as snacks, but Davide makes them generously sized — four per pack — which is enough for a light meal, especially when paired with a salad. They’re also perfect for appetisers, shared platters, or as part of a larger Italian spread. Their versatility means you can enjoy them however the occasion calls for.

Image of Davide's Spinach & Mushroom Arancini on a plate with cheesy centre

Davide's Spinach & Mushroom Arancini on a plate with cheese oozing

Davide's Mushroom, Spinach & Smoked Mozzarella Arancini (Vg) - FoodSt

4.8

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars

79 Reviews

Davide's Mushroom, Spinach & Smoked Mozzarella Arancini (Vg) (x4)

Name: Davide's Mushroom, Spinach & Smoked Mozzarella Arancini (Vg) (x4)
Brand: Davide
Price: 18.0 AUD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (79 reviews)

$18.00 $0.00

Authentic Venetian Cicchetti - A Taste of Venice in Every Bite

"This is one of the classic Italian 'cicchetti' (small snacks in Venetian language) that you find in every 'Bacaro' (typical bar in Venice, where I come from) so they bring up so many memories to me. You can find arancini with a few different types of fillings but mushroom and scamorza (smoked mozzarella) is definitely one of the most popular!"

Davide’s arancini are golden, crisp on the outside and irresistibly soft inside, filled with earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and molten smoked mozzarella that delivers those perfect cheese pulls. These aren’t just rice balls, they’re a true expression of Venetian food culture, the kind of cicchetti you’d share over a glass of wine in a bacaro tucked along Venice’s canals.

Made with arborio rice, parmesan, fresh herbs, and a generous heart of smoked mozzarella, each arancino is handmade with care and traditional technique. The smoky, melty centre contrasts beautifully with the crisp coating, creating layers of flavour and texture that are simply addictive. They’re comforting, indulgent, and carry the spirit of Venice — a little taste of Italy designed for sharing and savouring.

A great vegetarian option or alternatively you can try Davide's Sicilian Arancini here

Made with ❤️ by Davide

Preparation Instructions

Cook from frozen:

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 180C
Step 2 - Place arancini on an oven tray and bake for 18-22 minutes.

AIR FRYER: 15 minutes at 160C

*Cooking times and temperatures provided are guidelines and may vary depending on individual oven types*

Ingredients & Allergens

Ingredients: Mushrooms, baby spinach, arborio rice, white wine, vegetable stock, onion, garlic, lemon, parmesan (milk), smoked mozzarella (milk), olive oil, butter (milk), thyme, parsley,eggs, milk, flour (gluten, wheat), panko (gluten).

Contains: Gluten, Wheat, Eggs, Sulphites, Milk

Serving Size, Spice & Suggestions

🍴 x 4 large Arancini per serving

🧀 Davide recommends grating some fresh parmesan on top once cooked or serve with aioli.

🌶️ Spice Level -Not spicy

About Your Cook

Hi, I'm Davide 👋🏻

"I am the quintessential Italian chef! Born and raised in Venice, Italy, I trained and worked in some of the worlds most delectable restaurants in the world. But all this “professional” knowledge pales in comparison to the lessons I learnt from my Mamma and Nonna!

Food is life and everything revolves around food, however, cooking for others is my true passion. I enjoy making classic Italian dishes and am excited to experiment and revitalise traditional meals with new ingredients."

Explore David'e other meals here

Storage & Delivery

This dish has been handmade with love in small batches by Davide, before being freshly frozen for your convenience.

Keep frozen for up to 2 months from purchase, once thawed keep refrigerated and serve within 48 hours.

We deliver across NSW, VIC, SA, ACT and QLD. To check if we deliver to you enter your postcode and suburb in the delivery checker at the top of our page. ☝🏻

Perfect For....

• A casual night in with something a little special
• Drinks with friends when you want authentic Italian bar snacks
• Adding an elegant appetiser to dinner parties or family gatherings
• Quick entertaining when you want something impressive from the freezer to the table

Handmade with Love by Accredited Local Cooks

Freshly Frozen for Your Convenience

Vegetarian

: Cicchetti are Venice’s version of tapas — small plates and snacks enjoyed in traditional bars called bacari. They’re at the heart of Venetian social life, served alongside a glass of wine or spritz and meant for sharing in good company. Arancini are a popular cicchetti because they’re both comforting and substantial, making them perfect for snacking while catching up with friends.
: Smoked mozzarella (scamorza) has a firmer texture and a delicate smoky flavour that makes it ideal for cooking. Unlike fresh mozzarella, which can release water when heated, scamorza melts smoothly while holding its structure, giving you that gooey centre without making the rice ball soggy. The smokiness also adds depth that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms and spinach.
: Traditionally they’re enjoyed as snacks, but Davide makes them generously sized — four per pack — which is enough for a light meal, especially when paired with a salad. They’re also perfect for appetisers, shared platters, or as part of a larger Italian spread. Their versatility means you can enjoy them however the occasion calls for.

4.8

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars

Based on 79 reviews

Total 5 star reviews: 66 Total 4 star reviews: 12 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 0

99%would recommend these products

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79 reviews

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LS
Leigh S.
Verified Buyer
2 weeks ago
Reviewing
Davide's Chicken, Broccoli Mac & Cheese
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A favourite meal for the family
On its own or with a BBQ as a side either way it's another hot meal from Davide. Thank you 😊
Was this helpful?
FoodSt
1 week ago
Thanks for your review on this dish Leigh! Yes, such a versatile dish and a hit in my house too
GF
Gail F.
Verified Buyer
4 weeks ago
Reviewing
Davide's Sicilian Arancini
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Yummy with drinks
These have been a hit with a drink.
Was this helpful?
RB
ruth b.
Verified Buyer
1 month ago
Reviewing
Davide's Eggplant Parmigiana (Vg)
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
5 Stars
great tasting.very nice
Was this helpful?
FoodSt
We are thrilled you loved it Ruth!
A
Angela
Verified Buyer
1 month ago
Reviewing
Davide's Eggplant Parmigiana (Vg)
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
5 Stars
Delicious - a great balance of eggplant and sauce. I will definitely order again
Was this helpful?
DK
Deirdre K.
2 months ago
Reviewing
Davide's Mushroom, Spinach & Smoked Mozzarella Arancini (Vg) (x4)
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Davide‚Äôs Mushroom spinach & smoked mozzarella arancini
Great flavours but I prefer your other variety
Was this helpful?

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Delivery Information

We proudly deliver across NSW, ACT, VIC, SA and QLD. All orders are delivered in Eco-friendly Silversheen Liners and Recyclable Boxes with ice packs.

Delivery dates and rates are dependant on your location. Please check your delivery dates int he delivery checker at the top of the page.

We proudly deliver across NSW, ACT, VIC, SA and QLD. All orders are delivered in Eco-friendly Silversheen Liners and Recyclable Boxes with ice packs.

Delivery dates and rates are dependant on your location. Please check your delivery dates int he delivery checker at the top of the page.

Davide's Mushroom, Spinach & Smoked Mozzarella Arancini (Vg) (x4)

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Davide's Mushroom, Spinach & Smoked Mozzarella Arancini (Vg) (x4)

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