Arancini are a Sicilian specialty — fried rice balls coated in bread crumbs and traditionally filled with mozzarella, tomato sauce and peas. Chefs are switching up the cheesy balls with unique proteins and ingredients like pesto, prosciutto and mushrooms. This savory appetizer is most commonly found at fine-dining and casual-dining restaurants.

Arancini are in the Adoption stage. The item is gaining traction on menus, but is still considered unique. They can be found at independent casual-dining and progressive fast-casual restaurants.

Café L'Appetito in Chicago serves mini traditional meat arancini filled with green peas, mozzarella and Bolognese sauce.