Arborio rice is the traditional choice for risotto, and it's readily available in grocery stores and online. This medium-grain, high-starch rice becomes fantastically creamy when cooked, so it's ideal for risotto. The best Arborio substitutes are carnaroli and Vialone Nano. Both are high-starch varieties and commonly used in Italian kitchens for this dish. Farro and sushi rice will work in a pinch. But avoid long-grain rices, such as jasmine and basmati, because they won't become creamy when cooked.