Italian is one of the most popular cuisines and for good reason. Pizza, pasta, gelato - this food is incredible. One of the things that travelers are often most excited about when going abroad is the food, and when you travel to Italy, be prepared to try it all because you won’t want to miss a thing. From Bologna to Rome, there are various regions you should visit to try the varying dishes. Each region is known for something different. Here’s what to eat and where to eat during your Italian adventure!
Bologna
Known as the culinary capital of Italy, Bologna should be the number one food destination on your journey in Italian food. The dishes in Bologna more often than not will include meat of some sort, along with other local ingredients. Tortellini, tagliatelle, lasagne, and truffles are some of the most highly sought after dishes.
Rome
Rome is another one of the most popular cities for Italian cuisine. Rome has a variety of unique dishes to try during your culinary expedition - carbonara, cacio e pepe, and suppli just to name a few. Romans know how to do pasta so you will not want to miss it.
Florence
The cuisine in Florence is based on traditional fare. Here you’ll find white bean soup and panzanella salad. A lampredotto sandwich and focaccia-style sandwiches are also staples on menus throughout Florence. And if sandwiches aren’t your thing, don’t worry, there are other options including bistecca fiorentina and ribollita; dishes great for carnivores.
Venice
Venetian cuisine often features fish and vegetables because of its proximity to not only the water but also gardens. When you make your stop in Venice consider trying sarde in saor, fritole, and risi e bisi, just to name a few.
Naples
Fun fact: the first pizza was baked in Naples in 1889 so you know the pizza you try here is going to be delicious. In addition to the pizza, there are a variety of other traditional Naples foods to try - polpette, zeppole, and limoncello.
Milan
In case you didn’t know, Italy is actually the largest producer of rice in Europe. Milan’s Po Valley is known as the rice bowl of Italy. So it's no wonder that risotto is one of the most popular dishes in this city. Piadina, cotoletta, and panettone are other must-try foods while you’re in Milan.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is not only another scenic destination in Italy, but it is also another place with fabulous food. When you head to Cinque Terre, consider trying pandolce, muscoli ripieni, and torta di riso di monterosso.
Verona
Verona offers its own unique fare. Verona is known for its use of horse and donkey meat in many of their dishes. Some popular dishes to try in this city include nadalin, renga, and pastissada de caval.
Genoa
Genoa is known as the crown jewel of the Italian Riviera, not only because of its architecture but also because of its food. Genoa has the ideal growing conditions for vegetables, olives, and herbs so many of the dishes are prepared with local ingredients. During your culinary tour in Genoa, be sure to try pesto and focaccia.
If your mouth is now watering, which I’m sure it is after all of the food talk, check out our multiple expeditions to Italy - Cinque Terre, Venice, Bologna, Umbria, and the Amalfi Coast. On these expeditions, you’ll have the experience to try some of the local cuisines for yourself, an experience I promise you won’t want to miss when you travel to Italy. Happy eating!
Post written by Allison Steinke