Your Guide to Italian Food: What and Where to Eat in Italy
Passionate, rich and honest - there’s no denying that Italian cooking has conquered the world, but there’s no substitute for the real thing. So whether it’s pizza, pasta, grilled fish or decadent pastries, your trip to Italy will undoubtedly be filled with unforgettable flavours.
Travelling short distances between cities, towns and peninsulas, you’ll find distinct differences in local cuisine - and there’s no better way to absorb the culture of a new place than to eat like a local.
Here’s our guide to Italian food where you’ll find out more about some of the best-loved and most authentic Mediterranean eats, starting with the capital.
Rome
Nicknamed the Eternal City, Rome offers plenty of local specialities and hidden gems for foodies on any budget. A very walkable city, some of Rome’s best dining can be done without much planning at all - just follow your nose and keep an eye out for a queue of locals!
Here are some of our favourite locations and dishes to help you live the dolce vita when you visit Rome.
Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice)
Distinctly casual and no-frills, Roman-style pizza is sold by the slice or by weight, as opposed to the more American idea of diameter in inches! Baked in a rectangle tray, it more closely resembles the fancy flatbreads you’ll have seen in the UK.
We recommend heading to Dar Poeta in the lively Trastevere neighbourhood for some of the tastiest slow-rise pizza. You can dine outdoors, sip the house wine and people-watch as you try their famous buffalo mozzarella pizza and bruschetta pomodoro. One of our all-time favourites!
Other honourable mentions for pizza on the go:
● Piazza della Madonna dei Monti by the Colosseum
● Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina near the Pantheon
● Antica Pizzeria Da Michele near Villa Borghese Park
Cacio e pepe
This minimalist but quintessentially Roman dish translates as ‘cheese and pepper’. Traditionally it’s made with pecorino romano cheese (sheep’s cheese not dissimilar to parmesan), black pepper and spaghetti or tonnarelli pasta. If it’s authentic Roman fayre you’re after, look no further. We highly encourage you to head to Osteria Bonelli by Villa De Sanctis Park in the Torpignattara neighbourhood for their spin on cacio e pepe, as well as their legendary olive all'ascolana (breaded, fried olives stuffed with local meats).
Gelato
Italian for ‘frozen’, this versatile ice cream dessert has conquered the world and can be found almost everywhere. But travellers with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss trying the original and best, and there’s no better place to do it than the Italian capital. Watch through the window at Gelateria del Teatro near Piazza Navona as they lovingly craft some of the best homemade gelato, served to you right on the street. Our favourite flavour? Pineapple and fresh mint.
Florence
The capital of Tuscany but with a small-town feel, Florence sits in the north of the country and boasts some of the most incredible culinary offerings you’ll find on your travels. Passionate local chefs are known for serving up minimal, slow-cook dishes bursting with flavour and history - here are just some we’ve picked out and where to get them on your Florence break.
Tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo
Tagliatelle pasta ribbons with wild porcini mushrooms and truffle - an absolute staple in beautiful Florence. Usually paired with a fruity local red wine (Tuscany is peppered with vineyards - you can even visit them and harvest your own grapes), this dish is creamy, rich and simplistic.
We’d suggest making a reservation at Trattoria Za Za in the Central Market of San Lorenzo in the heart of the city. Not far from the Basilica of Santa Croce, you’ll find La Buchetta - one of our special mentions for Tuscan pasta. For those who prefer to stroll through Florence’s cobbled streets and be a bit more spontaneous, you can’t go wrong with the eateries in the Santo Spirito area.
Pisa
Continuing our Tuscan theme, we’ve put together some of our favourite dishes and establishments you’ll find when you travel to Pisa. Just an hour by train from Florence but with its own charm, Pisa is steeped in history. Once you’ve seen its famous leaning tower, ancient architecture and vast palaces, it’s time to eat like a local!
Arriving by train, you’ll walk along Corso Italia, the main shopping street towards the old town. Here you’ll find major retailers but local shops, cafes and bakeries too - many of whom will be selling cecina. Crispy on the outside with a creamy centre, cecina Toscana is a delicious chickpea flatbread you’ll find all over the region.
Pastries
The local Pisan bakeries are scattered around the winding backstreets of the city and are packed with local treats you’ll struggle to find elsewhere. We’re obsessed with torta coi bischeri (pilgrim cake), a traditional tart with a rice, chocolate and fruit filling. Vecchio Pasticceria Siciliana is another of our favourites, with non-dairy options and pistachio cannoli to die for. Many of the bakeries will sell coffee and wine, too - we suggest pairing your pastries with an espresso or a dessert wine like Vin Santo
Seafood
Just a few miles from the coast, seafood is plentiful in Pisa. You’ll find many of your favourite traditional Italian plates adorned with grilled fish, clams, octopus and more. Situated on the Arno River, La Pergoletta serves up some of the best Mediterranean grub in the heart of the city - we recommend the mouth-watering cod fritters and the freshest tuna steaks in town.
Another central hotspot is Branzo, which boasts a quirky but diverse menu of seafood pasta, with vegetarian and gluten-free options too. Our Branzo pick is the salmon burger - don’t knock it ‘till you’ve tried it.
Milan
Up next in your guide to Italian food is Milan. Known for its fashion and effortless style, Milan might not be the first name you think of when planning a spot of food tourism. But we’ve found that the city has much to offer when it comes to dining experiences - here’s what to eat and where on your Milan holiday.
Ossobucco (braised veal)
Meat is at the heart of Milanese cooking, but there are plenty of plant-based indulgences to be had in this vibrant, bustling city too.
Ossobucco should be first on your hit list - slowly braised veal in a punchy tomato and white wine broth, often served with hearty saffron risotto. Oozing with local ingredients and Lombardy pride, Ossobucco is a Milanese must. Bellissima! For an authentic experience, make your way to Trattoria Masuelli San Marco or Osteria alla Grande in the Baggio district.
A thriving sandwich scene
If you find yourself at a loss for what to grab on the go at lunchtime in Milan, the city has a reputation for some of the best sandwiches on the planet - and we’re not talking cheese and pickle on granary! Milanese schiacciata bread (similar to focaccia) is salty and light, while the fillings on offer will have you salivating. Think pancetta, pistachio cream, stracciatella cheese, carpaccio beef and more. Hands down, our top pick would be the famous All'Antico Vinaio in the centre of town.
Panettone
You’re probably familiar with panettone, the tall and sweet fruit bread usually associated with Christmas. However, in Milan, you’ll find some of the world’s most incredible artisan panettones served up all year round. Head to the elegant Pasticceria da Giacomo near Porta Vittoria or Pasticceria Martesana Milano Cagliero for a panettone vastly superior to anything you’ll have seen at your local supermarket.
Venice
On Italy’s Adriatic coast, you won’t have to look far to find rich and delectable cuisine. With its winding alleys to get yourself lost in, Venice is peppered with unique local restaurants and markets ready to fuel you up for a day spent sightseeing.
Northwest of the Rialto Bridge in San Polo, Mercati di Rialto is the main marketplace in Venice and has stocked local kitchens and restaurants for over 700 years. Open Tuesday through Saturday; you’ll find fishmongers, fruit and veg stalls, and street food aplenty. We’d recommend grabbing a bag of fresh tangerines and kumquats to keep your energy levels up as you explore the city.
Small plates and desserts
Accompanied by a glass of spritz, cicchetti is a classic Venetian antipasto eaten tapas style that suits all budgets at around €2 to €3 a plate. Head to All’ Arco near the Rialto Bridge for an ever-changing menu of seasonal small plates and lovely local wines.
We couldn’t talk about dining in Venice without mentioning buranelli in our guide to Italian food - a traditional Venetian butter cookie baked in the shape of an “S” for optimal coffee dunking. Often flavoured with rum, you’ll find some of the best buranelli at Pasticceria Tonolo alongside their delicious homemade tiramisu and frittelle (fried mini-doughnuts).
And if you haven’t already satisfied your sweet tooth, pop into Nino and Friends Venezia San Lio to sample their limoncello chocolates and grab a box of cappuccino cookies for the road.
Walking food tours are commonplace here - if your time visiting Venice is limited, a group tour is a great way to mix and match some of the best street food on offer with a trusted local guide. We’d recommend asking at your hotel and in the local coffee shops for the most authentically Venetian tours.
Naples
Neapolitan pizza
Vastly different from the pizza you’re likely to encounter in Rome, Neapolitan pizza is the original and generally considered the best by pizza purists. Everything from the way the dough is hand-stretched to the region the tomatoes come from is taken very seriously - you won’t find any pineapple chunks or stuffed crust here!
After you’ve finished reading our guide to Italian food, a trip to Naples is surely on the cards! Naples is something of a pilgrimage for pizza lovers the world over - pizza was actually invented here!
Pizzeria 'Ntretella near Pallonetto tops our list for fresh and delicious rustic pizzas - bonus points for their wine selection and gluten-free menu options. A short walk from Toledo Metro station is Pizzeria Starita a Materdei; with ice-cold beers and all local ingredients, Starita serves up some of the best traditional pizza in Naples.
If you find yourself in the historical centre of Naples (Centro Storico), you owe yourself a visit to Sorbillo, one of the most famous family-run pizzerias in the city. Be prepared to queue though, and if you’ve had your fill of the classic Neapolitan pies, try their fried pizzas for something a bit different.
It’s not all just pizza, however, as Naples is famous for much more.
Neapolitan ragù
Bubbling on a low flame for anything up to eight hours, traditional ragù is a hearty, rich tomato and meat sauce (beef or pork) served with pasta. For the most authentic Neapolitan ragù, visit Tandem near the Museo Cappella Sansevero - though they have multiple sites in the city.
Special mentions
For a cosy and intimate dining experience (with a Michelin star, no less), make a reservation at La Locanda Gesù Vecchio. With abundant local charm, the freshest ingredients and a carefully crafted menu, you’ll enjoy some of the best pasta, bruschetta and seafood in the city.
If you fancy drinking in some of the local sights and sounds, the daily La Pignasecca Market should be on your bucket list. The entrance to the city’s largest outdoor market is at the Toledo metro station, and you’ll find fresh goods for sale and irresistible street food like fried calamari served in paper cups.
Other local delights to be on the lookout for on your Naples holiday:
● Taralli crackers (crispy pretzel-like crackers dunked in white wine)
● Spaghetti alle vongole (clam spaghetti - comfort food Italian-style)
● Neapolitan coffee (easy to find - artisan coffee is taken very seriously in Naples)
Sorrento
Overlooking the Bay of Naples, beautiful Sorrento is the jewel in the crown of Southern Italy for all things food and drink. A warm and coastal town, visiting Sorrento means a trip to paradise for seafood fans. Think shellfish, shrimp, and sea bream caught fresh from the bay. There’s also plenty on offer for vegetarians and those less keen on seafood.
Arriving by bus from Naples, you’ll find yourself in the heart of a bustling hive of restaurants, pizzerias, hotels and attractions. Our top tip is to head straight to Casa Tua, one of the best eateries in town and a ten-minute walk from the bus station. With a stunning tasting menu and seafood specials you won’t want to miss, Casa Tua is a hidden gem in one of the busiest corners of Sorrento.
Tuesday is market day in Sorrento, so for an authentic taste of local life with all the sights and sounds of a colourful Italian street market, head to San Renato to wander around their weekly open-air markets.
Lemons, lemons and more lemons
You’ll probably notice that lemons are a big deal in Sorrento - you can even book a lemon grove tour and taste their famous Sorrento lemons at the source. Lively splashes of citrus can feature in every course from antipasti to dessert, and you’ll likely be offered complimentary limoncello at the end of your meal, too - invented in Sorrento. We recommend looking out for lemon shrimp pasta or risotto when scanning menus, usually balanced with basil and rosemary or fried capers.
Other special mentions for local treats are Parmigiana di Melanzane (aubergine cheese bake), spaghetti alla Nerano (fried courgette and provolone cheese pasta), and local soul food gnocchi alla Sorrentina (hearty potato gnocchi with plump tomato sauce and mozzarella). For the best local ravioli, head to Trattoria da Nonna Emilia.
Lake Garda
It doesn’t come much more picturesque than Lake Garda - here are a few tips for how to treat your tastebuds when visiting the great lake. Big on lake-fresh fish (rainbow trout, sardines, grilled whitefish), food tourism is a little higher-end than some of the other destinations in this guide to Italian food, but if ever there was a time and place to treat yourself…
Fine dining on the lake
You’ll find many of the restaurants overlooking the lake to be a local take on fine dining. Though street food can still be found, there’s a real emphasis on luxury here, with many establishments boasting multiple Michelin Stars.
Our pick of the bunch would be Hostaria Al Buongusto in Limone, where you’ll dine in a beautiful garden flanked by orange and lemon trees. We’d suggest trying the tuna steak, steak tartare or anything on their seasonal menu that features burrata, a gorgeously creamy local cheese.
Peter Brunel Ristorante Gourmet in Arco, Trentino, offers a diverse and contemporary menu with a good few choices for vegetarians. The cabbage risotto is a popular staple, but with head chef and owner Peter Brunel, you’re in for an exciting and refined Italian twist on Nouvelle cuisine.
Our final tip is to try and book a table on the jetty at Esplanade Desenzano - stunning panoramic views of the lake with a contemporary tasting menu encompassing everything from lobster to black cod. While prices can be a little high at this stylish Michelin Star location, you can pair everything on your plate with their very reasonably priced local wines.
Verona
Last up in our guide to Italian food is beautiful Verona. Surrounded by vineyards and packed with colourful architecture and meandering backstreets, Verona is home to much more than the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. You may, however, find yourself starcrossed when you sample some of our favourite local delicacies!
Veronese salami
Veronese dining traditions might be a little surprising and unorthodox, with horse meat finding its way onto many a menu. Assuming that might not be to everyone’s taste, we’d suggest hunting down some dry-cured salami (salame Veronese) from a local deli - in particular, the Prosciutto crudo della Lessinia - lightly smoked and spiced with juniper and caraway.
Risotto all’amarone (red wine risotto)
Another Veronese classic (and veggie-friendly to boot) is the risotto all’amarone, a red wine risotto that’s something of a signature dish in the region. Made with Amarone della Valpolicella dry red wine, this simplistic but unapologetically rich spin on the classic risotto. Our restaurant pick for top-notch red wine risotto is Torcolo, near the famous Piazza Bra.
Casual dining
For refuelling on the move, swing by Focacceria Ponte Pietra on the river for crispy and filling Focaccias topped with everything from courgette to tomato and rosemary - all for around €3 a slice.
If you’re looking to escape the tourists and want to try some more wallet-friendly, casual dining, cross the Adige bridges to Veronetta and check out some neighbourhood cafes and restaurants like Oséi (next to Veronetta Garden House). Or grab a healthy portion of parmesan aubergine at Morandin.
The final stop on our tour is Igino Massari for colourful and extravagant desserts. Don’t leave Verona without trying a pistachio cream croissant!
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