When we think of Italy, things like the rugged peaks of the Italian Alps and the rolling hills of Tuscany come to mind. The colorful Amalfi Coast and the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Throughout Italy, you will see magnificent architecture, stunning art, and vibrant street life. The cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice are especially known for their timeless beauty and cultural treasures. Italy offers a feast for the senses and a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. It also offers up some delicious cuisine, world-class wines, and warm, hospitable people. So, for now, let’s focus on food and what you should eat in addition to pasta and pizza that will help you eat your way across Italy!

Basics of Italian Dining

First, let’s cover a few basics of dining in Italy. Italians typically enjoy a sweet pastry or slice of bread with a cup of coffee or a cappuccino at a stand-up coffee bar before work.

Lunch is usually a more substantial meal of pasta or a salad with some protein, typically eaten between 12 pm and 2 pm. You may find many businesses close during this time to allow people to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Sounds nice, huh?

Dinner is a more formal affair, typically eaten between 8 pm and 10 pm. In our travels around Italy, we have eaten dinner as early as 6  or 7 pm and generally are the only ones in the restaurant!

Italians may begin with an aperitif, a pre-dinner drink such as an Aperol spritz or a Campari and soda, then move on to a multi-course meal.

Some meals begin with a plate of antipasti or appetizers, such as cured meats, cheeses, olives, and bruschetta. The first course is typically pasta, risotto, or soup, followed by a second course of meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes. Italian meals often feature a variety of side dishes, such as salads, vegetables, or potatoes, and end with a dessert such as tiramisu or panna cotta.

We aren’t saying you must follow this protocol…we certainly don’t. It is way too much food for us to eat before going to bed! But, depending on where you are, we think these foods will help you eat your way across Italy!

Tuscany Region

If you find yourself in the beautiful, rolling hills of Tuscany consider trying the following traditional dishes and regional specialties.

1. Crostini di Fegato: A classic Tuscan appetizer made from toasted bread topped with chicken liver pâté, capers, and anchovies. We aren’t big fans of pâté or anchovies, but you should definitely try it.
2. Ribollita: A Tuscan soup made with bread, cannellini beans, vegetables, and sometimes meat. Served hot, this soup is the perfect comfort food for colder weather.
3. Pappa al Pomodoro: Another soup made from bread, tomatoes, garlic, and basil and served hot or at room temperature.
4. Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A Tuscan-style steak made from a specific breed of cattle called Chianina. Cooked over an open flame and served rare or medium rare.
5. Cinghiale: Wild boar served as a stew or ragu, or in the form of sausages or salami.
6. Cantucci: Almond biscuits served with vin santo, a sweet dessert wine. They are crunchy and delicious and make for a perfect afternoon snack.

Lombardy Region

Lombardy is the most populous region of Italy, located in the northern part of the country. It is home to several major cities, including Milan. Here are a few foods we think you should eat in the Lombardy region of Italy.

1. Ossobuco alla Milanese: A dish made with veal shanks slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce, served with saffron risotto.
2. Cotoletta alla Milanese: Breaded and fried veal cutlets, similar to Wiener Schnitzel.
3. Bresaola: A cured meat made from beef, served thinly sliced with rocket salad and Parmesan cheese.
4. Risotto alla Bergamasca: One of our favorites! A creamy risotto made with sausage and beans, typical of the Bergamo province.
5. Gorgonzola cheese: Cheese lover? This creamy blue cheese is produced in the Lombardy region and is often served on its own or with risotto.
6. Polenta e Osei: A traditional dessert made with crumbled cake and chocolate, shaped to look like a bird’s nest and served with a polenta-like cream. Let us just say, this is yummy!

Lazio Region

Rome is a major city located in the Lazio region and no doubt one you will visit. And, if you want pizza, we think there is no better place than Rome! Roman-style pizza is a thin, crispy pizza with simple toppings like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Here are some not to miss foods as you eat your way across Italy.

1. Roman-style artichokes: Artichokes cooked with garlic, mint, parsley, and white wine.
2. Saltimbocca alla Romana: A classic Roman dish with thinly sliced veal, prosciutto, and sage, cooked in white wine and butter.
3. Supplì: Deep-fried rice balls filled with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, similar to arancini from Sicily. Your best bet is to order these as an appetizer or from a local street vendor.
4. Fiori di zucca – deep-fried zucchini flowers filled with mozzarella cheese and anchovies, a delicious and popular Roman street food.
5. Abbacchio alla scottadito: Grilled lamb chops seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil.
6. Carciofi alla giudia: These Jewish-style fried artichokes are one of the best-kept secrets of Roman cuisine, with a deep history originating from 16^th-century Rome. Frying their vegetables was the only sure way of eliminating the bacteria, and thus fried artichokes were born. These crispy treats have a historical significance and are still very prevalent on menus today throughout Rome.

Veneto Region

Venice is the capital city of the Veneto region and is one of the most famous and visited cities in Italy, known for its beautiful canals. The seafood here doesn’t get much fresher than in Venice, so here are a few foods to enjoy as you eat your way across Italy.

1. Sarde in Saor: Traditional Venetian starter dish made with fried sardines, onions, pine nuts, raisins, and vinegar.
2. Baccalà Mantecato: A creamy spread made from salted cod, olive oil, and garlic, usually served on toast.
3. Fritto Misto: A mix of fried seafood including shrimp, calamari, and small fish, usually served as a main course.
4. Risi e Bisi: This typical Venetian dish made with rice, peas, and pancetta, similar to a risotto.
5. Bigoli in Salsa: Okay, maybe a little pasta! Bigoli is a type of thick spaghetti served with a sauce made from onions, anchovies, and olive oil.
6. Cicchetti: This is more of a way of eating and something we often enjoy. These small bites of food are served in bars and taverns throughout Venice. Think Spanish tapas.

There are two others foods we need to discuss that are crucial to Italian eating. The first is truffles and the second is dessert!

Truffle Everything

Italy produces some of the world’s finest truffles, with several regions famous for their quality and variety. You will want to try them any chance you have. Read on to learn about the best truffle regions in Italy.

1. Piedmont: We love the Piedmont region of Italy for many reasons, but especially for its white truffles, some of the most highly prized and expensive truffles in the world. The town of Alba is particularly famous for its annual truffle festival. On our bucket list is a visit back to this area for truffle hunting. Add some of the region’s Barolo wine and it doesn’t get much better.
2. Umbria, Tuscany, & Marche: These areas are known for their black truffles, which have a strong, earthy flavor.
3. Emilia-Romagna: This region is known for its white truffles found in the hills around the town of Savigno.

These regions are known for their truffles but also for the delicious dishes made with them, such as pasta, risotto, and meat dishes. Visitors can enjoy truffle hunting experiences and taste the delicacies made with these exquisite ingredients at local restaurants and markets. What a fun thing to do as you eat your way across Italy.

Italian Desserts

Italy is famous for its delicious and varied desserts found in multiple locales around Italy. Here are some of the most popular ones.

1. Tiramisù: Most people will know what this dessert is, but if you haven’t tried it in Italy – you should! A layered dessert made with ladyfingers soaked in espresso and layered with a mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar, and dusted with cocoa powder.
2. Gelato: Another dessert that has made its way into US restaurants and grocery stores, but again, when in Italy. This Italian-style ice cream comes in a wide range of flavors and is typically made with fewer calories and less air than traditional ice cream.
3. Cannoli: Yum – this is one of our favorites. A Sicilian dessert made with fried pastry shells filled with sweetened ricotta cheese and often topped with chopped pistachios or candied fruit.
4. Zabaione: Made with egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine that is whipped together until light and frothy, then served either hot or cold.
5. Panettone: Also can be found in the U.S., but not as good as what you find freshly made in Italy. A sweet bread typically eaten during the Christmas season, flavored with candied fruit and raisins.
6. Cassata: This is another Sicilian dessert made with layers of sponge cake, sweet ricotta cheese, and candied fruit, often topped with marzipan.
7. Sfogliatelle: Shell-shaped pastry filled with sweetened ricotta cheese and often flavored with candied citrus peel or cinnamon.
8. Torta Caprese: A dense chocolate and almond cake that originates from the island of Capri. Yes, please!

Food Tours and Cooking Classes

One of the ways we enjoy sampling different foods and learning how to cook these new foods is by signing up for a food tour or cooking class. These opportunities exist all over Italy. For food tours and cooking classes, you can search online or check out Viator or Tours by Locals.

Conclusion

If you made it to the end of this post, you are probably starving! The food in Italy is of course, amazing. And while you won’t go wrong with eating lots of pasta and pizza, just remember Italy has a lot of other food to enjoy.

Need Help?

Are you looking to eat your way across Italy? We’d love to put together a culinary exploration for you, contact us here.

If you just want to learn more about Italy, we have several posts dedicated to Milan, Lake Como, and Venice.