Italy is a paradise for food lovers. Each region offers an array of local culinary delights, deeply rooted in the area’s geography and traditions. From the rich pasta dishes of Rome to the seafood specialties of Venice, each region has its own unique flavors and iconic dishes. So when in Italy, try reaching for the local specialty no matter where you are! Join us on a gastronomic tour of Italy’s top destinations and their classic Italian dishes.

What to Eat in Italy and Where

Lazio: History and Tradition

Rome, the eternal city, boasts a rich culinary heritage. Two of its most famous pasta dishes are Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara. Cacio e Pepe is a simple yet delicious combination of pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. It’s a grown-up version of macaroni and cheese that will make you wonder how you ever ate the boxed kind. A classic Carbonara pasta creates a creamy sauce by whipping together raw eggs and Pecorino Romano cheese, add pancetta and pepper for a bit of salt and savoriness and indulge.

For those looking beyond pasta, choose one of Rome’s two artichoke dishes: Carciofi all Romana or Carciofi alla Giudia. The first, are artichokes braised with garlic, mint and olive oil and cooked to perfection. The latter comes from Rome’s Jewish heritage. In Carciofi alla Giudia, the artichoke is deep-fried to a crispy perfection. 

Tuscany: A Carnivore’s Delight

Tuscany is renowned for its rustic and hearty cuisine. The star of the Tuscan table is undoubtedly the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, or Florentine steak. So big that you can usually only order it with a minimum of two people, this thick, juicy T-bone steak is traditionally cooked over a wood fire, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, and served rare to highlight its rich flavor. 

Follow the Tuscan tradition of using game meat with crostini with liver pate, pici with wild boar sauce or pappardelle with hare ragù. 

Emilia Romagna: The Heart of Italian Flavor

Emilia Romagna, often called Italy’s gastronomic heartland, is home to Italy’s world-famous Balsamic Vinegar production. The region has been perfecting the vinegar-making process since the 16th century when the Este court moved to Modena and dedicated attic space in the palace to vinegar production. Protected by the DOP certification (just like wine), fermented in specific wood barrels and aged 12 to 25 years, don’t underestimate the rich and complex flavor that authentic Italian balsamic vinegar adds to salads, meats, strawberries and even desserts.  

Read how to eat your way across Emilia Romagna to discover more of the region’s classic dishes.

Veneto: A Bite-Sized Adventure

Venice offers a unique way to explore its culinary heritage through Cicchetti, small tapas-style dishes served in local bàcari (wine bars). For a few euros, get a small glass of wine and a plate of bite-sized snacks which usually include marinated seafood, polenta or crostini topped with various spreads, vegetables or meats. Try the offering at a few different bàcari to sample a variety of local flavors.

Campania: The Birthplace of Pizza

No visit to Naples would be complete without indulging in a Pizza Margherita. This classic Neapolitan pizza features a thin, chewy crust topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, celebrating the colors of the Italian flag and the simplicity of its ingredients. Some legends claim that the pizza was created to honor the Queen of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, during a visit to the iconic city, others say it was to honor Italy upon unification by using the colors of the flag. No matter the case, a classic Margherita pizza is always a great choice. 

Lombardy: Classic Elegance 

Milan, Italy’s fashion and financial hub, also shines in the culinary arena. Risotto alla Milanese is a creamy rice dish flavored with precious saffron, giving it a distinctive golden hue and rich flavor. Another Milanese classic is Ossobuco, braised veal shanks cooked with white wine, broth, and vegetables. Diners may fight for the midolo or melty bone marrow in the middle. 

Liguria: Fresh, Fragrant and Salty

Liguria, with its picturesque coastal scenery, offers fresh and fragrant culinary delights. Pesto Genovese, a vibrant green basil pesto sauce made with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, is a regional specialty. Eat it atop trofie pasta, as a condiment for potato salad or vegetables or on a simple focaccia bread sandwich with tomato and mozzarella. 

Try making pesto pasta on your own with Cris’ Pesto Pasta recipe. 

Liguria’s famous focaccia is all the flavors of the region in one: olive oil and sea salt and an array of toppings to choose from such as local olives, rosemary or tomatoes. It’s the perfect seaside snack!

Sicily: A Melting Pot of Flavors

Sicily’s history as a stopping point for travelers from the time of the ancient Greeks has long made the island a melting pot of various cultural influences. This is perhaps most seen in its food. From the salty-sweet combination of a classic eggplant caponata with local raisins to the influence of spices like nutmeg, saffron and cinnamon in its dishes, the different invasions of Normans, Arabs, Greeks and Spanish have made Sicily’s cuisine one of the most unique in Italy. While here, try a classic street food item: the arancini. Crispy fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, cheese, peas, or other fillings, these golden delights are inexpensive, filling and delicious.

Or Try a Cooking Class!

Now that you know more about authentic Italian cuisine, why not learn to make some key dishes at home? Learning to make pasta in Umbria, crafting perfect pizza in Naples, or whipping up risotto in Milan will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of Italy’s culinary traditions.

Italy’s culinary landscape is as diverse and vibrant as its culture and history. Each region offers unique flavors and traditions, making the country a true haven for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re savoring the simplicity of a Roman pasta dish, indulging in a Florentine steak, or enjoying the fragrant flavors of Ligurian pesto, Italy’s culinary delights are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Get access to all these foods and more on Ciao Andiamo’s Grand Tour of Italy with feasts featuring local cuisine, a hands-on cooking class, and behind-the-scenes wine tastings!