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Food & Culinary Tours in Italy

• Tuscany Food & Culinary
• Italy Food & Culinary Luxury

93 Food & Culinary tour packages in Italy with 548 reviews

Food & Culinary Family Wine tasting +1

Private Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour

"This private tour of Sicily one of the most fun, relaxing, beautiful, and delicious (!) vacations we've ever had." Traci, traveled in June 2021

• 10% deposit on some dates

Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests)

"No complaints. Would happily recommend." Donna, traveled in June 2024

Food & Culinary Explorer

Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience

"The food and the sights visited were fantastic. We truly enjoyed our week on the farm and highly recommend this tour." Louise, traveled in October 2023

Discover Matera and Taste of Salento Tour

"Great people, great food and wine, great accommodation and great places to explore." Karen, traveled in June 2024

Food & Culinary Wine tasting

Italy Real Food Adventure

"There were more choices in terms of optional activities that the company helps you book." Robin, traveled in May 2019

• Food & Culinary

Sicily Food Adventure

"The trip was so much fun and educational!" Rebecca, traveled in September 2022

Food & Culinary Family

8-Day Foodie Tour Of Northern Italy

• €50 deposit on some dates

Food & Culinary Explorer Christmas & New Year +1

5 Days Italian Cookery Getaway in Umbria

"The meals we prepared were delicious and we learned so much about Italian cooking. It was a beautiful property, olive orchards, vineyards and an amazing view of the Italian countryside." BarbaraJFinley, traveled in November 2019

Food & Culinary Family Christmas & New Year +1

5 Luxury days on the Sacred Land of Umbria

Food & Culinary In-depth Cultural +1

A Taste of Tuscany - Hilltop Towns and Vineyards

"Excellent talk from farm director which I found very inspirational." Phillip, traveled in September 2023

What people love about Food & Culinary Tours in Italy

Massimo of Sicily Activities was wonderful to work with. He always answered right away, and took care of EVERYTHING throughout the trip--even things that weren't strictly part of the tour. We were a private group of 15. PALERMO: The hotel was wonderful and Fabrizio was a great guide for the food tour. Luca was a great driver to Monreale and Cefalu'. Larisa was a good guide for the Monreale cathedral and Lisabeta in Cefalu' was fantastic--and the restaurant was, too. Claudio, our driver to Agrigento and Siracusa was excellent. The guide at Valley of the Temples was good. An amazing place. SIRACUSA: The hotel was lovely and in a great location. Both guides in Ortigia were great--Valerio for the walking tour and Paolo for the foodie dinner--what a fun man. Paolo, the driver to Noto, Villa Romana del Casale and Taormina was fantastic. Saro was an excellent guide in Noto and Mt Etna. Lunches in both Noto and Piazza Amerina were delicious. Patrizia, the guide for Villa Romana, was wonderful, especially when we needed an ambulance for one of the women to go to the hospital. And dear Massimo even arranged a taxi for me from the hospital back to Siracusa (about an hour and half away). The driver was the nicest man! TAORMINA: Another very nice hotel. Our guide for the walking tour was really good. She was patient as we were a little late getting ready to start the tour, but she still took us to the Greek Theatre in the rain and wind. The tour to Mt Etna was fabulous--both the tasting and the lunch. Massimo even arranged a pizza-making class when weather prevented us from going on our scheduled boat ride. In summary, there was nothing Massimo could have done better. And this is at a time when all the tour directors were overwhelmed with bookings. He was a standout!

The food and guides were great! Hotels were very comfortable. Drivers were excellent!

Continued.. Besides both Carla and Emilios own knowlege and history of each place they had Profesional guides to take you around to the other places. Nice to be in a private car. Great food like I said before. Emilio really takes care and you can see the passion in every dish he makes. Very well put together tour. Loved my stay at the farmhouse learning about the olive trees. Overall a Wonderful experience during my week in brindisi. Will visit again! Crystal

Food & Culinary Tours

• Wine tasting (13)
• Cooking classes (12)

Regions in Italy

• South Italy (32)
• Central Italy (23)
• Northern Italy (20)
• Tuscany (16)
• Apulia (12)
• Puglia (12)
• Lazio, Marche & Abruzzo (9)
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• Piedmont (6)
• Prosecco (6)
• Amalfi Coast (5)

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La Via Gaia

Authentic and Experiential Culinary Tours of Italy

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A new look into an old world, come and meet our friends, a new look into an old world.

Regional food and wine travel experiences with award-winning chef Jeff Michaud

Artisanal Italy in Modena,Bologna,& Parma

What we love: This relatively overlooked region introduced us to the legacy of craftsmanship in its heritage foods, and the authentic character of Modena Balsamic Vinegar, Prosciutto di Parma, and its delicate fresh pasta.

• Visit the village of Savigno, meeting artisans who carry on family traditions, including Guido, transforming the local Mora pig and Bianca Modenese cow into mouth-watering cured meats and steaks for 3 generations.
• Walk the streets of Parma to discover and taste the gastronomic delicacies that will delight eyes, nose and palate.
• Learn about Italy’s luxury racing automobile at the Enzo Ferrari Museum with classic models on display.
• Become acquainted with the Spigaroli family, makers of Culatello di Zibello and share lunch at their Michelin-star restaurant, dedicated to the Po River territory’s culinary heritage.

Best of all, join the chefs Joe Sasto and Jeff Michaud in 2 pasta making classes and learn how to use a matterello (or wooden pin) to roll out the yolk-rich dough and then shape regional specialties like Tortellini, Tortelloni, and Tagliatelle.

Italy’s Treasures of Bergamo & Lake Iseo

What we love: Because Claudia grew up in Bergamo and her relatives still live there, we feel most connected to this historic walled city, where we spend most of our personal family time in Italy.

• Explore Lombardy's culinary culture, inspired by the bounty of the surrounding countryside.
• Stay in a truly enchanting retreat atop Bergamo's old town, famous for charming narrow streets and picturesque squares.
• Share traditional specialties like Acquarello carnaroli rice, veal ossobuco and bergamascan polenta, and the distinctive regional cheeses of the Orobic Alps.
• Cruise the hidden gem of Lake Iseo, situated in the Franciacorta wine region, producing some of Italy’s best sparkling wines.
• Settle into Milan’s stylish Navigli neighborhood for a classic aperitivo in a canal-side bar, followed by a traditional Lombardy dinner.

Best of all, experience the cooking classes of award-winning chefs and friends Franklin Becker and Jeff Michaud, as they reveal the secrets of the area’s quintessential flavors, and even arrange a dinner with Jeff's mother-in-law, a true Italian home cook.

Bountiful Puglia

• Luxuriate at an exclusive Masseria in the Itria Valley. A 17th-century restored villa bordered by private gardens in a valley of vineyards and olive groves.
• Taste culinary heritage in every bite of Pane di Altamura, a celebrated regional crusty bread produced for over a century.
• Explore the maze of alleyways and connecting staircases in historic Ostuni, known as “Citta Bianca” for its brilliantly whitewashed architecture.
• Watch Norcini masters craft authentic Pugliese Black Pig capocollo in Martina Franca, before an alfresco feast at the Caroli family olive mill.
• Be an artisanal cheesemaker at an organic Farm with owner Mariangela, followed by an intimate family lunch.

Discover local in Friuli & Slovenia

What we love: Here is where our daughter Gaia, only six years old at the time, enjoyed the entire 19-course meal at Hiša Franko, and we met our friend Giampaolo Venica, fourth-generation vintner who now hosts our trips in his homey Wine Resort.

• Explore the cafe life in Trieste, stopping to savor a nero (espresso) in this port city known as the “Capital of Coffee”.
• Meet regional winemaking luminaries who produce legendary varietals like Ribolla Gialla, celebrated for its bright fruitiness.
• Gather for a memorable meal from Ana Roš, named one of the world’s best female chefs, at her 3 Michelin-starred Hiša Franko, in the countryside of nearby Slovenia.
• Wander the scenic mountain village of Sauris, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, known for its time-honored Alpine agricultural pastimes.

Best of all, experience a unique half day in Venice under the enthusiastic guide of Katie Parla and explore the region's cuisine in a cooking class by award-winning chef Jeff Michaud as you learn to make local specialties like frico and Cjarsons a staple of Friuli’s rural cucina povera .

The Romance of Lake Garda & Verona

What we love: We launched our La Via Gaia trips here, taking over a farmhouse to welcome our very first guests. Since then this region has became our Summer weekend getaway to enjoy stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and some of our favorite foods.

• Meet Veneto wine masters and learn to appreciate the difference between regional superstars, Amarone and Valpolicella.
• Appreciate the magic of Chiaretto di Bardolino, the rosato/rose famously produced in the Alpine-Mediterranean environment of Lake Garda.
• Find yourself square in in the middle of Verona’s Piazza delle Erbe, the crossroads of city life.
• Spend Sunday Supper with an olive oil producer for the Spiedo ritual of slow spit-cooking meat, among the world’s oldest techniques.
• Visit the beautiful and unique architectural structures of the Lemon Gardens that preserve an ancient local tradition.

Best of all, play a part in making authentic creations with award-winning chefs Jeff Michaud and Greg Vernick in intimate classes designed to give you first-hand experience.

Genuine Living in Piemonte Wine Region

What we love: Every year our family returns here, to the town of Alba known for its white truffles, to drink in spectacular vistas, romantic hill towns, wonderful food, and finely crafted wines.

• Experience robust Barolo and Barbaresco, produced from the intensely aromatic Nebbiolo grape in bottlings from top winemakers.
• Venture into the wild patches of forest on a truffle hunting mission.
• Roam through world-famous wine regions, from The Langhe and Roero's small DOCG wine district to the hills of historic Monferrato.
• Taste the lush, buttery mouthfeel and a depth of flavor of Giorgio Cravero's Parmigiano Reggiano, a fifth-generation cheese refiner in Bra.
• Float above vine-covered hillsides and storybook villages in a sunrise balloon ride over Barolo, the heart of the Piedmont region.

Best of all, learn about Piemonte's unique cuisine in dinners at trattorias, Michelin-star restaurants, and in two memorable cooking classes, held by award-winning chefs and friends, Michael Cimarusti and Jeff Michaud and discover that, here, every meal tells a story.

What our fellow adventurers have to say

You feel like a true family member everywhere you go. Winemakers, cheesemakers, prosciutto makers, chefs, farmers, agriturismo proprietors, musicians all welcome you with very generous open arms like you've known them forever to share their talents, secrets. Their passion for what they do is contagious as is Jeff's love of Italy and his infectious smile and ability to connect everyone in the group to each other and bring out the adventurous spirit in all of us. Already booked another trip for next year!

The trip we took to Piemonte exceeded my expectations. It was clear from the start that at every place we went, the chef, owner, guide had a deep relationship with Jeff and they all went out of their way to make the trip one of the most memorable I have ever taken. La Via Gaia carefully put together the right blend and flow of activities to make every day perfect. I wouldn't change a thing

LA VIA GAIA highly curated experience in Piemonte was executed flawlessly with Jeff whisking us from cheese caves to wineries to unique dining experiences that would typically only be available to those in-the-know. His knowledge combined with command of the language and culture enables a plunge into Italian culture that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Bring your appetite, sense of adventure, and passion for luxury meets farm to table. Highly recommended...!

While over the top gastronomic experiences were expected and delivered what was most surprising was the laughter and friendships that flowed in even greater quantities that the exceptional wines and will last far longer.

This was one of the most remarkable trips we have ever taken. What made it so special was Jeff's over-sized, charming personality and the personal touches that went into the trip. From his intimate knowledge of the Bergamo & Lake Garda area's wineries, cheese makers & restaurants, the way he related to & looked out for the needs of everyone on the trip, to the extraordinarily special times like lunch at his mother-in-law Pina's to eating a home-cooked meal with the family that runs an olive oil business. Loved it all!

A private trip with La Via Gaia in Piemonte was an adventure I didn't even know I was missing! I was hesitant to go on an expensive trip with my colleagues but after the amazing comradery, wineries with views, a cheese tour/tasting, beautiful balloon ride, truffle hunting, vespa and convertible fiat driving, three Michelin restaurants, chef led cooking classes, shopping in Milan, Turin and Alba, incredible local restaurants, three amazing guides, and lots of fun I deem this trip priceless. The warmth exuded by Jeff and Claudia Michaud, and their guest Sommelier Matteo Donadoni added to a jam-packed itinerary (with some relax time included). Anyone can go to Northern Italy but these three shared their love of Italy with all of us.

La Via Gaia's culinary and wine tour is not to be missed. Chef Jeff Michaud and his beautiful wife sparkle as they share their love of all things Italian. Days are filled with private tours of wineries and a Parmigiano-Reggiano aging cave, a hot air balloon ride, a drive through the gorgeous Piemontese countryside, and a tour of Turin. The meals include simple regional dishes shared by local cooks, dinner made by the group participants during a cooking lesson at a winery, and spectacular dinners prepared by Michelin starred restaurants. Truly fantastico- grazie!

La Via Gaia has taken us on 2 unique and unforgettable trips filled with amazing food, wine and experiences. The key is Jeff Michaud’s infectious love of Italy, its people, its culinary traditions, and Italian life in general. The warm relationships he has built over the years with chefs, wine makers and shop owners flow onto the group and make us feel we are cared for in a way we have never experienced with any other trip.

Jeff and Claudia have thoughtfully created a traveling and eating experience that opens the window into the world of Northern Italy. It builds on their personal relationships and experiences, accumulated over many years of living in there. It is not a sterile tour, one lived out of a bus. Rather it is meeting the people that make Italy come to life on a daily basis.

Jeff and Claudia have created an experience like no other for folks who are truly passionate about food and wine. Jeff is the consummate host and, for one week, you are part of his family which includes not only your fellow travelers, but all of the amazing artisan producers and talented chefs that go to great lengths to make your time with them very special and memorable. Jeff's passion for everything culinary, along with his well established relationships, are what make this trip unique. This is more than a culinary tour - this is an immersion into the very best of what Italy has to offer.

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Gastronomic Tours

Milan & lake district, milan’s duomo rooftop and navigli with aperitivo (3 hours).

Depart with your private guide in the afternoon and enjoy a priority entrance to ascend to the rooftop of Milan’s famous Duomo for a breathtaking view over this vibrant city, for a stroll to witness the typical marble spires that rise to the sky and the other architectural highlights of the town. Proceed to the hottest spot in Milan, the Navigli area, with its trendy bars and restaurants lining the canals that cut through the city.  This historic neighborhood with its ancient homes and traditions is transformed in the evenings to a lively social scene that no true Milanese would miss. First learn about the fascinating canal system (Leonardo da Vinci was involved!) that run all the way to Lake Maggiore, then tour the area on foot to learn about the neighborhood’s architecture and traditions.  Partake in the end-of-the-day ritual of the Milanese aperitivo with your guide to include a Spritz, Prosecco or the locally-loved “Hugo” accompanied by appetizers while getting the inside scoop on the life of the locals, their traditions and customs. A private boat ride along the canals can be added upon request.

Como Private Gastronomic Tour (2-3 hours)

Enjoy an insider’s look at the best of Como’s gastronomic specialties on this private walking tour with an expert foodie guide. Stroll the vibrant streets of the town while stopping along the way to taste the best Italian specialties like focaccia with toppings , cheeses produced in the local mountains, and olive oil harvested from the trees near the lake. Continue with a tasting of Balsamic vinegar from Modena and visit an enoteca wine bar for an explanation of the sommelier’s favorites with tastings, accompanied by local cold cuts like prosciutto, bresaola, salami and mortadella. End the tour with a stop at your guide’s favorite gelateria for a scoop of one of their scrumptious flavors!

Liguria Gastronomic Walking Tour (2 ½ hours)

Join your local foodie guide on a gastronomic walking tour of lovely Rapallo, starting with freshly baked focaccia and local white wine before heading to the vibrant farmers market to learn about the produce and herbs featured in Ligurian recipes. Visit an artisanal pasta workshop to see the creation of stuffed “pansoto” pasta that you will try with walnut sauce , and sample various local street foods accompanied by a glass of local Vermentino wine. Lastly, learn to make fresh pesto sauce with a hands-on lesson and a tasting, accompanied by Parmigiano cheese, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings!

Venice Gastronomic Walking Tour with private guide (3 hours )

Enjoy a full immersion in Venetian culture, foods and wines during this walking tour with local expert that will take you on a journey to discover the best bacari, typical Venetian wine bars. Full of atmosphere and unique in their own style, the bacari will be the setting for an authentic and lively experience made of excellent wines and cicchetti, the Venetian style tapas, full of local flavors. Your expert guide will teach you about the Venetian traditions while you enjoy tastes of the local foods and wines at a variety of our favorite locations.

Venetian Aperitivo Experience with private guide (2.5 hours )

Depart with your private guide and embark on an elegant walking tour to experience Venetian afternoons as the locals do at the end of a long day, before preparing for their evening plans. This is a truly unique way to experience the “Italian Dolce Vita” featuring the aperitivo , the most Italian tradition par excellence .

Venice is the home of the Bellini cocktail, Prosecco and the now-trendy Spritz, and your expert guide will teach you about the history of the afternoon aperitivo and why it holds an important place in the lives of the most sophisticated residents of this glamorous city on the water.

Enjoy a breathtaking view of the palazzi of Venice, sipping a Bellini cocktail prepared with real peach juice—at one of only two bars in the city to do this—accompanied by mixed seafood specialties and polenta. Stroll towards the Rialto Bridge with for a glass of Prosecco and gourmet appetizers in the lively atmosphere before making a last stop at an enoteca on the Grand Canal to try an assortment of Spritz cocktails accompanied by a plate of local charcuterie .

Florence Afternoon Gastronomic Tour (2 1⁄2 hours)

Enjoy a light walking tour with an expert foodie guide through the streets of Florence and stop along the way to sample the best of the local fare, learning about the cultural traditions and artisanal craftsmanship that goes into creating these special Florentine treats. Start with a historic cafè where you will try the famous truffle sandwiches accompanied by Prosecco wine , then proceed to a local bakery to try the best focaccia and Florentine pastries. A visit to a shop specializing in salumi and cheeses follows, with tastings, and end the tour at a gelateria for a scoop of a special flavor.

Florence Evening Aperitivo Stroll (2 1⁄2 hours)

Meet your sommelier guide for an evening stroll around Florence and experience a typical Italian tradition; the aperitivo that locals enjoy as a way of segueing into their evening festivities and enjoying a cocktail with hors d’oeuvres, surrounded by good company. Stop in a variety of chic wine bars and try reds, whites and cocktails while getting a solid introduction to the delicious Tuscan wines, accompanied by appetizers.

Olive Oil Tasting Experience to be added to any of our Florence walking tours (1 hour)

Extra virgin olive oil is a true Italian specialty, and this new experience take you to an olive oil boutique where you will meet with the resident expert and enjoy a guided tasting of three different types of oils , learning about the history and extraction techniques of this “liquid gold”. The tasting will be followed by a light lunch of “street food” prepared with extra virgin olive oil, accompanied by water, wine and espresso.

Be a Florentine Pizzaiolo for a Day (2 hours)

Discover the secrets of Italian pizza ! Enjoy the sheer fun of working alongside some of Florence’s best pizza makers in front of their wood-burning ovens. Learn the theoretical side of choosing the correct flour and coordinating the array of delectable, fresh toppings, then knead the dough and bake your pizza to perfection under the supervision of a master pizza maker, to be enjoyed during lunch at the pizzeria , accompanied by a favorite drink.

Florence Cooking Lessons (3-4 hours)

This lesson is truly an experience to remember! Participants will learn how to cook authentic, delicious Italian food during this hands-on lesson with an expert chef. Choose a specialty between Pasta Making, Tuscan Meat, Vegetarian, Pasta Making, Fish and Seafood . Enjoy the meal you have prepared at the end, accompanied by a Prosecco Aperitif, local wine, water and coffee. Classes available in the morning for lunch, or afternoon for dinner.

Florence Market Tour Option(mornings only):

There is no better way to start off your cooking class than with a fun stroll through one of the most amazing food markets in the world, located in the center of Florence. The market is brimming with delicious produce, incredible Tuscan and Italian gourmet foods, and rich with cheeses, meats, fresh pasta, and so much more. Your guide will take you through this foodie paradise to learn about ingredients you will soon be using in your hands-on cooking class and will then accompany you to the lesson.

Exclusive: Be a Tuscan Winemaker for the Day

For our true wine enthusiasts, Absolute Italy offers an exclusive opportunity to blend your own Tuscany wine alongside an oenologist in his winery, surrounded by barriques of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay and Syrah . Enjoy a morning at the winery immersed in the Chianti countryside that will include blending your personalized wine to your specifications, and once you are satisfied with the final result, you will prepare and seal from 12-60 bottles to include a personalized label of your own design. At midday, take a break from your efforts and enjoy a full Tuscan wine tasting lunch. Bid goodbye to your new friends at the end of the day and then just wait for your bottles to arrive to you in the US approximately 2 months later.

Tuscany Cooking Lessons; Antinori Tuscan Cooking and Wines

Enjoy a special morning or afternoon experience with a small group Tuscan cooking lesson. Roll up your sleeves and work along with the chef to prepare a multicourse Tuscan meal and learn his secrets of years of experience, while enjoying tastings of Antinori wines, Balsamic Vinegar, pecorino cheeses and Amedei chocolates, then transfer on your own to the home of the Antinori winery at the Badia a Passignano for a wine tour of the famous cellars with the wineries sommelier to learn all about the Antinori wine production before enjoying the fruits of your labors relaxing in the restaurant to enjoy the gourmet lunch or dinner you prepared, matched to the proper Antinori vintages .

Tuscany Truffle Experience (4 hours)

Truffles are one of Italy’s most luxurious exports and true lovers of this delicacy can enjoy a full immersion with our experts whose knowledge in the field goes back for three generations. Start the day with a lesson on the history of truffles , and then take an off-road vehicle into the woods with the truffle hunter and his highly trained dogs for a genuine hands-on experience while walking through the Tuscan forest. Accompany them through the woods as they hunt down this elusive treasure and then return to headquarters for your reward, a four-course truffle-based lunch accompanied by your favorite drinks.

Rome Pizza Making (2 1/2 hours)

Enjoy the experience of cooking a complete Italian meal with a Roman chef, who will reveal his best techniques during this small group lesson in central Rome. You’ll shop in a local market, choosing fresh ingredients to use in your cooking class and then prepare your meal in an exclusive location in the heart of the Eternal City (address will be sent). You’ll make a homemade pasta , main course with side dish and dessert at your personal workstation. At the end of the course, enjoy the dishes you’ve created accompanied by the perfect wine your chef has selected to complement your lunch.

Roman Cooking Lessons with Market tour in small group (4-5 hours)

Pasta making and tiramisu cooking class (small group) (2-3 hours).

Learn to make the classic dishes of homemade pasta and tiramisu just like the traditional dishes that Italian grandmothers have perfected over the years. Enjoy welcome drinks and antipasto , then follow your chef in learning how to best stuff ravioli and create twisty tortellini while preparing a perfect sauce to adorn your creations. Then learn how to make a classic tiramisu dessert , all to be enjoyed at the end of the lesson, accompanied by local wine.

Gastronomic Walking Tour of Rome (3 hours)

Our Roman gastronomic tour will take you to discover the food of the charming Testaccio neighborhood, where you will visit a local delicatessen for cheese and salami tastings , a bakery for samples of pizza and other street food , and then for a stroll through the market for tastings of fried risotto balls . Proceed to taste the classic Roman pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe and Amatriciana at a local trattoria and then finish your tour with coffee among the locals, and artisanal gelato for dessert.

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi coast gastronomic tour with tastings from sorrento/positano (8 hours).

Enjoy the delights of the gastronomic specialties of the Amalfi Coast during this exploration of the highlights of the finest cheeses, wines and olive oil produced in the area. Start with a visit to a mozzarella cheese making workshop where you will have a visit with expert and learn all about the process of cheese making, then proceed to the tasting room for a sampling of the various types of freshly made cheeses, accompanied by fresh breads. Proceed to the town of Gragnano, famous for its artisanal pasta where you will visit a p asta-making workshop and see their techniques, followed by a stroll through their museum with ancient tools that have been passed down through the family over three generations. Your next stop will be at an Amalfi Coast winery , where the resident expert will accompany you on a tour of the vineyard followed by a tasting of their red and white wines paired with bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil, cold cuts and cheese. End the tour with a stop in an authentic coffee bar for an afternoon espresso, just like the Italians do every day!

Amalfi Coast Gastronomic Tour with Tastings from Amalfi/Ravello (8 hours)

Depart for a full day exploring the gastronomic specialties of the Amalfi Coast. Upon your arrival in Amalfi you will enjoy an unforgettable lemon experience! Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur famous throughout the world that is mainly produced on the Sorrentine Peninsula and the coast of Amalfi. You will have a tour of our favorite scenic lemon garden and will enjoy a Limoncello tasting accompanied by homemade lemon cake and refreshing lemonade on the panoramic terrace surrounded by the lemon groves.

Your next stop will be at an Amalfi Coast winery high in the hills in Tramonti where the resident expert will accompany you on a tour of the vineyard followed by a tasting of their wines paired with a multi-course lunch of Amalfi Coast specialties. At the end of the tour, your driver will accompany you to the coffee bar of the famous pastry chef Sal De Riso (Stanley Tucci’s favorite) for an afternoon espresso and a babà , sfogliatella or caprese al limone to finish your day on a high note!

Amalfi Coast Cooking Lessons (Small Group) (4 hours)

Learn the secrets of the delicious local dishes in this hands-on class at a private villa in Sorrento that offers a fun opportunity to learn about Southern Italian cuisine. A three-hour cooking lesson in English focuses on the traditional recipes of the Mediterranean region and Neapolitan specialties , with a particular emphasis on handmade pasta, local sauces, fresh fish or meat and desserts. Work alongside an expert chef preparing delicious, genuine Italian fare, then sit down to enjoy the lunch or dinner you have prepared, accompanied by local wines. Your apron and recipe cards will enable you to reproduce your Amalfi Coast menu for friends when you return home! Class begins at 9:30 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.

Bari Private Gastronomic Tour with optional biking (3 hours)

Meet your private foodie guide for a walking tour to discover the best of pugliese specialties enjoy stops to try freshly-baked barese foccaccia, local coldcuts, and the area’s best street food like panzerotti and fried polenta . learn about the local culture and gastronomic traditions along the way and then cap off your stroll with an artisanally-made gelato ., lecce walking tour with gastronomic stops (3 1/2 hours).

Enjoy a walking tour with expert guide of this quaint city known for its famous baroque architecture and local artisans. Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce and splendid Duomo , the Piazza Sant’Oronzo and the remains of the Roman amphitheater that is the fourth largest in Italy. Visit a local papier machè artisan and then proceed to a tasting of the Puglia-based Maglia chocolates , followed by a stop in a local bakery to taste the regional specialties of foccacia and sweets, accompanied by a taste of local wine.

Our areas of specialty include private tours & transfers in Florence, Milan, Rome, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast and Capri, Venice, Portofino, Livorno, Naples, Sorrento, Civitavecchia. We also manage numerous luxury villa rentals in Tuscany and Umbria as well as apartments in Florence.

Please call or email us for a custom itinerary created just for you.

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Ecco La Cucina Culinary Tours In Italy

Ancient Puglia

Medieval Tuscany

Elegant Piedmont

Stay up to date on food, wines and our latest tours in italy with our monthly newsletter, experience italy through its food & wine.

Taste and see the best of Italy with our luxury culinary vacation tours. With winery tours, local food tours and guided visits to ancient hill towns, along with hands on cooking classes and delectable meals in traditional local restaurants, you will be immersed into Italy’s foods and wines, and its culture and history.

In Italian, Ecco La Cucina means “Here’s the Kitchen” and during our tours we explore all aspects of the Italian table, from the local food and wine to the history of this beautiful country.  Our small group culinary tours in Italy are expertly designed to give you an insider’s view and stress-free vacation where you can relax and enjoy the foods, wines and stunning landscapes. It truly is an experience of a lifetime and one that will become a cherished memory.

If your dream is to explore the foods, wines and culture of Italy without the crowds and live like a local, then travel with us, experts in Italian food and wine. We will show you the enchanting regions of Tuscany, Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Campania-Amalfi, and Puglia during our culinary tours in Italy. Each of our small group tours are designed to provide you with knowledge and special insights to this beautiful, rich culture. We can help you fulfill your dream as you taste and experience Italy, allowing you to truly understand the rhythm of Italian life.

Choose your culinary adventure:

Medieval Tuscany Culinary Tour

Elegant Piedmont Culinary Tour

Ancient Puglia Culinary Tour

• Sparkling Veneto Wine Tour
• Bologna & Emilia-Romagna Tour
• Campania – Naples, Sorrento Amalfi Tour

Mary Stipo Potter

Email: [email protected]

Phone:  (+1) 972-342-8308 (CST - Dallas)

Italy food tours — 3 unique itineraries

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When it comes to the culinary world, Italy stands as a gastronomic titan. This country is known for its rich flavours, traditions, and culinary treasures. By booking our customisable Italy food tours, you get the chance to explore Italy's diverse regions and immerse yourself in unforgettable gastronomic experiences.

Why Italy is a perfect destination for foodies?

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Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

Florence: A Trip Back In Time

Florence. A mere mention of the name conjures up grand images of Renaissance romance, awe-inspiring art and astonishing architecture. Come and see for yourself.

Eternal Rome for the Weekend

Welcome to this whirlwind tour of Rome, also known as the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most photogenic cities on earth, so make sure you pack your camera.

Wine and food in Tuscany

Stay at a beautiful hotel in San Gimignano, a medieval hill town half way between Florence and Siena. Tuscany is known for its wines and food and that's what you'll be exploring on this itinerary - several wine and food pairings await. All hand-picked by your local travel specialist.

Italy , without a doubt, stands as a perfect destination for foodies, and the reasons are as rich and diverse as the cuisine itself. In this land of culinary wonders, eating isn't just a necessity; it's an art form, a passion, and a way of life. Italy's unparalleled gastronomic heritage is a result of centuries of culinary innovation, regional diversity, and a deep-rooted love for food.

When looking for a food tour of Italy, you might want to consider having a local travel expert handle the planning and booking. Our Italy itineraries are completely customisable can be adjusted to your preferences.

Planning your dream culinary trip? Here's your roadmap: Start with budgeting and timing, select dream destinations, and craft a flexible itinerary for spontaneity. 

Consider taking culinary classes and joining food tours. These hands-on experiences allow you to delve deeper into Italy's food culture, from pasta-making in Bologna to wine tastings in Tuscany.

Don't forget to familiarise yourself with tipping customs; it's customary in Italy, though not as extravagant as in some other places. A rounding-up gesture is often appreciated.

Eating is by far one of the best things to do in Italy . From trying fresh-made pasta in Bari to truffle hunting in Piedmont, here’s our pick of the best culinary experiences in Italy.

Tuck into freshly made pasta in Bari

Head south to Bari , a coastal gem in Puglia . Here, pasta isn't just a dish; it's a way of life. Dive into the world of handcrafted orecchiette and cavatelli, and experience flavours that have been passed down through generations. Bari's pasta traditions are a testament to Italy's deep-rooted culinary heritage.

Go Truffle Hunting in Piedmont

In Piedmont , you have the chance to venture into the woods and actively join a truffle hunt, a cherished local tradition. Spend the afternoon following the lead of expert truffle hunters and their trusty dogs as they unearth these culinary gems. Then, indulge in a truffle-infused feast to complete your experience.

Visit the best wineries in Tuscany

The rolling hills of Tuscany beckon wine enthusiasts with open arms. This is where you will find the infamous vineyards of Chianti and Montalcino. Explore world-renowned wineries, sip on exquisite vintages, and dive deep into the age-old winemaking traditions that make Tuscany a wine lover's dream.

Eat authentic pizza in Naples

Make your way to Naples , the birthplace of pizza, and experience the magic of a true Neopolitan pie. While here, don’t miss the chance to sample the simplicity of a classic Margherita. Or, venture into the wild world of creative toppings. Naples' pizzerias are a slice of heaven.

Sample Cicchetti in Venice

In the captivating city of Venice , discover the delightful world of cicchetti. Cicchetti are small, flavorful snacks or appetizers — similar to Spanish tapas or Greek meze. These small, delectable bites served in local  bacar i (wine bars) capture the essence of Venetian cuisine. It's the perfect way to explore the city's culinary treasures one bite at a time.

Taste olive oil in Liguria

Liguria can be an excellent destination to sample olive oil, especially if you appreciate high-quality, extra virgin olive oils. The region is known for its production of flavorful and aromatic olive oils, and Ligurian olive oil has a unique taste due to the local olive varieties and the region's microclimate.

Ligurian olive oils are often used in regional dishes such as pesto, and visiting local olive oil producers can provide you with insights into the olive oil production process and tastings of different varieties.

Cicchetti are small snacks served in traditional bars in Venice © Shutterstock

On this 11-day Italy food tour you'll have the chance to truly explore Italy's rich cuisine and food culture. Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast are renowned for their culinary treasures. This includes world-famous wines, exquisite handmade pasta, fresh seafood, aromatic olive oils, and an array of regional specialities like truffles, limoncello, and traditional Italian dishes.

Itinerary overview 

On this Italy food tour, you will experience the best of Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. Start in Florence , where you'll explore artisan shops and Tuscan countryside hikes. Delight in cooking classes, wine tours, and a Street Food Tour in Naples. Unearth the flavours of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius, then unwind in Positano with picturesque drives and the Path of the Gods hike. Conclude your culinary adventure with a boat trip to Capri before departing from Naples Airport. Read more about this trip.

Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence Italy © Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

• Arrival in Florence
• Florence Artisans Shops Tour in the Oltrarno district
• Morning hiking excursion in the Tuscan countryside
• Visit to an olive oil mill
• Guided tour and wine tasting at a boutique winery
• Delicious Tuscan lunch
• Hands-on cooking class with a local chef
• Food tour through Florence's historic bottegas
• Explore Oltrarno, an authentic district in town
• Prepare and enjoy a Tuscan meal with wine tasting  
• Brunello Wine Tour in the Montalcino area
• Visit to medieval village town
• Wine cellar visits and tasting of Brunello DOGC wine
• Multi-course Tuscan lunch
• A train journey from Florence to Naples
• Check-in at your Naples accommodation
• Naples Street Food Tour
• Explore Naples at your leisure
• Small group tour to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius
• Exclusive lunch and wine tasting in a wine-producing area
• Hike to Mt. Vesuvius's crater for panoramic views
• Transfer to Positano
• Free time to explore Positano
• Scenic Amalfi Coast Drive with stops for pictures
• Walk along scenic path
• Guided hike on the Path of the Gods
• Leisure time in the afternoon
• Boat trip to Capri
• Breakfast & check-out
• Private transfer to Naples airport

Prefer to leave planning behind? Book this trip today.

Taking a food tour of Italy is on the bucket list of many © Shutterstock

This 6-day Tuscany food tour takes you through the best things that Tuscany has to offer . Set your sights on San Gimignano, an enchanting medieval hill town nestled halfway between Florence and Siena . 

Experience the area's vibrant wine and food scene, renowned for its high-quality wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Try for yourself traditional Tuscan dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro , and hearty pasta dishes — often paired with local olive oils and aged cheeses. 

Itinerary overview

Step into the medieval charm of San Gimignano as your culinary journey unfolds. Treat yourself to a mix of delicious adventures, from a romantic vineyard lunch to a captivating Wine Tour in Montepulciano — where you'll try 8 exceptional wines alongside artisanal cold cuts.

Dive into Tuscany's food scene in Chianti and enjoy fresh pasta, truffles, cheese, honey, and more, perfectly complemented by fine Chianti wines. Your journey into Tuscan flavours wraps up at Florence Airport. Read more .

Aerial view of famous medieval San Gimignano hill town with its skyline of medieval towers © Shutterstock

• Transfer to San Gimignano
• Free time to explore
• Full day at leisure
• Explore the surrounding area at your own pace
• Visit the winery and vineyards
• Lesson on winemaking techniques
• Winetasting
• Lunch of local dishes in the vineyards 
• Overview of winery history and philosophy
• Vineyard tour, varietals, and terroir explanation
• Fermentation and ageing process insights
• Tasting of 8 wines and EVO oil with cold cuts
• Taste Tuscan traditional food and Chianti wine
• Cellar visit and tasting of wines and organic products
• Sample dishes like fresh pasta, truffles, appetizers, and more
• Balsamic Vinegar tasting
• Transfer to Florence Airport
• Farewell to Tuscany and departure for your next destination

Need a break from planning? Book this trip today.

Try Chianti and Tuscan antipasti on your Italian food tour © Shutterstock

Embark on a 10-day Apulia gastronomic journey and discover Italy's hidden gem with the freedom of a rental car. Apulia is a food lover's paradise, offering an abundance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, a rich culinary heritage, and a wide range of dishes that showcase the flavours of the Mediterranean.

Your Apulia gastronomic adventure kicks off in Bari, a city brimming with art and flavours. Dive into the heart of Apulian street food during a guided tour through Bari's Old Town, where you'll relish Mediterranean delights like focaccia, sgagliozze, panzerotti, pickles, mozzarella, burrata , and exquisite local wines. 

As you journey through this food-lovers paradise, you'll explore historic towns, uncovering their culinary secrets, and even learn the art of crafting orecchiette pasta from the skilled hands of Nonna Maria. 

This delectable expedition concludes with a return to Bari Airport, leaving you with a taste of Apulia's rich culture and cuisine. Read more .

View of Trulli houses in Alberobello, Italy © Svitlana Belinska/Shutterstock

• Arrival at Bari Airport
• Pick up rental car
• Free time in Bari  
• Drive to Castel del Monte
• Explore the area's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Return to Bari
• Evening street food tour  
• Drive to Ostuni and Alberobello
• Walking tour in Ostuni
• Walking tour in Alberobello
• Return to Bari  
• Relax on the beaches between Polignano a Mare and Monopoli
• Explore the nearby towns of Polignano and Monopoli
• Guided Trekking in Torre Guaceto Natural Reserve
• Explore the reserve's natural beauty
• Optional swim in Shells Caletta
• Drive from Bari to Taranto
• Explore Taranto's historic centre and bridges
• Check-in at Taranto
• Boat tour in Taranto
• Explore Taranto Marina, the land of dolphins and whales
• 2-hour boat tour with aperitif
• Drive from Taranto to Lecce
• Check-in at hotel
• Evening street food tour in Lecce  
• Orecchiette cooking class with Nonna Maria
• Learn to make traditional orecchiette pasta
• Enjoy a tasting of local products and drinks
• Return the rental car at Bari Airport

Longing to skip the planning hassle? Book this trip now.

Fresh handmade typical Orecchiette pasta from south of Italy, Bari © Shutterstock

Reach out to our Italy travel experts whenever you're ready, and we'll craft a delightful tailor-made trip just for you. You can collaborate to fine-tune your itinerary, ensuring every aspect of your journey meets your expectations. Feel free to explore our pre-designed Italy itineraries for ideas, knowing that each one can be customised to match your unique preferences.

The Rough Guides to Italy and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Italy

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Italy

• Eating and drinking in Italy
• How to get to Italy
• Getting around Italy: Transportation Tips
• Shopping tips for Italy
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Italy
• Travel Tips Italy for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Italy
• How to spend 7 days In Italy - 8 unique itineraries
• The Best 10-Day Italy Travel Itinerary
• How To Spend 14 Days In Italy - 5 Unique Itineraries
• How to get from Rome to Florence

Find even more inspiration here

written by Dre Roelandt

updated 14.02.2024

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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Puglia Culinary Tour

Small group italy food tours.

Our Puglia Italy food tour combines the key sights of Puglia with a progressive exploration of the food and wine specific to the southern italy region. The Puglia italian cuisine is based largely on the superb vegetables, local cheeses, and seafood from the extensive coastline. Puglia has the quintessential Mediterranean diet, and can be considered a “foodie heaven” such is the quality of the fresh produce here. During this week you go in depth into the provenance of the ingredients, the dishes that are prepared, and in a series of hands on sessions with a local chef you make the meals the same as the locals do. We have a series of gastronomic visits: to food producers, markets and wineries. We also see the key sights of Puglia, such as Alberobello, Lecce, Ostuni and Polignano a Mare.

Note that this tour has appeal for keen amateur cooks but is also suitable for those without a background in food preparation – as long as you like good food and good wine, this Italy food tour is for you.

Check out our Tripadvisor tour reviews.

• Accommodation
• Dates/Price

Tour Highlights

• A progressive discovery of the Puglia italian cuisine, with meals showcasing the local specialities and a series of three hands-on cooking sessions with chefs
• The full range of food styles, from examples of the peasants’ “cucina povera” dishes through to finishing with dinner at a Michelin star restaurant
• The UNESCO World Heritage sites of Alberobello (with its conical trulli houses) and Matera (with its cave houses)
• Key locations such as Ostuni, Polignano A Mare, Monopoli, Locorotondo
• Explore the provenance of the foods that we enjoy; a comparative tasting of olive oils at a 7th generation family property, seeing a cheesemaker producing mozzarella, tasting from the best pasticcerias in Puglia, we buy food from the markets to cook with, winetasting at a family run vineyard

• Our tours are a balance between being informative (an examination of the local italian cuisine, historical details, examples of the culture and lifestyle) as well as having everything that makes an enjoyable trip - relaxed long lunches in good restaurants and free time in places we visit
• We stay for the week in one place, on a 17th century country estate that has been tastefully developed into a 4 star boutique hotel
• Our Puglia culinary small group tour has a maximum of 14 people
• This is the Italy food tour that you’d design for yourself. We are Italy... with pleasure
• This 7 day culinary tour starts and finishes in Bari

What our customers say about us:

Living the local lifestyle:

During this tour you stay in traditional ‘massseria’ accommodation. A ‘masseria’ is a large farmhouse, and previously these were fortified, largely self-contained rural centres. The masseria, where you will stay, Masseria Salamina has been tastefully renovated as a boutique accommodation provider (see www.masseriasalamina.com ).

By staying in the masseria you will be directly experiencing Puglia’s history. Set amongst olive groves and fig trees, the buildings were constructed in the 17th century. The property was established as an agricultural enterprise even earlier, and it is still operating as a farm. Around the grounds you will see numerous aspects of times gone by, giving an insight into the lifestyle here in centuries past – you are immersed in history.

But we don’t forget the needs of the present! The masseria offers all you would expect during your time here, such as wifi and a swimming pool. And as well as our other restaurants during the week, we also dine in the masseria’s own excellent restaurant which serves food grown right on their own organic farm.

Day 1 - BUONGIORNO PUGLIA!

We meet in Bari, and from here we start our culinary discovery of Puglia.

We reach the Masseria Salamina, where we stay for the week.

Set amongst olive groves and fig trees, the buildings were constructed in the 17th century. Around the grounds you will see numerous aspects of times gone by, giving an insight into the lifestyle here in centuries past – you are immersed in history.

The property was established as an agricultural enterprise right from the start, and it is still operating as a farm. They grow a wide range of produce, including wheat, vegetables, honey, and olive oil.

We delve into their production philosophies, which are focussed on compatibility with their land and the use of heritage varieties.

Tonight we dine together, having our first introduction to the cuisine of Puglia.

Throughout the week meals are in restaurants designed to showcase the region’s cuisine, with the specific venues all carefully selected by us. This is in order to provide a variety of food styles over the duration of the tour.

The food says so much about the place you’re in, as much as any town you can visit – history, culture, geography, it’s all wrapped up in the cuisine.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Wine, Mozzarella and Good Living

This morning, after a relaxing start, we have a special experience - taking a cooking lesson from a local chef. The focus will be on cooking typical Puglia dishes, first taking you through the types of ingredients used and their provenance.

We travel a short distance to today's base and start with a tour of a 400 year old farm homestead. This features a historic ‘agrumeto’ citrus garden, an original defensive tower, and importantly for us, a large vegetable garden that we have access to for the ingredients that we need.

Next we will have a demonstration of mozzarella making by a ‘casaro’, a cheesemaker. In fact the cheese will be made with milk from his herd of cows that live nearby. It is fascinating to see how a stretched curd cheese such as mozzarella is made, and how physical the process is.

We move into the masseria to have a tutored tasting of wines from Puglia presented by a sommelier. This serves as an introduction to the wines of this region, many of which may be unfamiliar varieties to you. Some of the varieties that we taste were brought into Puglia by the ancient Greeks.

The cooking session is hands on and we are all involved in making a series of dishes. We finish off the session by dining on the lunch that we’ve prepared.

After this bucolic afternoon, we depart and make our way back to Masseria Salamina.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 – Sea views and Alberobello

We depart in the morning for Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Alberobello is the only town with streets lined with the unique 'trulli', in fact it is known in Italy as the “Capital of trulli”. Trulli are small houses with a distinctive conical roof. They are made from limestone dry-stone walls, and often have several roof cones joined to form one dwelling. By walking along its narrow streets, you will be fascinated by the magical and fairytale atmosphere of this place. Most of these trulli are 300-400 years old. We explore this town together, and learn about the history of these buildings and about the cryptic symbols painted on the roof-cones.

We show you around Alberobello, and then also leave you some free time to browse the shops of Alberobello and to wander around.

We continue on to a town called Polignano a Mare, an impressive town clinging to a promontory suspended above the Adriatic’s turquoise waters. Our meal here is in a stunning location right on the seafront. This meal is focussed on cuisine from the Adriatic, as befits our coastal location.

With a history spanning back to the 4th century BC as a Greek settlement, Polignano a Mare is a charming town centred around the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. The town was on the ancient Roman Trajan’s Way, and you can still see the remains of this route. Polignano a Mare encircles a pebble beach, nestled in a cove between rocky cliffs. The beach is suitable for swimming.

Day 4 – Olive oil the ancient way

Today we go more in depth on the culinary theme, working with our chef to develop a lunch. Our session today is focused on seafood. We produce the traditional dishes made in coastal Puglia. You will be involved in the preparations of both the fish and the accompanying vegetable based dishes. After lunch we visit a farm that produces organic extra virgin olive oil from trees that are many centuries old. This land has been worked for thousands of years - we are shown the remnants of the ancient Roman agricultural production here, along with items from habitation from the middle ages through until modern times. After seeing the ancient trees, we enjoy a degustation of a range of olive oils. This allows us to compare the different tastes from the olive varieties grown here.

In the evening we visit to nearby town of Monopoli. This is a free evening, we give you details of the town and let you enjoy the atmosphere independently. Monopoli is situated on the coast, has great sea views, and vibrant piazzas that are perfect for people watching.

Day 5 - Matera

This morning we travel to the town of Matera in the neighbouring Basilicata region. Visiting Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is like a step back in time. In fact this is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world. The oldest cave dwellings go back to the Bronze Age.

The town consists of houses carved out of the rock face along the side of a steep ravine. We meet with a local guide here who gives us an interesting insight into life in Matera, both now and in the past. In fact his grandparents lived in these caves. We visit the 'sassi' cave area, and enter one of the typical houses built into the rock, showing the difficult existence in these conditions. We also visit a cave church hewn out of the rock, featuring Byzantine-style frescoes and with interesting histories as their usage has evolved and adapted to the conditions over the years. Matera was used for the filming of Mel Gibson's “The Passion of the Christ” - you'll see why it is so easy to imagine Matera as being completely removed from the modern age. Since we are in the Basilicata region, our lunch here focuses on the specialties from this inland region.

Day 6 - From the market to Michelin star dining

This morning we first visit the charming town of Locorotondo, with its perfectly kept old centre, all whitewashed lanes and flowers, overlooking the Valle d’Itria. This morning is market day in Locorotondo. The weekly market is a key feature of life in small towns here. All fresh, local and in season – the term here for the most locally grown produce is ‘kilometro zero’. We then move on to visit a winery, where some of the wines we taste are unique to the Valle d’Itria subregion of Puglia. The winery is family run, and focussed on making quality wines expressive of the area. The traditional varieties that are grown include fiano minutolo and susumaniello. We are taken through the vineyard. The terroir provides the basis for these excellent wines – deep limestone soils combined with cooling breezes.

We reach the town of Ostuni, known as “la città bianca” (the white town). Ostuni is a cluster of whitewashed buildings perched on a hilltop overlooking the coast. Walking through the narrow streets of Ostuni is like being in a forgotten time, evocative and ancient, looking out over an expanse of olive trees.

This meal is at a very well respected restaurant (with a Michelin star). This restaurant focusses on taking the local Pugliese ingredients and presenting them in a modern manner. Our final meal is a fitting end to this discovery of the food, wine and lifestyle of Puglia.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 - Arrivederci

Today is our last day in Puglia. We organise transport to your departure point in Bari.

Meals: Breakfast

Puglia Culinary Tour Dates:

This tour is run on request for groups of 8 or more.

Tour Price: €2500

* Prices listed are based on twin share * Single supplement of €300 for solo travellers

Tour Price Includes:

* All accommodation is included * Meals as listed in the itinerary: breakfast every morning, plus a main meal each day of 3-4 courses including wine * All costs/entry fees for activities listed in the itinerary are included * All transport during the tour is included * Travel is in our van/minibus with a professional driver * 'Italy With Pleasure' provides a tour manager for the duration of the trip

Also see our Best of Puglia Tours , with numerous departures from April to October.

Bespoke Gastronomy and Wine Tours in Italy

Dinner overlooking lavender and vineyards Castiglione Falletto Barolo

Where Luxury meets Authenticity

The GastroNomad is a boutique travel company, focusing on bespoke private tours, events and day or multi-day trip curation in Italy.  We want you to experience the Italy we adore without all the frustrations of planning a visit to an unknown territory.  Given our local expertise, strong relationships with carefully selected suppliers and guides, deep passion for what we do and Margie's advanced wine certifications,  we endeavor to provide an extraordinary and unique adventure .  We will send you to hidden gems and establishments that focus on high standards and quality. We aim to eliminate the stress of travel in a foreign country, our tours are designed to give you a streamlined journey based on your interests . 

We go well beyond what you can plan using search engines and travel sites to curate your Italian adventure. First we learn about you and understand preferences, next we tailor a unique experience for you, then we collaborate together to review prior to execution , and it doesn't stop here as we continue to work with you during your journey. Relax, sit back and let us take over. Read our reviews here: Our Testiminals and learn more about why customers use our services here.

Northern Italy

OUR DESTINATIONS

Rapidly growing in popularity, with gorgeous hilly landscape covered in 110,00 acres of vines with 1800 wineries, and a mountainous backdrop, Piedmont lies in northwest Italy near the French border.

A gourmand's paradise with some of the best cuisine in Italy. Known for the world famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines and the Alba White Truffle , a delicacy over the black truffle. Piedmont also boasts 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and castles.

Some favorite activities are Alba white truffle hunting , wine tours at hidden gems along with pairing lunch or dinner in the cellar , cooking courses from a local, local cheese production and tasting, e-bike or 4wd vineyard tours , hot air balloon rides and visits to historical castles .  Click below for more info, photos and booking.

Located in central Italy. Its major cities are Florence, Pisa and Siena .

Known for Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino , Vino Nobile di Moltepulciano, Vin Santo, gorgeous sunsets stunning landscapes , and comforting Tuscan cuisines to pair with the wines. Some favorite activities are wine tours at hidden gems and lunch or dinner in the cellar, black truffle hunting , cooking courses, local cheese production and tasting, historical village tours, e-bike and 4wd vineyard tours , hot air balloon rides and visits to historical castles . Click below for more info, photos and booking.

Valpolicella (Amarone) and Trentino-Alto Adige

Valpolicella is in Veneto and just north of the city of Verona . It's known for Valpolicella, Amarone , and Soave Classico wines. 

Trentino-Alto Adige is further north, at the edge of the Dolomite mountains and bordering Austria. It boasts many indigenous and international varieties, grown at higher altitudes, making a perfect backdrop for tastings. These 2 regions are undiscovered gems and definitely  not to miss.

Some favorite activities are wine tours at hidden gems , wine tasting lunch among Roman ruins in a panoramic setting, cooking courses from a local, l ocal cheese factory tou r and tasting in a cellar, aperitivo with Italian champagne-style wine overlooking the gorgeous valley below, and visits to historical villages and castles.  Click below for more info, photos and booking.

Lake Como and Valtellina

The dramatic and breathtaking Lake Como is known for significantly more than its most famous Hollywood villa owner. Stunning scenery with gorgeous mountain backdrops, luxurious villas and hotels , and plenty of land and water activities to choose from.

Valtellina is a stunning wine region with steep vineyards, just north of Lake Como. They produce gorgeous wines made with the same grape used to produce the famous Barolo. 

Some favorite activities are luxury boat tours with a knowledgeable and fun local guide, cooking courses from a local, guided hikes with panoramic views and village tours for all levels with optional picnic lunch, local cheese production and tasting, day of golf in a gorgeous course with Lake views, seaplane tours, kayaking or paddle board, and our most popular option, a day of wine tours and lunch in nearby wine regions. Click below for more info, photos and booking.

Margie and Kevin Clancy

Why the name GastroNomad ? Gastro: Margie has always been a food enthusiast.  Nomad: she spent 20 years traveling the globe, embracing the culture in each country she visited or lived.  Learn why Margie and Kevin chose Italy and created this business together by clicking here.

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Discover our top cooking vacations in the Lazio region….

Our Lazio food tours are the best way to explore the gastronomy of this famous part of Italy. Live – and dine! – like a local on our best culinary tours in the Lazio region and explore the countryside and small villages of Lazio, with their amazing bread, porchetta, pastas, cheeses, and wines. Learn Lazio cuisine to prepare authentic recipes during our food and wine vacations, and instead of feeling like a tourist, you will feel like you’ve truly come home to Italy!

Best Lazio Cooking Vacations 2023-2024

• All Regions
• Rome (Lazio)
• Family Friendly
• Good for Solos
• Luxury Line
• Off the Beaten Path
• Staff Favorites

TRIP LENGTH

PRICE RANGE

Best Food & Wine Tours in Rome, Italy

3 or 5 Nights Starting At $1,630

All-Inclusive Cooking Vacations in Italy - Cooking in the Sabine Hills

6 Nights Starting At $3,120

Roman Countryside Cooking Vacations in Italy

6 Nights Starting At $2,750

Embark on a Culinary Journey with Our Lazio Food Tours

Journey to the captivating Lazio region, located in the heart of Italy, on an authentic cooking vacation with The International Kitchen and experience the country like an insider. This part of Italy is known for its diverse landscapes and rich culinary traditions, as well as the capital city Rome, making it a perfect destination for culinary travelers.

Lazio offers a wide array of attractions, from the stunning gardens of the Villa d’Este in Tivoli to the hilltop castle towns of Bracciano and Odescalchi, ancient Etruscan tombs, pristine beaches along miles of coastline, and numerous authentic foodie experiences to delight any culinary enthusiast.

Lazio is home to a microclimate that produces some of the country’s best fruits, vegetables, and olives, allowing local culinary specialties to flourish, and you can explore them on our food tours in Lazio and its surroundings. Roman cuisine definitely has its fair share of meat, but Lazio is dotted with lakes, so there is also an abundance of seafood. Lazio is a very diverse region, offering sandy beaches on the stunning coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, volcanic mountainous regions, and charming hill towns. Our cooking classes and foodie tours in Lazio and Rome will afford you the opportunity to take full advantage of the region’s bountiful harvests and ancient culinary traditions.

Visiting a local bakery with the chef during a cooking class in Rome.

FAQ about Lazio, Italy Cooking Holidays

Which lazio region foods are renowned for their distinct flavors, are there lazio wine tours available for those interested in exploring the local wine scene, how does the cuisine of rome, as the capital city, differ from the traditional lazio regional dishes in terms of ingredients and flavors, what is the best time to visit rome and the lazio region, read more about lazio, italy food and travel tips.

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Custom Food Tours in Lazio and Beyond

We offer cooking vacations in Lazio and can create custom foodie trips in its surroundings and the main city Rome. Many of our culinary travelers add Lazio to their itinerary in Italy, and we can handle any of your arrangements, including:

• Hotel reservations
• Private and semi-private cultural tours of ancient cities, the Vatican, and more
• Hands-on cooking classes and market visits
• Food tours 
• Wine tastings

All of our vacation packages and custom tours come with our 25 years of experience organizing the best foodie trips across the Lazio region. Our cooking vacations and food and wine tours in Lazio and Rome will teach about authentic local cuisine, from the famed “carbonara” to Jewish-style artichokes, to saltimbocca. And all of it will be paired with amazing wines.

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13 Best Food Cities in Italy & What to Eat [2024]

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The five best food cities in Italy are Rome, Bologna, Florence, Piedmont, and Milan.
• Italy has diverse regional cuisines, each with its unique ingredients, dishes, and culinary traditions.
• Discover iconic local dishes in cities like Bologna, Florence, or Rome, and indulge in renowned specialties such as Lasagna Verde alla Bolognese, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, or authentic Roman pizza.

If you are planning a big trip to Italy to eat your way through the county, it would be a good idea to find out what the best food cities in Italy are.  

Of course, you want to take a photo in front of the Trevi Fountain and go for a canal ride in Venice, but let’s be honest, It’s all about eating the best food in Italy.

We created this list of the best Italian cities for food so that you can look through each of their special regional dishes and decide which parts of Italy to make a part of your travel plans.

Now grab a snack because this epic list is going to make you hungry after reading about all of the best food in Italy!

Best Food Cities in Italy

Located in the Lazio region of Italy, Rome has deeply rooted culinary traditions alongside its young and playful takes on the classics.

This combination of new and old is backed up by the same commitment to amazing products that you find in the rest of the country.

Arguably the best food city in Italy, there is an amazing amount of delicious local food to be found around every corner and in every neighborhood of the city. 

Must-Try Dishes & Ingredients

A. 4 roman pasta dishes .

These legendary pastas are beloved by the Romans not only because they are delicious, but also because of their simple commitment to making the pasta the star.

All four utilize dried pasta and Pecorino Romano cheese which is locally produced in the Lazio region. 

• Bucatini all’Amatriciana – tomato sauce with guanciale (cured pork jowl), Pecorino Romano cheese, and olive oil.
• Cacio e Pepe – sauce made of starchy pasta water, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano.
• La Gricia – sauce made of rendered guanciale, starchy pasta water, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano. 
• Carbonara – an emulsified sauce made of egg yolks, rendered guanciale, and Pecorino Romano.

Pizza in Rome is nothing like pizza in places like the United States. Three main types are served uniquely and have their own set of rules and ordering procedures to follow.  

• Pizza Pinsa – fluffy crust that is made with soy, rice, and wheat flour. Toppings vary greatly but the white version is the most traditional. 
• Pizza al Taglio – this is an entire category of pizza sold by the slice depending on how wide you ask for. It is then weighed and they charge you by the kilo. 
• Pizza al Taglio shops will offer up several types of combinations of pre-cooked pizzas that you can choose from. 
• Tonda – This is the real Roman-style pizza that is eaten with a knife and fork as it is not sliced.
• It is expected that you will not share your pizza as it is customary for everyone to eat their own and finish it with a sense of pride.

Related: How do Italians eat Pizza? A Guide to Eating Pizza in Italy

c. Carciofi 

Artichokes show up on almost every menu in Rome when they are in season. There are two main ways that they are served. 

• Carciofi alla Romana – trimmed and steamed followed by a marinade in mint, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
• Carciofi alla Giudia – trimmed artichokes that are fried in olive oil until they are nice and crunchy.

These breaded and deep-fried rice balls are commonly found in markets and anywhere that pizza al taglio is sold.

There are several different types of filling including variations on the flavors of classic pasta like carbonara and all’Amatriciana, but there are no rules and the cook’s imagination is the limit to what’s inside.

e. Maritozzi

This favorite breakfast amongst Romans consists of a pillowy soft milk bread roll that is stuffed with lightly sweetened whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar.

The name translates to husband as men used to hide an engagement ring inside to surprise their girlfriends.

Local Wines and Regional Beverages: 

• Draft beer – Chiara which is a lager and Rossa which is stronger
• Grappa – grape skin liquor
• Trebbiano and Malvasia – white wine varietals

2. Florence

Florence is the center of arts and culture in Tuscany, but this region’s stunning wines and food are the stars of the show.

Florence is situated in the northern area of the Chianti wine region and is surrounded by many others, including Montepulciano, Montalcino Bolgheri, Maremma, and San Gimignano. 

This abundance of amazing red wines is perfectly balanced by the grilled hearty meats and deeply flavored but simple food that the region is famous for. 

One of the best things you should do when you visit Florence is to indulge in this rich and savory meal that you’ll remember for years to come.  

a. Bistecca alla Fiorentina 

This is a thick-cut T-bone or porterhouse steak that is grilled over extremely hot coals and is served very rare.

A special breed of ancient cattle called Chianina is the animal of choice in Tuscany and they generally focus on young steers or heifers. 

b. Pappardelle al Cinghiale

The perfect meaty pasta for a Chianti Classico wine is this wild boar ragu that is served with wide-cut pappardelle egg noodles.

The slightly gamey wild boar is slow-cooked with tomatoes and aromatics until it is thick and rich enough to coat the pasta.

c. Ribollita

Known in English as Tuscan bread soup, this classic dish was the perfect way for cooks of the region to repurpose their leftovers.

Now, this dish is a classic of the region and much care is put into preparing it. 

The soup is a combination of soffrito, beans, kale, tomatoes, broth, and of course some crusty bread which is baked in a clay pot.

d. Tagliatelle Funghi Porcini e Tartufo

Two important ingredients from the region make an appearance in this one dish. In Autumn, the season for porcini mushrooms and truffles intersect. 

This amazing pasta makes its appearance in restaurants and for family gatherings.

These two ingredients are made to go together in this simple dish where the pasta is the perfect vessel for their delicate flavors.

Although gelato is eaten all over Italy, it is in Tuscany where Bernardo Buontalenti created the first modern gelato.

A version of flavored shaved ice or sorbetti was served in places like Palermo, but the creamy version that is beloved around the globe was created in Florence.

• Sangiovese red wines – Brunello de Montalcino, Chianti, Chianti Classico, super Tuscan blends (mixed with French grapes)
• Trebbiano, Malvasia, Vermentino white wines
• Vin Santo – dessert wines ranging from bone dry to very sweet

Naples is one of the best places in Italy for food for a reason.

When Italophiliacs hear the name Naples, their minds go straight to the legendary pizzas that the city is so famous for.

Although Neapolitan pizzas are good, this city is home to a bunch of regional dishes and street snacks that are good enough to carry their weight.

a. Pizza Napoletana

When a type of pizza has its own regulatory organization , you know that it is a very important part of the culture and its preservation is serious business.

The rules for making Neapolitan pizza are strict to ensure that every pizzaiola produces a similar high quality.

The classic Neapolitan pizza is the Margherita with its perfect combination of San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves.

b. Mozzarella di Buffala

Of all of the variations of mozzarella, it’s hard to deny that this water buffalo milk version is not the king.

Mozzarella di Bufala has a deeper flavor and more richness from its higher fat content relative to that of cow’s milk varieties.

c. Cuoppo 

For the fried food fans out there, this street food snack will certainly be a must-eat in Naples.

Kiosks and storefront restaurants sell paper cones that are filled with a combination of freshly fried foods. There are three main types of cones to choose from.

• Cuoppo di Terra – potato croquettes, arancini, pasta fritters, fried dough, breaded vegetables
• Cuoppo di Mare – Combination of mixed seafood from baitfish to calamari.
• Cuoppo Dolce – donut-like fritters served with various sweet sauces. 

d. Frittatina

If pasta wasn’t delicious enough, Neapolitan cooks decided to bread it and deep fry it until it forms a crispy exterior with a creamy inside.

Frittatina is a popular street food snack, aperitif drinking snack, and is also sold as a starter at pizza restaurants.

Pasta is mixed with bechamel cream sauce and sometimes other ingredients like peas, ham, and various cheeses depending on the chef.

e. Spaghetti alle Vongole

Clams have played an important role in the cuisine of the Campania region for centuries.

That’s why it’s no surprise that a pasta dish was created around these delicious bivalves.

The best thing about this Italian dish is its simplicity as it only consists of 7 ingredients including garlic, parsley, white wine, red peppers, pasta, olive oil, and clams. 

• Limoncello – made from Sorrento lemons grown on the coast
• Aglianico wine grape – This includes Taurasi and Aglianico del Taburno
• Falanghina white wine

4. Bologna (Emilia Romagna)

If Emilia Romagna is the culinary heart of Italy, then Bologna is at its core. As the food capital of Italy , Bologna will have you planning your return visit before you even leave.

With enough culinary discoveries to keep you excited and a bunch of classics to taste, the hardest part is having enough space in your stomach to get through all of these hearty and comforting dishes.

Must-Try Dishes & Ingredients in Bologna

A. mortadella.

These massive sausages are a grown-ups version of Bologna deli meat that many of us ate as kids.

These links can be made up to 10 feet long and have a circumference of up to 14 inches.

The meat is made of pork and must have at least 15% of its weight in small cubes of pork fat.

b. Tagliatelle al Ragu

Although many people show up to Bologna hoping for spaghetti Bolognese, they end up pleasantly surprised when they try out this ragu that has very little in common flavor-wise.

The sauce is less about tomatoes and is all about a combination of ground meat including prosciutto, pancetta, beef, pork, and veal depending on the cook.

They also utilize a big backbone of aromatics from onion, carrots, celery, and garlic before simmering the Ragù Bolognese for many hours.

This rich sauce is tossed with freshly made tagliatelle pasta and garnished with grated Parmigiano Reggiano. 

c. Lasagne Verde alla Bolognese

Bologna is the birthplace of lasagna, and they just make it so much better.

Instead of multiple layers of cloying ricotta, the traditional method is to layer lots of thin layers of fresh spinach pasta in combination with Ragù Bolognese, besciamella (bechamel), and Parmigiano Reggiano.

The result is a melt in your mouth explosion of flavor. 

d. Tortellini en Brodo

This dish is traditionally served during the holidays as it takes a lot of work to make tortellini by hand along with the broth.

The filling for the tortellini is a combination of pork loin, prosciutto crudo, mortadella, and parmesan that is bound with eggs.

The broth is traditionally made of beef, but some add a chicken to the broth to give it a more rounded and full flavor, garnished with grated Parmigiano cheese.

e. Torta di Risso

If you have ever had rice pudding, this is Emilia Romagna’s baked version that turns this classic into a cake.

The recipe takes advantage of northern Italy’s abundance of Vialone Nano and Arborio rice.

The cake is flavored with lemon zest, almonds, and almond liqueur and is given stability with crumbled amaretti cookie crumbs. 

• Pignoletto white wine
• Lambrusco – effervescent red wine
• Amaro Montenegro – botanical liqour

Although the dishes in Parma are undeniably delicious, they are completely upstaged by the simple products produced in and around the city.

This includes the best hams in the world along with the king of all cheeses. You could eat most of your meals by just stopping in at the many Prosciutterias and Formaggerias in the city.

As one of the best cities in Italy for food, make sure not to miss out on all the stunning fresh-made pastas the region is famous for. 

Must-Try Dishes & Ingredients in Parma

A. parmigiano reggiano.

This is considered the king of all cheeses for good reason and is the single most celebrated ingredient from the region.

Parmigiano is a cow’s milk cheese that is made into large 88-pound wheels that are aged for a minimum of one year.

This nutty and complex flavored cheese is strictly regulated for quality, so if you see the Consorzio Tutela stamp on the rind, you know you are about to eat one of the best cheeses in the world.

b. Prosciutto di Parma

If Parmigiano Reggiano is the king of cheeses, then Proscuitto di Parma is the king of the hams.

Boneless pig legs go through elaborate salting, curing, and aging process that can take up to 3 years.

The ham, when sliced thin has a delicate melt in your mouth texture and a nutty sweet flavor.

This raw cured ham can only be produced in the valley up to 900 meters in the hills of Parma because of its unique microclimate that affects if flavor.

c. Culatello di Zibello

This unique ham produced just 20 miles outside the city center of Parma is beloved by top-level chefs around the globe.

These limited production hams are made by stuffing salted pork loin meat into a pig’s bladder where it is then left to cure exposed to the elements.

It’s prized for its pungent aromas and its delicate flavor.

d. Tagliatelle ai fungi

Just as the first leaves start to change color in Emilia Romagna, it signifies the start of porcini season.

This ultra-simple fall classic pasta dish consists of these delicious mushrooms, freshly made tagliatelle pasta, and garlic butter sauce. There might not be a more soul-satisfying dish anywhere in the region.

e. Ragu’ di strolghino

Not all ragus are created equal, and this one from Parma is one of the best.

The sauce is based on tomatoes and Strolghino salami that is crumbly in texture almost like ground meat because of its relatively short curing time.

Chefs and home cooks combine this sauce with a variety of fresh kinds of pasta including cappelletti and tagliatelle .

• Lambrusco Frizzante – sparkling red wine
• Malvasia Frizzante – sparkling white wine
• Nocino – walnut liquor

The small town of Modena is an extreme contrast of culinary styles and approaches to the traditions of the cuisine of Emilia Romagna.

On one side you have the old school restaurants that serve up the classic Italian dishes that have been done the same way for centuries.

Then there is Osteria Francescana which was recently selected multiple times as the best restaurant in the world for its modernistic approach.

Not lost in all of this is the amazing products produced in the region that rival anywhere in Italy.

Must-Try Dishes and Ingredients

A. balsamic.

The second you try this product, you will instantly realize that the balsamic vinegar you have been eating most of your life is fake and not the real deal.

Real balsamic is only produced in Modena and Reggio Emilia and it is not even considered vinegar.

This product is simply slow aged white Trebbiano grape must that concentrates over time and gets sweeter and more aromatic. 

b. Prosciutto di Modena

Just like Proscuitto di Parma, this province-specific ham is made with a painstakingly slow and controlled process to produce one of the best hams in the world.

This Modena prosciutto gets its unique characteristics from its microclimate that give the hams their distinct flavor. 

c. Cotechino

Pork rinds are the main filling for this sausage that needs to be slowly simmered before eating.

Cotechino was considered poor people food because of its humble filling, but it is delicious and now is beloved by all.

The best versions are cooked with lentils or are sliced and served in a panini sandwich.

A real-life feud exists over this dish between neighboring Bologna and Modena over who first created this dish and who makes it better.

The answer is they both make excellent versions of the same dish.

Tortellini are stuffed with a trio of prosciutto, pork loin, and mortadella that is then served in a meaty beef and capon broth.

e. Torta Barozzi

The origins of this cake date back to 1886 and it was named after the legendary architect Jacopo Barozzi.

This dense chocolate cake is spiked with finely ground nuts and accented with ground coffee for a deeply flavored sweet treat.

Torta Barozzi is simply served as is with a fine dusting of powdered sugar.

• Sassolino – anise-flavored liqueur
• Nocello – sweet walnut liqueur

Venice may be one of the most strikingly picturesque cities in Italy, but its cuisine remains simple, humble, and committed to its heritage as a working-class city.

Many of the dishes in Venice are built around utilizing inexpensive ingredients and turning them into something very delicious but affordable.

This approach to their traditional food illustrates a time in Venice that is very different from the touristy city it is today. There are a lot of delicious treats to eat if you just steer away from the crowds.

a. Sarde in Saor

This simple appetizer of fried sardines topped with sweet and sour pickled onions, raisins, and pinenuts is a classic at Venetian Bacari wine bars.

The first versions were a way for fishermen to preserve their food while out for several days on their boats.

Today, it’s common for this Venetian dish to be prepared at least one day in advance to let the fish flavor become more pronounced. 

b. Baccalá Mantecato 

Although often mistaken for cod, salted stockfish is used to make this whipped fish appetizer.

The fish is soaked to remove the excess salt before it is poached and then pureed up with extra virgin olive oil and served over grilled polenta or toasts. 

c. Polpetta

Why not bread and fry a meatball? Well, that is exactly what you will find at some Bacari wine bars as one of the small snacks that they offer.

There are versions where beef is mixed with potatoes, just plain beef, and another that is purely potatoes. They are all delicious but ask them to be heated as they make them in the morning and serve them all day.

d. Spaghetti al nero di seppia

Although strange looking in appearance, this simple pasta dish is a celebration of cuttlefish and the fishermen who do not waste any part of their catch.

Cuttlefish are used along with their ink which dyes the entire dish a dark black color.

The ingredient list is small focusing simply on the cuttlefish and linguini with a supporting cast of a white wine and garlic sauce. 

e. Cicchetti

This is more a catch-all term that means small snacks that are served at traditional Bacari in Venice.

These small bites are made of local inexpensive ingredients that were meant to satiate hungry Venetians and gondoliers that stopped in for a glass of wine from the Veneto region. 

• Aperol Spritz – created in Venice by Austrians
• Prosecco – sparkling white wine 
• Amarone della Valpolicella – red wine made from dried passito grapes

Milan makes our list of the best food cities in Italy. The food of Northern Italy is very different from what many expect from Italian cuisine.

You will find a lot less pasta and a whole lot more rice as this is what is grown in the region.

The food, in general, is fairly rich and unctuous which is in stark contrast to the tomato sauces and fresh herbs that you will find farther south.

Although the dishes may be heartier, there is no lack of refinement as the cooks and chefs of Milan take a lot of pride in their culinary heritage.

a. Gorgonzola Cheese

A member of the blue cheese family, this unique, milder, and flavored cheese hails from the town of Gorgonzola on the edge of Milan.

There are two varieties including a sweeter less aged variation called Gorgonzola Dolce , and a relatively more intense aged version that is called Gorgonzola Picante .

Both varieties are celebrated for their delicious flavor and their versatility as they can be eaten plain or used in a plethora of sweet and savory applications.

b. Risotto Milanese

For all you risotto fans out there, this is considered by many to be the best in Italy.

This simple preparation is made by slowly simmering Carnaroli rice with chicken stock.

The dish is finished off with some butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a pinch of saffron which turns the rice yellow.

c. Osso Buco

This rich preparation is made of thick-cut veal shanks that are slow-cooked in white wine, veal broth, vegetables, and herbs.

The meat gets tender and the liquid it is cooked in becomes the sauce which has a rich and pronounced beefy flavor.

It is then topped with gremolata which is a combination of fresh chopped parsley, garlic, and lemon zest that help cut through the richness.

Osso Buco is commonly served with either polenta or Risotto Milanese for a knockout punch of decadence. 

d. Cotoletta

This is Italy’s answer to schnitzel but this version is served bone-in. Veal chops are breaded in a 3 part process of flour, egg, then bread crumbs before it is pan-fried in clarified butter.

The crispy breading gives texture to the tender veal that was pounded for it to cook quickly and be nice and soft.

Cotoletta is served with a wedge of lemon and either a simple salad or some fried potatoes.

e. Panettone

Although Panettone is considered a bread, it is more like a dense cake that is accented with candied lemon peel and orange along with some raisins.

Right around mid-November, Panettone starts popping out of ovens all over Milan in preparation for the holidays.

If you happen to be in Milan during this time of year, make sure to enjoy a few slices with a glass of prosecco or a cup of hot chocolate to get in the holiday spirit.

• Negroni – It was created in Milan
• Sparkling white wines – this includes Franciacorta, Metodo Classico, Oltrepo Pavese
• Fernet Branca – liqueur made of herbs and spices

9. Palermo (Sicily)

When most people hear Sicilian food, they think of the American tomato sauce Italian food that is served in restaurants from New Jersey to Little Italy in San Francisco.

This couldn’t be farther from the truth as Sicilian cuisine is as nuanced and deeply rooted in culinary traditions that date back to before the tomato was ever in Italy.

From incredible cheeses to uniquely regional dishes, you will have to travel to Palermo to get a real taste of Sicilian cuisine.

a. Ragusano Cheese DOP

This is the oldest cheese produced in Sicily dating back to the 1500s.

This firm cheese is made of cow’s milk exclusively from Modicana cows which are special to the region.

Ragusano cheese is sweet when it’s young and gets progressively more pungent as it ages. There is also a smoked variation that is labeled affumicato .

b. Arancini

These breaded and fried rice balls were supposedly invented when Sicily was under Arab rule.

Now, there are two main versions served including arancina al burro which is stuffed with prosciutto and basciamella and arancina alla carne which is stuffed with a meat ragu.

One thing they both have in common is that the rice is flavored with saffron which makes it yellow and very aromatic.

c. Sfincione

If you haven’t ever heard of Sicilian-style pizza, it shouldn’t be a surprise as there is so much focus on Neapolitan and Roman pizzas.

The good news is that the word is getting out about these light and fluffy rectangle Sicilian pizzas.

What makes these pizzas unique is how much the bakers let the dough rise before baking.

This leads to a focaccia-style dough that is very thick compared to other types of pizza.

The toppings include a cooked tomato sauce, anchovy filets, breadcrumbs, oregano, and aged Caciocavallo cheese.

This Sicilian street food is similar to croquettes that you would find in Spain but simpler as a lot less binder is used and they are not breaded.

Old starchy potatoes are boiled in their skins and are left to cool overnight where they are mixed with mint, parsley, salt, and pepper.

They are then fried in very hot oil that forms a crust out of the exterior of the crocchè. They are commonly served on a piece of paper or a soft sandwich roll.

Well, if you love cannoli, Sicily is the birthplace of this famous sweet treat.

If you have never had one, you will fall in love with these fried pastry tubes that are stuffed with sweet whipped ricotta.

They are coated on the ends with either Sicilian toasted pistachios, or chocolate pieces and are given a good sprinkle of powdered sugar.

• Marsala – sweet or dry fortified white wines
• Sambuca di Sicilia – viscous star anise-flavored liqueur
• Muscato – sweet white wine

10. Piedmont

If you’re looking for the best place to visit Italy for food and wine , then you need to make a trip to Piedmont.

Whether you are passionate about truffles or you want to try the wines from the best red wine region in Italy, you now have a reason to book that flight.

It doesn’t stop there as the region is full of amazing cheeses, pastas, and world-class beef.

This sounds like the making of one incredible meal and a culinary adventure of a lifetime filled with truffle hunting and sipping Barolo while enjoying the stunning countryside. 

a. Alba white truffles 

These aromatic tubers are one of the most expensive ingredients in the world and are only wild foraged by truffle hunters and their highly trained dogs.

They are seasonal and only come around for a few months from September to December.

The rarity of white truffles and their high demand by chefs around the globe leads to prices that can reach as high as $6000 per pound.

It is worth a once-in-a-lifetime splurge to enjoy a bowl of simple risotto with a generous shaving of Alba white truffles.

b. Castelmango Cheese

This semi-hard cheese is like a cross between blue cheese and parmesan with its sharp and spicy flavor and crumbly aged texture.

Even though it is a member of the blue cheese family, it has an added dimension of a pale fading to a brown exterior that gives the cheese a unique mouthfeel that is unlike any other in the classification.

Castelmango cheese is made with cow’s milk exclusively from the Piedmontese breed along with a touch of goat and sheep’s milk.

c. Agnolotti del plin

This meat-filled fresh pasta gets its name from the Italian word plin which is slang for pinch.

Many chefs around the globe herald this shape of pasta as the best because it cooks the filling and every part of the pasta evenly.

The filling can vary depending on the types of meat available but everything from ground beef to veal brain is used.

These pockets of pasta are most commonly served with a simple butter sauce. 

Although the potato was first brought to Europe from South America by the Spanish, the potato finally made its way to Northern Italy where the first gnocchi was made.

These little potato dumplings are now a staple of Piedmontese cuisine and are commonly served with butter and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Other variations show up during different seasons including a tomato-based ragu, and a version with cream and Castelmango cheese. 

e. Piedmontese Beef – Brasato al Barolo

This genetic marvel is unlike other breeds of cattle as its meat is very lean while remaining very tender.

This opens the door for its different cuts to be utilized in many different ways including Brasato al Barolo.

Round steaks from the leg can be braised in Barolo wine in about two hours which yields a melt in your mouth texture.

That is fast compared to the time it would take to cook the same cut from a different breed of cow to render all the fat.

As a comparison, it has fewer calories than mackerel per ounce and is as tender as Prime grade beef.

• Barolo – big and robust red wine
• Barbera – red wine
• Nebbiolo – red wine
• Muscato – from Cortese and Arneis grapes
• Nocciolino – hazelnut liqueur

This Italian food city situated right on the shores of the Ligurian Sea is more famous for its history of seafaring past and its architecture than its cuisine.

This is a tragedy because the food in Genoa can hang with anywhere in Italy especially when it comes to fresh seafood and its beloved basil that thrives in its unique microclimate.

If you are heading to Northern Italy, it would be worth a visit just to eat yourself sick on pesto.

a. Pesto alla Genovese

When Italians think of basil pesto, they are visualizing Genoa which is the basil capital of Italy and the birthplace of pesto.

The list of ingredients that go into this pesto is very specific which includes basil, olive oil, toasted pinenuts, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Pecorino Romano, and salt.

If visiting Genoa during basil season, make sure to eat as much pesto-coated pasta as possible.

b. Foccacia

Although focaccia is now made around the globe by bakeries and restaurants, this fluffy dimpled bread got its start in Genoa.

This Ligurian-style of focaccia is eaten in many ways including as a snack, as sandwich bread, and toasted for dinner.

The only garnishes necessary are a little sprinkling of salt and some good Ligurian olive oil.

c. Farinata

Although there is a version of this chickpea pancake that is eaten in the French Riviera called Socca, the first version was created in Genoa.

The dough is made of chickpea flour that is hydrated with water and olive oil. It is then baked in small batches as it must be eaten immediately.

This treat can be topped with everything from gorgonzola to shaved fresh artichokes, but it is usually eaten plain with a glass of wine.

d. Pansoti con salsa di noci

This classic Ligurian triangle-shaped pasta is made with a stuffing of chard and Prescinsêua cheese which is somewhere between yogurt and ricotta in its consistency.

The pasta is then tossed in a walnut sauce that is made with milk, bread crumbs, marjoram, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. 

e. Fritto Misto

This fun antipasti’s name simply means “mixed fry”.

This classic Italian dish is entirely based on the different seafood caught right from the Ligurian sea that is fried up individually to make sure that each type is cooked properly.

You can find fritto misto being served everywhere from kiosks to sit-down restaurants. 

• Vermentino – white wine
• Rossese – red wine

12. Cagliari (Sardinia)

Even though Sardinia is a part of Italy, this island’s cuisine seems as though it should have its own identity.

Its proximity to Italy is rather distant and it shares little in common especially when it comes to their food. 

This is why Sardinia is a must for all food travelers as you will get to explore this lesser know cuisine which includes a huge array of unique dishes and products that are truly Sardinian.

a. Sheep’s milk cheeses

The island of Sardinia makes the best sheep’s milk cheeses in Italy from their breed.

The cheeses vary greatly from everyday grating cheese to others that have been aged and are revered for their incredible flavor. 

• Pecorino Romano – smokey and nutty aroma with a salty bite. Made back to the Roman times.
• Pecorino Sardo – there is a sweet (dolce) and a sharper version (maturo). Both are great with pasta.
• Fiore Sardo – Dates back to the bronze age. Nutty with fruity overtones that are best consumed with red wine.
• Pecorino Grand Cru – This is the king of the Pecorino cheeses which has pronounced caramel notes.
• Casa Marzu – ferments with the help of maggots (now illegal but still produced). 

b. Bottarga

This used to be a poor fisherman’s food and is now a widely expensive luxury ingredient.

The egg sacks of female mullet, swordfish, or tuna are salted and then pressed for months until the moisture is gone and it has a firm texture.

The dried eggs are then grated over pasta giving it a briny oceanic flavor.

c. Suppa Cuata

Although the name suggests that it is a soup, it is more of a layered casserole.

A buttered baking dish is layered with stale sliced bread that is soaked with sheep or lamb broth followed by pecorino cheese.

The whole thing is baked in the oven until the cheese is golden brown. Imagine a bread lasagna without ragu. 

d. Porcheddu

Most pork-consuming regions of the world have some form of whole roasted pig.

Sardinia is no different as the island is famous for its suckling pig that is slow-roasted over an earthen fire pit.

The meat gets super tender and the skin is nice and crunchy. In an ode to tradition, they cover the pig with myrtle leaves after it’s done cooking to impart its aromas. 

This fried empanada-like pastry is made of semolina and stuffed with lemon zest spiked pecorino cheese.

It is then drizzled with a very rare and expensive Miele Amaro honey that comes only from Sardinia.

This honey is only harvested in the fall from hives where bees collect their pollen from the European strawberry tree. 

• Vermentino de Gallura – crisp white wine
• Cannonau – red wine made from the Grenache grape
• Liquore di Mirto – myrtle berry liqueur

13. Bari (Puglia)

The city of Bari in Puglia owes its culinary heritage to Puglia’s cuisine which embodies the rich history of incredible produce, a legacy of fishing, and the production of top-level products including cheeses and olive oils. 

If there is one thing that makes this city a must-visit, it is the fact that Bari is the mozzarella and burrata capital of Italy. 

This cheese is a stunning contrast of textures that comes from stretched mozzarella on the exterior that encases the creamy unstretched mozzarella (stracciatella).

When it is cut in half, the wet inside oozes out revealing its buttery milky core.

The culinary uses in Puglia are near endless including being stuffed inside of fried squash blossoms to being served as a part of the ubiquitous Caprese salad. 

b. Panzerotti

These savory dough pockets look just like their cousin the calzone but are much smaller in size and deep-fried.

The classic filling is a combination of mozzarella and tomato sauce, but chefs will often use whatever is in season. 

c. Orecchiette

This uniquely shaped pasta’s name translates to “ear” to which the pasta shares a resemblance.

The pasta first gained popularity during the 13th century and is now very popular in Puglia and Basilicata where this pasta is tossed with sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic and anchovy.

In these Italian food regions, Orecchiette is prepared fresh using semolina flour and water.

This popular street food in Puglia is built around a sandwich roll that is made using excess pizza dough that is cooked in a wood-fired oven.

The dough cooks quickly leaving it fairly hollow which is perfect for stuffing with the humble ingredients of the region.

There are variations with salumi and arugula and others with polpette (meatballs) in tomato sauce.

The sky’s the limit but often the fillings can be very simple like some tomato with olive oil.

e. Pasticciotto

These famous Apulian mini pies are composed of a flaky pastry crust and are stuffed with egg custard or ricotta.

There are several different variations including some that are flavored with Nutella, jams, pistachio, chocolate, vanilla, and more, but the most traditional is lemon. 

• Salice Salento red wine made with Negroamaro grapes
• Primitivo red wine
• Bombino Nero red table wine

Which city has the best food in Italy? 

If you had to choose just one city for the best food in Italy, it would have to be Rome just because of the diversity of different dishes that make up its culinary landscape.

If you ask any 20 Italians which cities in Italy have the best food, you will get 20 different answers.

The reality is that the entirety of Italy has delicious food, but each region has its own specialties. 

You may then ask what is the best region in Italy for food? This is also very subjective as the people of the individual cities within each region argue over who has the best food. 

The answer to which city has the best food in Italy, completely depends on what you love the most about Italian food.

If you can’t get enough pesto, you will love Genoa, and if you adore lasagne, you will think that Bologna is the best.

This list will help you decide for yourself as you peruse through each city’s specialties and decide which one tickles your fancy.

What region has the best food in Italy? 

If pressed to choose just one, Emilia Romagna would have to be the best region in Italy for food.

With so many incredible products like Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Balsamico di Modena, Culatello di Zabello, and of course the fresh pasta.

It also should be mentioned that the region produces world-class wines like Lambrusco that pair amazingly with these local products and dishes.

This leads us to the idea of selecting where you want to eat in Italy based on the region that has your favorite dishes and ingredients.

A great way to plan a culinary adventure in Italy is to string together a few cities within a region so that you can spend more time eating and less time traveling. 

For example, if you want to eat some Parmigiano Reggiano from Parma, Tortellini en Brodo from Modena, and lasagna from Bologna, then you are in luck because they are all within 60 miles of each other in one region. 

The best regions are often the ones that meet your tastes in combination with offering the best food travel experiences.

What city has the best pasta in Italy?

The best pasta in Italy comes from multiple regions depending if you want dry or fresh pasta.

If you like al dente dry pasta , then Rome would be the best. If you love melt in your mouth fresh pasta , then Bologna or any one of the cities in Emilia Romagna would be the best. 

There is no way to answer this question without pissing off people from the entire rest of Italy that didn’t get selected.

People from Bologna are certain their fresh Tagliatelle and Tortellini are the best, and the Romans strongly believe that their big four pasta dishes are the best in Italy. 

The cop-out answer is that there is good pasta almost everywhere in Italy including in the north where pasta is only one of the starches that take center stage.

Italians simply expect more from the food and the products that they eat every day and it shows even in a simple bowl of pasta. 

Which Italian city has the best pizza? 

While an argument will ensue over who makes the best of almost any type of food in Italy, most would agree that the Italian city for the best pizza would be Naples followed by Rome . 

Naples is internationally recognized for its Pizza Napoletana which has a certification that holds up the standards of how to make their stunning pizza.

The Neapolitans take their pies seriously, and mediocrity and modernization are unacceptable.

Rome , on the other hand, has several different types of pizzas. This includes a big culture around pizza by the slice along with traditional Roman-style pies that have their own set of rules on how they are to be consumed.

Wrapping Up: Best Food Cities in Italy 

As chefs, we have strong opinions about everything when it comes to food.

It comes with the territory as it’s our job to scrutinize everything that we taste to know what is delicious and what’s garbage. 

We could tell you what cities we think are best, but what is delicious for one person can be another person’s worst thing they have ever tried.

Being a well-informed food traveler allows you to forge your own path and find the food cities that ignite your palette and get you excited to eat another meal. 

We are here to guide you in the right direction with this list of the best food cities in Italy .

Now make a list of your favorites from the list and start planning that bucket list food adventure that you have been dreaming of. 

If you are still not sure, or you are interested in some epic food experiences, check out our list of the 50 best food experiences in the world, and our best food cities list to get you on the right track. 

Gabriel is the head writer for Chef Travel Guide and has been featured in the Huffington Post, Martha Stewart, Eat This, Not That, Real Simple, Muscle and Health, and many more. He was born and raised in California and has worked as a professional restaurant chef for over 20 years. After escaping the “kitchen life”, he is now focused on his passion for the outdoors and world travel. Gabriel’s passions include trail running and hiking on California's incredible trails, camping in the redwoods, and exploring the golden state from the Eastern Sierras to the rugged North Coast.

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August 28th, 2020

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There are lots of reasons to visit Italy, but the incredible food has to be near the top of the list. Fabulous pastas, crisp pizzas, creamy risottos, and some of the best seafood in the world at your fingertips—Italy is a foodie paradise.

Looking for something more on your culinary adventure? We compiled a list of our favorite food-centric experiences to tempt any budding epicure. Go ahead—try something new!

1. Truffle-hunting in Tuscany is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure

Tuscan white truffles sell for over $4,500 a kilo—they’re Italian white gold. Imagine foraging  the Tuscan countryside  with your trusty truffle dog (pigs were banned because they damage the delicate truffle ecosystem) searching for these earthy delights.

After a successful hunt, tuck into a plate of fresh pasta decorated with decadent shaved truffles. Divine!

2. Cicchetti in Venice is magical

Cicchetti takes bar food to a whole new level—imagine bite-sized morsels of fresh, beautifully prepared seafood accompanied by a glass of excellent Italian wine.

It’s the perfect way to wind down an afternoon...strolling the Grand Canal,  visiting different  bacari  for a perfect bite and a glass of  ombra.  Nothing is more  authentically Venice .

3. Enter foodie heaven on a farmer’s market tour in Rome

Rome is famous for its culinary traditions—and  the farmer’s markets  are the epitome of Roman food culture.

Colorful fruits and vegetables, aromatic herbs and spices, creamy golden cheeses, and the pungent smell of cured meats tempt your eyes and nose as you wander the vendor stalls. Go early and leave room for plenty of samples.

Why not buy some treats for an impromptu picnic at  the Villa Borghese ?

4. Brunello and bistecca alla fiorentina—so much to love about Florence

There’s steak...and then there’s  steak  done the Florentine way.

Picture a massive 3-pound T-bone (from Tuscan Chianina cattle) rubbed with herbs and seared over live charcoal. No condiments—just you, your fabulous cut of meat, and a glass of inky, spicy Brunello, one of Tuscany’s  most remarkable wines .

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5. Sicily’s street food is to-die-for

The street food in Italy is delicious everywhere, but  Sicily’s specialties  are out of this world.

How about  brioche con gelato ? Yes, it’s a buttery roll stuffed with your favorite creamy treat—try it for breakfast! Or try the  sfincione— a soft bready crust soaked with herby tomatoes and sprinkled with breadcrumbs and dried oregano before it’s cooked in a hot wood-fired oven.

Feeling adventurous? Try the  stigghiola,  skewered lamb intestines grilled crisp, chopped fine, and slathered with salt and lemon juice.

6. Be the first of your friends to discover Friuli wine

All wine-lovers know Tuscan wines, but how many have  discovered the incredible white wines of Friuli ?

Friuli was at the source of the white wine renaissance in Italy, and its native Ribolla Gialla grape holds its own easily against Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Try the Malvasia Istriana wines—mineraly, peppery, gingery, and absolutely delightful.

7. Master the art of aperitivo in Milan

If you loved Cicchetti in Venice, you’ll swoon for  aperitivo  in Milan. Milan has elevated happy hour to an art form. Olives, nuts, crostini, even salty cured meats and cheeses enjoyed over an Aperol spritz or Negroni—that’s the classic aperitivo experience, although no one will give you side-eye over a glass of bubbly.

Look for a bar in one of the city’s chic hotels—rooftop bars are always fun—and enjoy one of  Milan’s finest culinary customs .

8. Experience the olive harvest in Liguria

If you travel to Italy in autumn for the grape harvest—and you definitely should—stick around for the  olive harvest in Liguria , one of Italy’s most important olive oil regions.

Try an olive oil tasting and learn the difference between Olio di Riviera dei Fiori, Olio del Ponente Savonese, and Olio di Levante.

Then grab a crusty loaf of bread, a dish of olives, and your favorite  olio  and take part in one of the most authentic food experiences in Italy.

9. Get to know Parmigiano-Reggiano, the king of Italian cheese

Parmigiano-Reggiano’s storied history dates back to the 12th century when Benedictine monks in Emilia-Romagna needed a way to preserve the large quantities of milk produced by their cows.

Did you know it takes over 500 liters of milk to produce just one magical orange wheel of this magnificent cheese? Try a thick aged slab with a dollop of Modena balsamic vinegar—your taste buds will be in heaven.

10. Sample true Modena balsamic in Bologna

Speaking of Modena balsamic vinegar—it’s worth a trip to  Bologna  to sample the real thing.

Aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena  isn’t just any vinegar, it’s a rich, syrupy, beautifully fragrant elixir that pairs fabulously with your favorite Emilia-Romagna delights. Try it with prosciutto di parma and some 36-month Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, the holy trinity of Bolognese cuisine.

Ready to taste your way through Italy?

We’d love to help you plan the ultimate culinary tour of Italy—all your favorite cities and food experiences.  Get in touch today , we’ll bring your epicurean dreams to life in beautiful,  delicious  Italy.

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9 Gastronomic Reasons to Visit Italy

Exploring a country’s food culture is a big part of any overseas holiday, and most definitely the case in Italy where, happily, eating and drinking can be as educational as it is delicious! Wherever you go in Italy, you’ll find a focus on using only locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that are packed with flavour.

Looking for tomato and aubergine based dishes in winter? You’re more likely to find pasta parcels filled with creamy squash, hearty soups, risottos and casseroles crammed with winter vegetables.

What you eat will also depend on where you are in the country. While tradition plays as big a part in local cuisine as the regional terrain, with recipes passed from one generation to another, the flavour of different dishes also owes much to the basic ingredients.

On our walking tours, we explore the food and local wines of most regions of Italy and while it’s difficult to select a favourite dish or area – so much to choose from! – here are some of the things we love best about Italy’s gastronomic scene.

Focus on Tradition and Quality

Recipes are handed down through generations, sometimes enhanced by a modern twist and often varying in the minutest of details from the same recipe in the next village.

But on top of that, there’s a recognition of the need to preserve the production of specific foodstuffs, such as cured meats, bread, cheese or a particular type of fruit. Examples include the Bronte Pistachio from Sicily, or Giant Vercelli Rice from Piedmont.

The Slow Food movement does much to support this activity, supporting thousands of farmers and food artisans in Slow Food Communities (Presidia) across 5 continents. However, compare the number of Presidia in the US and the UK – 5 in each country – with Italy’s 377, and you soon get the picture!

Food Markets

For many, food markets are the beating heart of any Italian community, a place to meet up for an espresso, have a chat and stock up on your daily needs. And for overseas visitors, they are an excellent way of getting a feel for what’s in season.

Delicious Cheeses

Top spot at the local market for me is the cheese stall, the perfect place to learn about local cheeses and find out which you prefer. Several of the best cheeses have been awarded the EU’s DOP certification (Protected Denomination of Origin), but you won’t be surprised to learn that cheeses vary enormously between regions.

 Two of my favourites are Castelmagno, one of the most popular in Piedmont, and Taleggio from Lombardy. And needless to say, meeting a local parmesan producer is always a highlight of any walking tour in or around Parma !

Perfect Picnics

Cheese is also a key ingredient of any Italian picnic, whether in the form of buffalo mozzarella interwoven with large juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves, or a walnut flavoured pecorino, jammed between two wedges of ‘pane toscano’.

What else makes the perfect Italian picnic? Thinly sliced prosciutto or salami, a salad of fresh seasonal vegetables such as springtime asparagus, a couple of juicy peaches and some local biscotti are simple classics. Throw in a spectacular lakeside or mountain view to complete the perfect Italian picnic , one of life’s simplest but most joyous experiences.

Pasta – Happiness on a Plate

No list of gastronomic experiences in Italy would be complete without mentioning pasta. Guaranteed to lift our spirits, it transpires that pasta really does enhance our mood, thanks to an increase in serotonin production created by the carbohydrates. And it makes us even happier when we eat it in Italy!

With around 600 different types of pasta available, you’d think that choosing which pasta to eat could become complicated. But it’s worth remembering that every region has its own speciality and specific pasta is paired with specific sauces.

Coffee Culture

Coffee is as much a part of Italian daily life as pasta. A distinctly social occasion, having a coffee in Italy is generally a case of enjoying an espresso after lunch or dinner, or as a pick-me-up during the day.

The first coffee of the day, with breakfast or until the middle of the morning, is the only time you’ll see Italians drinking a frothy cappuccino. Best place for your coffee? Head to the local bar where most people will drink their coffee propped up against the bar.

Winning Wines

Whether you fall into the red or white camp, or are partial to a glass of sparkling prosecco, you’ll find amazing wine wherever you go in Italy. Tuscan wines are perhaps the best known outside the country, with the red wines produced in Montepulciano and Montalcino amongst the Tuscan superstars.

Then there’s Piedmont, in Italy’s northwest, known for its Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and fast becoming the place to visit to learn about winemaking through tours and tastings. But it’s not all about classic reds. Head to Friuli Venezia Giulia in the northeast of the country where there’s growing interest in orange wine .

Truffle Temptation

Foodies everywhere will be familiar with the concept of truffle hunting, and better still, truffle eating! In Italy, they grow in the forests of Piedmont, and some parts of Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche. The white truffles found near Alba in Piedmont’s Langhe hills are amongst the most prized whilst the best black truffles are said to come from Norcia in Umbria.

Gelato, One Scoop at a Time

Last, but most definitely not least, gelato. Quite different from ice-cream in terms of ingredients and production, gelato is most definitely Italians’ favourite sweet treat and one of the few foods that they are happy to be seen eating on the street, although admittedly, sitting or standing, rather than walking. Having a gelato is a huge part of Italian culture, as important as drinking espresso and often part of a social gathering.

But that doesn’t mean that all gelato is equal. The best gelato makes use of seasonal fruit and local flavours so you’ll know to avoid strawberry gelato in November and to head straight for the superb pistachio and almond flavours in Sicily!

Further reading, 6 UNMISSABLE GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCES IN ITALY .

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you had any standout food experiences in Italy? How much do you try to use seasonal and local produce? Do give us your thoughts in the comments below.

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Jackie Parsons

Jackie Parsons is the co-owner of Hedonistic Hiking. She has been a tour guide since 1992 and has lead walking tours since 2000. She creates and guides Hedonistic Hiking’s all-inclusive gastronomic hiking tours throughout Italy. Alongside the hikes, all tours provide an unforgettable insight into the local history, art, culture, food, and wine, and are graded for ability. Find out more at https://www.hedonistichiking.com

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GASTRONOMIC ITALY

• May 17, 2024

Gastronomic Italy

We all love Italy, and for many reasons. Whether its ancient architecture, natural beauty, wonderful beaches and of course the dolce vita. It’s no secret Italy is our favorite destination, and two of the many reasons are the food and the wine. Join us as we explore our gastronomic Italy

A Wine Lover's Paradise

Italy is home to some of the finest wines in the world, and no trip to this beautiful country would be complete without indulging in a glass or two. From the robust reds of Tuscany to the sparkling Proseccos of the Veneto region, there is a wine to suit every palate. Italy is the worlds largest wine producer with the widest variety of indigenous grape types.

All regions of Italy have unique dishes, tastes and ingredients, here are a few of our favorites:

Tuscany is perhaps one of the most famous culinary regions of Italy, known for its simple yet flavorful cuisine. Tuscan cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients such as olive oil, beans, and hearty vegetables. Some iconic dishes from this region include ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup), pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup), and of course, bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine-style steak).

Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is often considered the gastronomic heart of Italy, and for good reason. This region is home to some of Italy’s most beloved dishes, including parmigiano-reggiano cheese, prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar from Modena. Emilia-Romagna is also famous for its fresh egg pasta, with dishes such as tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, and lasagna alla bolognese being firm favorites.

Piedmont, located in the northwest of Italy, is known for its rich and hearty cuisine. This region is famous for its truffles, particularly the white truffles found in the hills around Alba. Piedmont is also home to some of Italy’s most famous wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, which pair perfectly with the region’s hearty dishes such as brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo wine) and agnolotti del plin (pasta stuffed with meat).

Located in southern Italy, Campania is known for its vibrant and flavorful cuisine. This region is famous for dishes such as pizza Margherita, made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, and spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams). Campania is also home to the famous limoncello liqueur, made from the region’s fragrant lemons.

Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and influences from across the Mediterranean. This island region is known for its fresh seafood, citrus fruits, and aromatic herbs and spices. Some iconic Sicilian dishes include arancini (fried rice balls), caponata (a sweet and sour eggplant stew), and cannoli (crisp pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese).

Veneto, located in northeastern Italy, is known for its rich and varied cuisine. This region is famous for its risotto dishes, particularly risotto al nero di seppia (risotto flavored with squid ink), as well as its fresh seafood, polenta, and hearty meat dishes. Veneto is also home to the famous Prosecco wine, which pairs perfectly with the region’s flavorful cuisine.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply someone who enjoys good food and wine, Italy is the perfect destination for your next culinary adventure. With its rich culinary heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, it’s a destination that will capture your heart and leave you longing to return again and again (we are speaking from experience here!)

So why wait? Start planning your Italian culinary adventure today and get ready to indulge in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this incredible country. Buon viaggio!

Check out my other blog posts:

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Explora Journeys Unveils Anthology: An Unparalleled Culinary Voyage Through Italy

Explora journeys.

Geneva, Switzerland, 24 June 2024 – Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, is delighted to announce the launch of its new Italian concept for Anthology, a signature fine-dining experience that offers guests an unparalleled gastronomic adventure through the diverse and rich landscapes of Italian cuisine.

Franck Garanger, Head of Culinary Explora Journeys said, “Anthology is more than just a restaurant; it's a voyage through Italy’s gastronomic landscape. For me, Italian cuisine is about respecting the people, the ingredients, and the traditions that have been passed down through generations. It's about sharing the soul of Italy, one dish at a time. This will be a culinary reflection of the rich tapestry of the sights, scents and flavours of Italian cuisine, which I am deeply passionate about.”

Curated by Franck Garanger, Anthology showcases refined Italian cuisine, taking guests on a unique culinary journey and offering a truly memorable gastronomic experience. Franck discovered his passion for cooking at an early age. He commenced his career as an apprentice at the Michelin Star restaurant, Le Vert D' Eau in Angers with French Master Chef Jean-François Piers. Prior to joining Explora Journeys, Franck has worked at numerous world-renowned restaurants alongside some of the most notable culinary names including Paul Bocuse, Alain Passard and Thierry Marx. Furthermore, Franck spent more than a decade for luxury ocean travel brands in leading culinary positions.

Each dish on the menu is a celebration of Italy’s finest regional ingredients and flavours, masterfully crafted to highlight the cultural brilliance and culinary heritage of the Mediterranean. The restaurant tells the story of Italy’s culinary brilliance through a creative expression of culture, heritage, and passion. The menu is an ingenious display of creativity – a vibrant tapestry of regional flavours and authentic ingredients. Highlights include Mediterranean seabass with Arabica coffee and tonka bean and scallop cannelloni with black truffe. Plant-based options are available for each course.

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the different styles and tastes of Italy’s universally loved cuisine, from the renowned delectable flavours of Piedmont’s truffle-rich countryside in the North to the famed specialties of Italy’s South. Each plate celebrates the local produce and time-honoured techniques of every region in Italy.

Set in contemporary, refined elegance, Anthology offers an intimate yet elevated dining atmosphere with the opportunity to dine outdoors overlooking the azure-blue waters of the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. The dining experience is complemented by impeccable, attentive service, ensuring every guest feels truly special. Dining at Anthology is truly a one-of-a-kind experience enabling discovery and enrichment, setting a new standard for luxury travel dining.

Note to Editors: The Anthology tasting menu is available at EUR 140 per person, with an optional wine pairing at EUR 60 per person.

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It's time you get to know Corvina.

Mike desimone and jeff jenssen, mike desimone and jeff jenssen's most recent stories, seriously, boxed wine is really good now, the largest private wine collection ever auctioned is heading to sotheby’s.

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The main grape in both Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG and Valpolicella DOC wines, Corvina is known for its fresh flavors of cherry and raspberry with notes of chocolate and spice. Amarone della Valpolicella is made mainly with this variety, which must comprise between 45 and 95 percent of the final blend. A variety called Corvinone that was mistaken for Corvina for many years can account for 50 percent of the Amarone blend. Another local grape, Rondinella, can be included in amounts between 5 and 30 percent, which may be rounded out by up to 25 percent of other varieties that include Mondinella and Molinara. Produced using a three- to four-month drying process called apassimento , Amarone offers boldly concentrated flavors and high alcohol that may mask Corvina’s more delicate nature.

Another producer of high-end Corvina is Allegrini, whose Allegrini La Poja Corvina Veronese IGT relies on rigorous grape selection and temperature-controlled fermentation prior to aging 20 months in new barrels, eight months in large used oak casks, and 10 months of bottle aging. Francesco Allegrini, CEO of Allegrini Wines calls it a “true snapshot of a vineyard in that specific year,” as opposed to his Amarone, which is made with 45 percent Corvina that also undergoes the appasimento process prior to fermentation. “We often say that Amarone is a wine made by men, while La Poja is a wine made by land and time,” he tells Robb Report.

Expect flavors of cherry, raspberry, cocoa, nutmeg, and black pepper with and hints of earthiness in a glass of Corvina. It is terrific with grilled beef or lamb, strong cheeses like Stilton or Époisses, wild boar (or heritage pork) ragu, risotto made with mushrooms, or pasta topped with truffles. Other producers to look for include Cesari, Tinazzi, Scriani, Cantine de Ora, and Scaia. Bottles from the likes of Zenato and Allegrini will age for up to 20 years, while more accessible pours are best drunk within five. IGT wines are produced with fewer regulations than DOC or DOCG wines, allowing winemakers wider leeway in terms of production yields, winemaking methods, aging time, and release dates.

We expect you will be seeing many more examples of non-DOC or DOCG single varietal Corvina as the trend for highly concentrated, high alcohol wine continues to decline. The modern age of gastronomy has ushered in a thirst for more elegant styles of wines, and tuned-in vintners are eager to comply with changing tastes in the global market. As Nadia Zenato points out, “Corvina Veronese is the backbone of a great wine such as Amarone but can express its own character even in single varietal form, with a modern and international stylistic approach.”

Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, also known as the World Wine Guys, are wine, spirits, food, and travel writers, educators, and hosts. They have been featured guests on the Today Show, The Martha…

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