We don’t need to tell you that Italian cuisine is so much more than just pizza and pasta. Each region in Italy, from Lombardy in the north to Sicily in the south, offers its own unique culinary treasures that are steeped in centuries-old traditions, offering a true treat to the palates of food lovers worldwide.
With this in mind, here’s our roundup of iconic eating and drinking experiences in Italy that you should experience at least once in your life.
Eating Pizza In Naples With A Knife & Fork
We had to start here, in the the birthplace of pizza, Naples. So revered is pizza here that it’s often said that the fathers of Italy want their sons to become one of two things; a footballer for Napoli or a pizzaioli – that’s a pizza chef to you and I.
Eating an authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples is a religious experience. There’s the heavenly fresh Neapolitan ingredients; think San Marzano tomatoes and the juiciest mozzarella. Then there’s the soft, digestible crust blistered and burnished in all the right places. And let’s not forget the omnipresent AVPN, or ‘pizza gods’, as we like to call them, making sure that each and every pizza is the best that they can be.
For those unfamiliar with the AVPN, they are (in our eyes) deities with a mission to promote and protect the authentic Neapolitan pizza, or “Verace Pizza Napoletana,” both in Italy and across the wider world.
Of course, there’s a plethora of pizzerias boasting authentic Neapolitan pizza. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose where to enjoy the perfect slice. The easiest way to spot a good pizzeria in the City of Sun is to look for Vera Pizza signs given by the The True Neapolitan Pizza Association (AVPN) above restaurant doors.
Alternatively, we’ve rounded up our picks of the the top 10 pizzerias in Naples to make things easier for you!
One final thing; pizza here is typically eaten with a knife and fork in restaurants. Simply start from the inner part of the pizza and work your way outwards, towards the crust. It’s also common to fold your pizza like a wallet and eat it on the go. When in Naples, as they say!
Sipping On Limoncello Along The Amalfi Coast
There’s only one way to experience the best limoncello in the world, and that is via Amalfi Drive. Enjoying a chilled glass of this light, citrus-scented liqueur while overlooking the stunning Amalfi coastline is a quintessential Italian summer experience, and one that needs to be tried in person.
That said, the lemon industry that makes limoncello is under threat threat due to industrialisation, changes in society and climate change. Unfortunately, the lemon grove areas dotted along the Amalfi coast have been in decline for the past 60 years.
However (and hopefully), as Tasting Table recently reported, an initiative called “Lemon Tours” has recently been launched in Amalfi.
They highlight that “tours have begun so that tourists to Amalfi can see the region’s famous Sfusato Amalfitano, which is also known as the Amalfi Coast lemon, and help revitalize the dying industry.”
The revered Amalfi Lemon (Sfusato Amalfitano), is, of course, the source of limoncello, but without the support of the tourist Euro, lemon farming is proving increasingly unsustainable. So, do your part, and go and take a lemon tour, drink plenty of limoncello and don’t forget to bring home a bottle of lemon-scented sunshine back for us!
Wine Tasting In Chianti
Between Florence and Siena, the Chianti region is Tuscany’s wine-making powerhouse. Wine tasting in Chianti is a must-try experience for anyone with a passion for viniculture.
Chianti is famed for its robust, complex wines, particularly its iconic Chianti Classico. Each vineyard has a distinct character which results in various blends of Sangiovese grapes, the superstar of this wine region.
Trying this wine in its birthplace allows you to truly appreciate its nuances. The experience transcends the realms of mere tasting and becomes an immersive voyage of sun-soaked vineyards, centuries-old cellars, and the ancient art of wine production.
Accordingly, there are plenty of Italy tour companies offering wine tasting experiences where you learn about the stringent regulations that make Chianti wines so special – from specific grape varietals the to ageing processes. There’s also the incredible landscape – rolling hills, medieval castles, and verdant vineyards – which adds an unforgettable backdrop to your wine-tasting journey.
Trying The Famous Four Pastas Of Rome
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and that means eating lots of pasta. There are four pasta dishes that dominate this city and are culinary constants, all of which are renowned globally, with each a variation on the other.
Firstly, we have carbonara, a creamy delight concocted from eggs, pecorino cheese, guanciale, and a twist of black pepper. Then there’s Cacio e Pepe, a deceptively simple yet flavour-filled dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper. Next up is Amatriciana, where guanciale sings in a gutsy tomato sauce, topped with pecorino and traditionally tossed through sturdy bucatini. Completing the line up is Gricia, which is a happy meeting of the melted fat of guanciale, grated pecorino, and an exercise in simplicity.
Many of us have experienced the omnipresent bastardised versions of these four pastas here in the UK. However, to try the real deal is another experience all together.
Read: 5 steps to the perfect spaghetti carbonara
Enjoying An Aperitivo In Milan
The Italian tradition of aperitivo was born in the bustling city of Milan in the 19th century. Essential to Italian culture, the aperitivo is more than just a pre-dinner drink, it’s a quintessential Italian experience, a celebration of leisure and conviviality.
Aperitivo takes its roots from Antonio Benedetto Carpano, the inventor of Vermouth in Turin, who had the novel idea to start serving his sweet, fortified wine as a ‘pre-opening’ to dinner. The culture then spread to Milan where it was welcomed with open arms and incorporated into the lifestyle of the Milanesi. It’s traditionally served wide array of snacks, from olives and chips to small tapas-style dishes.
Aperitivo is not merely about food and drink, but it’s also a time to converse, to engage, and to unwind. This ritual is a reflection of the Italian way of life – where pleasure, food, and friends come together. It’s a tradition that paints a vivid picture of the Italian ethos; to savour life’s moments, big and small.
Trying True Modena Balsamic In Bologna
If there is one thing the fine people of Modena cannot live without, it’s aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena; the traditional balsamic vinegar flows through their veins. It’s nothing like the commercial, watered down balsamic vinegar that you find on supermarket shelves on our shores.
Made from the unfermented juice of fully ripened white grapes, to be designated ‘traditional’ balsamic vinegar from Modena must be aged for a minimum of 12 years. To merit the gold label, it must be aged for a staggering 25 years. The result of this lengthy ageing is an intense, complex and sweetly mellow balsamic with such a concentrated flavour that just a few drops is all you need.
The last Sunday in September is the ideal time to visit Modena and pick up a bottle of ‘black gold’. It’s when Acetaie Aperte, which translates to open vinegar cellars, happens.
This is an annual festival where many of the local producers of aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to see the production process of balsamic vinegar. Visitors can taste different types of vinegar, learn about the history and culture of this regionally significant product, and often purchase the vinegar directly from the producers. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Museo del Balsamico Tradizionale just outside of Modena in the town of Spilamberto.
Bistecca Alla Fiorentina In Florence
Tuscan-style steak is a meat lover’s dream. Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a T-bone steak which packs bags of deep, rich flavour owing to its marbling and even distribution of fat, is the main draw here.
And with good reason. Cooked over hot coals and traditionally served rare, Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a celebration of quality beef and rustic cooking methods. Usually shared between two, it’s advisable to bring a friend (or a hearty appetite!). Pair it with a local red wine for a truly unforgettable meal.
Read: How to eat like a local in Tuscany
Truffle Hunting In Piedmont
In the Piedmont region, truffles are a prized delicacy. Joining a truffle hunting tour, led by experienced guides and their trained dogs, is a unique and exciting way to experience this aspect of Italian gastronomy. The hunt is usually followed by a truffle-based meal, a perfect end to the adventure.
Squid Risotto In Venice
In the winding waterways of Venice, an iconic culinary experience awaits – squid risotto or Risotto al Nero di Seppia. This sumptuous dish mirrors the serene elegance of the city, presenting a fascinating blend of earthy rice punctuated by the robust, briny flavour of squid.
What sets it apart is the squid ink, imparting a unique black hue and an intense sea-salt essence. The creaminess of the risotto, cooked al dente, balances the profound notes of the squid, resulting in a velvety mouthfeel and plenty of umami.
Sipping Espresso Standing Up
The espresso experience is not merely about coffee, but a cherished ritual central to the Italian lifestyle. Indeed, in Italy, coffee isn’t just about getting a caffeine fix – it’s a ritual and part of the culture and daily life. Most Italians start their day with a quick shot of espresso.
In Italy, when you order an espresso, you simply order “un caffè” (a coffee). Also, Italians typically enjoy their espresso standing up at the bar, rather than sitting at a table. An espresso should be drunk while it’s hot, usually within a couple of minutes of being made.
It’s considered bad manners to linger and sip on your espresso. Italians rarely, if ever, take their coffee to go. Coffee drinking is seen as a moment to pause and enjoy, rather than something to be consumed on the go.
Olive Oil Tasting
Italy is renowned for its olive oil, and participating in a tasting is a great way to appreciate this staple of Italian cuisine. From Liguria to Tuscany, many regions offer guided tastings where you can learn about the production process and discern the subtle differences between varieties. Wherever you are in the country (except, perhaps, the butter-led north), you’ll find the glorious green drop being celebrated. We could bathe in the stuff.
Pasta Con Le Sarde In Sicily
Pasta con le Sarde is a distinctive and traditional Sicilian dish that truly encapsulates the unique flavours and culinary history of the region. Essentially, it’s pasta with sardines, but really, it’s so much more than that. Where things get interesting is the addition of raisins and pine nuts, attributed to North African historical influences, and seafood friendly wild fennel, which grows abundantly on the island. This dish is deeply entrenched in Sicilian history and culture, and is especially popular during the La Festa Di San Giuseppe, which happens in mid March. Visit during this festival for the finest sardines around.
Walking The Prosecco Fields
In the rolling hills of Veneto, you’ll find the vineyards that produce Prosecco, Italy’s famous sparkling wine. Walking through these lush fields, you can witness the grape cultivation process firsthand. The experience culminates with a visit to a local winery where you can taste the fruits of the region’s labour.
Gelato Tasting
Finally, no trip to Italy would be complete without luxuriating in authentic Italian gelato. The best gelato is usually made fresh daily, so look for places displaying the sign ‘Produzione Propria’ or ‘Fatta in Casa’, which indicates in-house production.
While you can get amazing gelato all over Italy, perhaps our favourite spot of all is Ciampini, in Rome, who have been serving up heavenly gelato since 1941. Their must-try flavour is the classic, pure, and perfectly sweet Roman Hazelnut. It is, quite honestly, the best ice cream we’ve ever had.
