Best Food Cities in Italy

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When you think of Italy, one of the first things that probably comes to mind is its incredible food. This country is the birthplace of countless culinary treasures, from pizza and pasta to burrata and gelato.

It's a true paradise for food lovers, who come from all corners of the globe to experience these gastronomic wonders in their authentic setting. There's something special about tasting famous Italian dishes right where they originated - and it's not an overstatement to say that everything tastes exponentially better here.

What makes Italian cuisine so remarkable is its diversity. Throughout Italy, you'll find fantastic food everywhere you go, but it's important to note that it varies greatly from city to city and region to region. Each area has its own unique specialties and culinary traditions, making every part of Italy a new adventure for your taste buds.

What are must-try foods in Italy?

Every part of Italy has its own food specialties you really should try. In the text below, we named most of them with info where to find each one. Here are some of the most famous food in Italy:

  • Pizza - You'll find the best in Naples
  • Gelato - Try it in Florence
  • Spaghetti alla Carbonara - Rome does it best
  • Tiramisù - Treviso is the place to go
  • Tagliatelle al ragù - Bologna makes it right
  • Arancini - Sicily is famous for these
  • Risotto alla Milanese - Of course, it's best in Milan
  • Burrata - Head to Puglia for this
  • Fiorentina steak - Tuscany is the spot
  • Cannoli - Another Sicilian favorite
  • Porcini and truffles - Umbria is known for these

Emilia-Romagna (Italian food capital)

If you are planning a foodie adventure in Italy, Emilia-Romagna, located between Tuscany and Veneto in the north of the country. This region is widely considered to be the food capital of Italy and it's now hard to see why.

Many delicious food products, such as Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham) and Aceto Balsamico di Modena (balsamic vinegar), originate from here. Many of the historic dairies, farms, vineyards and artisanal botteghe (workshops) that produce these ingredients are open for tours and tastings, making it perfect for foodies who want an educational, behind-the-scenes experience.

The region's main cities, too are also known for culinary excellence. Modena is home to the one of the most famous restaurants in the world, Massimo Bottura's iconic Osteria Francescana. Bologna is the place to go for pasta dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne verde and tortellini in brodo, as well as tigelle (bread pockets filled with cured meat and cheeses).

You can spend weeks trying delicious food here - don't miss Cotoletta alla Bolognese (delicious fried breaded veal cutlets, topped with prosciutto and Parmigiano and covered with broth and butter).

While staying in Bologna, make a train trips to wonderful little cities such as Parma (Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Culatello), Modena (do a Balsamic Vinegar tour) or Ferrara (try cappellacci alla zucca and salama de sugo).

We'd also recommend heading a little off the beaten track to visit the cities like Ravenna, Ferrara, Piacenza and Cesena for equally fabulous food in a quieter and more authentic setting. 

Alternatively, you can leave all the hard work to the experts and simple book organised week food tour. It includes everything from exclusive factory visits and cooking lessons, to museum visits, overnight stays in great hotels.


Tuscany

Tuscany is one of Italy's most popular places to visit. It's known for its beautiful countryside with rolling hills, long roads lined with pine trees, big vineyards, and pretty towns on hilltops. It's like a picture-perfect version of rural Italy, and its food matches this image.

Tuscan cooking is called 'cucina povera', which means "poor cooking". It uses simple, home-grown ingredients cooked just right in old-fashioned recipes. Some famous "poor" dishes are pappa al pomodoro, torta di ceci, panzanella, and crostini. Lampredotto sandwiches, made from cow stomach, show how they use every part of the animal. They're worth trying

You'll find all these dishes in the local trattorias in the city of Florence. For finding the best ones, book a guided food tour!

But Tuscany isn't just about simple food. It also has fancy restaurants - more than 30 with Michelin stars. Wine lovers will be happy too, with lots of great local wines to choose from. If you want something more casual, try a big Fiorentina steak in one of Florence's old steakhouses. After that, take a walk by the river with some homemade gelato. It's the perfect way to enjoy Tuscan food!

Plan Your Travel to Italy

Best Food Tours in Florence
Guide to Visiting the Uffizi
Best Cooking Classes in Rome