Italy

Contrary to popular belief, there is really no such thing as a national “Italian food”. Rather, what Italy offers is a variety of foods with distinct regional influences. Our travels through Italy have allowed us to sample foods from Piedmont to Puglia, and many points in between. Join us for a culinary journey through some of Italy’s most famous foods.

“They eat the dainty food of famous chefs with the same pleasure with which they devour gross peasant dishes, mostly composed of garlic and tomatoes, or fisherman’s octopus and shrimps, fried in heavily scented olive oil on a little deserted beach.”
-Luigi Barzini, Author of The Italians (1964)

Our Favourites

Each of these restaurants holds a special place in our hearts. Often, it’s more than just the food itself. It’s the richness of culture, the wonderful people behind the scenes, the way a spot makes us feel at home.

Antica Cantina

Recommended to us by a foodie friend in Bologna, this spot lived up to the hype and then some. Great pasta and roast pork shank, but the real star? The Pear Carpaccio – trust us on this!

La Bottega – San Gimignano

If you get away from the heavily touristed part of San Gimignano you’ll find this gem. A favourite amongst locals, pilgrims and backpackers in-the-know they rock the food and the service!

Osteria Pinchiorba

We’re infatuated with this hidden gem in the small town of Gambassi Terme. Imaginative, delicious food – gnudi, fried pecorino, duck carpaccio – and super chill vibe. Find it and just go!

Osteria La Sosta Violante

The Fiorentina steak here is famous for a reason. But don’t miss their pici with pork ragu or their Paccheri with Tuscan bacon, onion and ewe’s cheese. Or their . . . you get the picture!

Il Richiastro

This brilliant restaurant in Viterbo’s Old town is easy to miss. We were drawn through a portico into a courtyard by fabulous aromas. The food here is off-the-charts. Find it and enjoy!.

Trattoria La Lanterna

This family run trattoria came highly recommended by a local. Generous antipasti portions, and absolutely gorgeous pastas – easily in the top five of any pasta we’ve had anywhere.

Relive our travels in Italy

Our First Trip To Italy

Adventures from Ivrea to Piacenza

Exploring from Piacenza to Cassio

Italy From Berceto to Lucca

Travels from Lucca to Monteriggioni

Discovering Siena to Orvieto

Italy from Lazioto Rome

Other Great Spots:

We have eaten at each of these places, and genuinely loved our experience!

Bologna

Ragū

This very casual hole-in-the-wall has a playfully confident vibe that matches the unique, antique space perfectly. They serve delightful fresh pasta dishes and superb local wines. Seek them out when you’re in Bologna – you won’t regret it.

Il Forno di Calzolari

This Bologna institution has a number of locations serving amazing breads, savoury foods and baked treats. Friendly staff and outstanding food make this a go-to for locals.

Salumeria Simoni Laboratorio

Just amazing. Ask your waiter to help you put together a salumi platter of meats and cheeses. Get wine. Experience unadulterated food joy. Get more wine. Relax!

Osteria del Sole

Take the time to find this Bologna institution. They’ve been in continuous operation since the 1400’s, and specialize in local wine and charming, welcoming atmosphere. Bring your own salumi plate, settle in and enjoy!

Eataly Bologna Ambasciatori

A lovely spot for a light lunch. Tasty sandwiches and desserts, and of course delicious coffee. An attached bookshop and upstairs grocer make for great pre- or post-lunch browsing.

Osteria Solferino

A delightful osteria with friendly service and fabulous food. They’re well-known for respecting traditional Bolognese culinary traditions while adding imaginative twists on old classics. Well worth a visit.

Rome

Mandaloun

We came across this lovely Lebanese restaurant while taking a long walk (the best way to see Rome, btw) and relaxing in the Villa Borghese. The meze and drinks did no disappoint.

La Taverna Italiana

This small gem is located about a ten minute walk from Roma Termini. They serve wickedly good Roman classics with a relaxed flair and chill vibe. A favourite among locals and in-the-know travellers.

Mariuccia

Located in Piazza della Cancelleria, Mariuccia offers Neapolitan cuisine prepared with Calabrian influences from the owners’ upbringing. Excellent Pizza Napolitana, good pasta and cocktails.

Small Villages and Towns:

Places we found while walking the Via Francigena.

FE3.0 ( FEBO)

We took a number of “burger breaks” during our two months in Italy and this was the best of the bunch. Fabulous ingredients perfectly prepared and served in a funky setting. So good!

Ristorante Pizzeria Il Ponte

This is the best option for dinner in the small town of Ponte D’Arbia along the Via Francigena. Popular with locals, they serve delicious food (great roasted pork) at very fair prices.

Pokè Flash Lucca

if you find yourself looking for a delicious, fresh take out option to enjoy while perched on the medieval wall of Lucca’s Old Town, this is your place. Generous, delicious portions at a great price!

L’Hamburgheraccio

A solid choice for an upscale take on classic burgers. The fresh meat ground to order with options for truffle add-ons. The home fries are spectacular. Order a glass of wine and enjoy!

New Hong Kong

If you’re in Italy for a long time and want a bit of non-Italian food for a change of pace, New Hong Kong is a good choice. A wee bit out of the way from Lucca’s old town charms, but worth a visit.

Ristorante La Grotta

Wander the beautiful laneways of Radicofani’s Old Town until you find this lively local favourite. A huge grotto interior and great service makes the down-home food taste all the better.

Find this content enjoyable and useful? Buy us a coffee!

Many people tell us that our advice saves them time and helps them make better food and travel decisions. We love to hear that; we put a lot of thought, time, effort, and financial investment into providing you with advice and creating this content. If you feel that our content has helped you make plans, or if you just enjoy what we offer, please consider supporting our work with a consideration (no amount is too small). We thank you sincerely for your confidence in us!

Donate

Know of a restaurant we should add?

So much more to explore!

Albania Restaurants

After two months hiking in Italy we visited Albania for the first time. Six weeks of delicious food adventures have us determined to go back again and again.

Travel

We’ve been lucky enough to travel the world. Here we’ll share our discoveries, including practical information to help you plan you own trips on a budget.

All Things Food

Being a traveller and being a foodie go hand-in-hand. Food experiences immersed in culture and place ROCK! Explore all the wonders that food has to offer.

Our Favourite Foodie Resources

Maribel Tastes of Italy

We met one of our favourite Italian instagrammers “in the real” on our visit to Bologna. Maribel teaches pasta making and does great food tours in Bologna.

Italy Foodies

Lori and Angelo are a travel writer and photography team who have been “slow travelling” Italy for ten years. They are a wealth of information on food travel in Italy.

Italy Magazine

Eponymous magazines are always a good starting point for travellers, and this is no exception. Their food recommendations and commentary are well worth a look.