Hear from Caroline Bowerman, an experienced and qualified local Travel Consultant, with over 30 years of industry experience. Caroline offers an unrivalled service helping her clients to plan and tailor all types of holiday whilst offering personal assistance before, during and after their trip.
When I think of Italy, I seem to think of food and wine before anything else, do you?
No matter where you head to in Italy, the Italians are all so passionate about food and it’s a big
feature of any holiday!
Each region tells its own story through food. From north to south, the country offers a diversity of flavours, ingredients, and cooking traditions that reflect its rich history and deep regional pride. For food lovers, exploring Italy is less about checking off tourist attractions and more about discovering local dishes, bustling markets, and age-old cooking methods.
Start your journey in the north with the elegance of Milan and the richness of Piedmont. In Milan, try risotto alla Milanese, saffron-infused and creamy, often served with Ossobuco. Travel west to Piedmont, home of the Slow Food movement and famous for white truffles, Barolo wine, and hearty dishes like Tajarin pasta with butter and sage.
Venice offers a taste of the sea with Sarde in Saor (sweet and sour sardines) and creamy risotto
Al Nero di Seppia (squid ink risotto – this is yum!). Head south to Emilia-Romagna, widely considered the gastronomic heart of Italy. Here, feast on handmade tortellini, rich Ragu alla Bolognese, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and cured meats like Prosciutto di Parma.
Tuscany offers rustic, hearty flavors with dishes like Ribollita, Panzanella, and the iconic Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Pair them with robust wines such as Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino. In Rome, street food is king – try Supplì (fried rice balls), Pizza al Taglio, and the classic Roman pastas: Carbonara, Amatriciana, and Cacio e pepe, all showcasing minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
As you travel south, flavours become more intense and Mediterranean. In Naples, the birthplace of pizza (who doesn’t love traditional Italian pizza!), order a traditional Margherita with buffalo mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes from a wood-fired oven.
Naples also boasts incredible seafood and desserts like Sfogliatella and Babà al rum. In Sicily, explore Arab, Greek,
and Spanish influences in dishes like Arancini, Caponata, and Pasta alla Norma. Don’t miss Cannoli or a Granita (flavoured ice) with brioche for breakfast.
Italy’s islands and smaller towns often hide the most surprising culinary gems. On my trip to Sardinia last year, I was offered Porceddu (roast suckling pig) and Pane carasau (crispy flatbread which I bought loads of at the airport to bring home!), while regions like Puglia charm with Orecchiette pasta, fresh burrata, and olive oil from ancient groves.
To truly experience Italian cuisine (and in fact I say this for any country you travel to), eat like a local: visit morning markets, dine in family-run trattorias, and linger over long meals. Every family run local restaurant offers a connection to the land, the people, and the culture and will often be a fraction of the price of the more touristy restaurants!
For food lovers, Italy is more than a country—it’s the perfect foodie adventure.
Get in touch to discuss your plans for your trip to Italy!
