Every destination has its own unique culinary identity, and Italy is no exception. With a rich history of gastronomy, Italy’s cuisine reflects its diverse landscapes, regional traditions, and the passion of its people. Each region boasts signature dishes that have been perfected over generations, making Italy a true paradise for food lovers. Whilst on holiday in Italy, you’ll find an abundance of incredible culinary experiences waiting for you. To help you decide, here’s our ultimate foodie guide to eating in Italy, broken down by region, with top drinks included!
The Ultimate Guide to Food and Drink in Italy
Lombardy
Our Lake Como holidays offer the perfect opportunity to experience the Lombardy region, known for its stunning lakes, mountainous landscapes, and rich culinary traditions. Located in northern Italy, Lombardy’s cuisine is hearty, influenced by neighbouring Switzerland and Austria, with an emphasis on butter, cheese, and rice-based dishes. Many dishes in Lombardy reflect the colder climate, featuring slow-cooked meats, rich sauces, and creamy textures. The region is also home to some of Italy’s most famous cheeses, including Gorgonzola, Taleggio, and Grana Padano.
Top drinks and food in Lombardy:
- Risotto alla Milanese - A saffron-infused risotto, creamy and full of flavour.
- Ossobuco – Braised veal shank slow-cooked with white wine and vegetables.
- Cotoletta alla Milanese – A breaded and fried veal cutlet, similar to a schnitzel.
- Pizzoccheri – A buckwheat pasta dish with potatoes, cabbage, and melted cheese.
- Panettone – A traditional Christmas cake filled with candied fruit and raisins.
- Franciacorta – A sophisticated sparkling wine from the Franciacorta region, perfect for pairing with rich risottos.
- Orzata – A refreshing almond-based non-alcoholic drink, commonly enjoyed in Lombardy.
Veneto
Veneto, located in northeastern Italy, is a region famous for its picturesque canals, rolling vineyards, and incredible cuisine. The region's gastronomy is influenced by both the mountains and the Adriatic Sea, creating a unique blend of flavours. On our Lake Garda holidays, we’ll take day trips to Venice and Verona, two culinary hotspots where you can savour some of Italy’s most exquisite and comforting dishes.
Top drinks and food in Veneto:
- Bigoli in Salsa – Thick whole-wheat spaghetti served with a savoury sauce of onions and anchovies.
- Sarde in Saor – Marinated sardines with onions, vinegar, pine nuts, and raisins, a classic Venetian appetizer.
- Risi e Bisi – A creamy rice and pea dish that blends the texture of risotto with a soup-like consistency.
- Baccalà Mantecato – Whipped salted cod spread, typically served on crispy polenta or bread.
- Tiramisu – The world-famous coffee-flavoured dessert, believed to have originated in the Veneto region.
- Prosecco – A light and bubbly sparkling wine from the Veneto region, perfect for aperitivo or toasting any meal.
- Caffè d’Orzo – A caffeine-free barley coffee, a popular non-alcoholic alternative enjoyed in Veneto.
Tuscany
On our Tuscany holidays, you’ll explore a region renowned for its rolling hills, charming medieval towns, and world-class vineyards. Tuscany’s cuisine is rustic, featuring simple yet high-quality ingredients that highlight the region’s rich agricultural traditions.
Top drinks and food in Tuscany:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina – A thick-cut T-bone steak, grilled to perfection over an open flame.
- Ribollita – A hearty Tuscan soup made with bread, beans, and seasonal vegetables.
- Pappardelle al Cinghiale – Wide pasta ribbons served with a rich wild boar ragù.
- Panzanella – A refreshing bread and tomato salad, perfect for warm summer days.
- Cantucci e Vin Santo – Almond biscuits traditionally dipped in a sweet dessert wine.
- Chianti Classico – A bold and earthy red wine from the Tuscan region.
- Acqua di Nepi – A naturally sparkling mineral water, widely enjoyed in Tuscany as a refreshing alternative.
Lazio
On our Rome tours, you’ll discover the flavours of Lazio, home to Italy’s capital city, Rome, which is famous for its bold and flavourful dishes rooted in tradition. The region’s cuisine is characterised by rich sauces, aged cheeses, and hearty pastas.
Top drinks and food in Lazio:
- Spaghetti Carbonara – A simple yet indulgent pasta dish made with eggs, pecorino cheese, guanciale, and black pepper.
- Cacio e Pepe – Another classic Roman pasta dish featuring pecorino cheese and black pepper.
- Saltimbocca alla Romana – Thin slices of veal wrapped with prosciutto and sage, cooked in white wine.
- Supplì – Fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella, often served as a snack or appetizer.
- Maritozzi – Sweet brioche buns filled with whipped cream, a Roman breakfast favourite.
- Frascati – A crisp and aromatic white wine from the hills surrounding Rome.
- Caffè Shakerato – An iced espresso shaken until frothy, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Emilia-Romagna
On our Bologna short break, you’ll discover why Emilia-Romagna, and particularly its capital, Bologna, is often considered the culinary heart of Italy. Known for its rich and indulgent cuisine, Bologna is the birthplace of some of Italy’s most famous dishes, with a strong emphasis on handmade pasta, slow-cooked sauces, and high-quality cured meats.
Top drinks and food in Emilia Romagna:
- Tagliatelle al Ragù – The authentic version of what the world knows as Bolognese sauce, served with fresh egg pasta.
- Tortellini in Brodo – Small, stuffed pasta parcels traditionally served in a delicate meat broth.
- Lasagne alla Bolognese – Layers of fresh pasta, ragù, béchamel sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano baked to perfection.
- Mortadella – Bologna’s famous cured pork sausage, known for its smooth texture and rich flavour.
- Crescentine (Tigelle) – Small round breads, typically served with cured meats and cheeses.
- Lambrusco – A lightly sparkling red wine from the Emilia-Romagna region, perfectly complementing the region’s hearty dishes.
- Sanguinaccio Dolce – A chocolate and cinnamon-infused non-alcoholic dessert drink often enjoyed in winter.
Liguria
On our The Italian Riviera including Cinque Terre & Genoa tour, you’ll discover Liguria, a coastal region in northwestern Italy famous for its breathtaking landscapes, fresh seafood, and vibrant cuisine. The region’s culinary culture is deeply influenced by its Mediterranean location, with an emphasis on aromatic herbs, olive oil, and freshly caught fish. Cinque Terre, a picturesque stretch of coastline, and Genoa, Liguria’s capital, are two of the best places to experience the region’s flavours.
Top drinks and food in Liguria:
- Pesto alla Genovese – A fragrant basil sauce made with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil, traditionally served with trofie pasta.
- Farinata – A savoury chickpea flour pancake with a crispy exterior and soft centre, often enjoyed as a street snack.
- Focaccia Genovese – A soft and salty flatbread, sometimes topped with olives, onions, or rosemary.
- Acciughe Ripiene – Stuffed anchovies, a popular seafood delicacy in coastal Ligurian towns.
- Pansoti with Walnut Sauce – A stuffed pasta dish filled with wild greens and served with a creamy walnut sauce.
- Sciacchetrà - A sweet, amber-coloured dessert wine produced in Cinque Terre, perfect for sipping with pastries or cheese.
- Chinotto – A non-alcoholic citrus soda made from the Chinotto orange, a Ligurian favourite.
Campania
On our Sorrento holidays, you’ll discover Campania, home to the Amalfi Coast and Naples, which boasts some of Italy’s most iconic dishes. With its volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate, the region produces world-famous ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fragrant lemons.
Top drinks and food in Campania:
- Pizza Margherita – The classic Neapolitan pizza with tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
- Sfogliatella – A crisp, shell-shaped pastry filled with ricotta, citrus, and cinnamon.
- Pasta alla Genovese – A slow-cooked onion and beef sauce served over pasta.
- Melanzane alla Parmigiana – Layered aubergine with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Babà al Rum – A small, spongy cake soaked in rum syrup.
- Limoncello – A vibrant, refreshing lemon liqueur made from Amalfi lemons.
- Chinotto – A non-alcoholic, bittersweet citrus soda enjoyed as a refreshing alternative.
Sardinia
On our Highlights of Sardinia tour, you’ll experience the unique and ancient culinary traditions of Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean. The island’s cuisine is a mix of fresh seafood, pastoral ingredients, and bold, rustic flavours.
Top drinks and food in Sardinia:
- Porceddu – Slow-roasted suckling pig, crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Fregola con Arselle – Small, toasted pasta balls served with clams in a fragrant tomato and saffron sauce.
- Seadas – Deep-fried pastry filled with fresh pecorino cheese and drizzled with honey.
- Pane Carasau – Thin, crispy flatbread originally made for shepherds to carry on long journeys.
- Malloreddus – Small ridged pasta, often served with sausage and saffron-infused tomato sauce.
- Cannonau di Sardegna – A robust red wine with deep berry flavours.
- Mirto – A traditional Sardinian non-alcoholic myrtle berry drink, known for its aromatic and slightly sweet taste.
Puglia
When you take a holiday in Puglia, you’ll discover a region in southeastern Italy known for its stunning coastline, olive groves, and agricultural richness. Puglia’s cuisine is simple yet flavourful, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, vegetables, and handmade pasta.
Top drinks and food in Puglia:
- Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa – Handmade ear-shaped pasta served with turnip greens, garlic, and anchovies.
- Focaccia Barese – A soft and crispy bread topped with tomatoes, olives, and oregano.
- Tiella di Riso, Patate e Cozze – A layered dish of rice, potatoes, and mussels baked to perfection.
- Burrata – A creamy, fresh cheese made from mozzarella and cream, often served with tomatoes and olive oil.
- Cartellate – Fried pastry spirals drizzled with honey or vincotto, traditionally enjoyed during Christmas.
- Primitivo di Manduria – A full-bodied red wine known for its rich, fruity flavour.
- Caffè Leccese – A refreshing iced coffee with almond syrup, perfect for hot summer days.
Sicily
On our Sicily tours, you’ll experience the cuisine of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, which has been influenced by Greek, Arab, and Spanish cultures. Known for its abundant seafood, rich pasta dishes, and indulgent desserts, Sicilian food is a true reflection of the island’s history and diverse heritage.
Top drinks and food in Sicily:
- Arancini – Deep-fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, or peas.
- Caponata – A sweet and sour eggplant dish with tomatoes, olives, and capers.
- Pasta alla Norma – Pasta with fried aubergine, ricotta salata, and a rich tomato sauce.
- Cannoli – Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often topped with chocolate or pistachios.
- Granita – A semi-frozen dessert made with sugar, water, and fresh fruit, often enjoyed with brioche.
- Marsala Wine – A fortified wine from the town of Marsala, used in both cooking and as a dessert wine.
- Almond Granita – A refreshing non-alcoholic almond-flavoured crushed ice drink, perfect for warm Sicilian days.
Italy’s diverse regional cuisines and drinks offer something for every palate. Whether you prefer the comforting risottos of Lombardy, the world-famous pizza of Campania, or the indulgent pasta dishes of Bologna, each region has its own delicious story to tell. Pair your meal with the perfect local drink, and you’ll experience Italian dining the way it was meant to be—full of flavour, tradition, and a passion for food and wine. Feeling hungry yet? Explore these foodie hot spots and more with our great range of holidays to Italy.
