Italy captivates travelers with its unparalleled blend of ancient history, Renaissance art, and world-renowned cuisine. From the romantic canals of Venice to the ancient ruins of Rome, the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic Amalfi Coast, Italy offers diverse experiences across its varied regions.
Italian cuisine is one of the world's most celebrated — a mosaic of fiercely regional traditions rather than a single national cuisine. Naples invented pizza; Bologna gave the world ragù, tortellini, and tagliatelle; Rome claims carbonara, cacio e pepe, and supplì; Venice offers risotto nero and sarde in saor; Sicily blends Arab, Norman, and Greek flavors. Quality ingredients, seasonal cooking, and honest simplicity define the best Italian food. The concept is deeply local: a Neapolitan would be offended by putting cream in carbonara, and a Roman would never eat pizza with thick crust.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Italy.
Pizza Margherita (Naples)
The original — thin Neapolitan wood-fired crust, San Marzano DOP tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil. Created in 1889 for Queen Margherita. UNESCO-protected culinary art form.
Where to try: L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Via Cesare Sersale 1, Naples)
Price: €5-10
Cacio e Pepe (Rome)
Rome's most elemental pasta dish — tonnarelli pasta tossed with aged Pecorino Romano and black pepper, emulsified into a glossy sauce with pasta water. Deceptively simple, demanding technical skill to execute properly.
Where to try: Ristorante Roma Sparita, Piazza Santa Cecilia, Trastevere, Rome
Price: €12-18
Risotto alla Milanese (Milan)
Golden saffron risotto — a Milanese institution since the 16th century — made with Carnaroli rice, beef marrow, white wine, saffron, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Traditionally served alongside ossobuco veal shank.
Where to try: Trattoria Milanese, Via Santa Marta 11, Milan
Price: €15-22
Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florence)
Florentine T-bone steak from Chianina cattle, grilled rare over charcoal, seasoned only with salt, olive oil, and rosemary. Minimum 600g, often served for two — the pinnacle of Tuscan meat cooking.
Where to try: Trattoria Mario, Via Rosina 2, Florence; or Buca Mario, Piazza degli Ottaviani 16
Price: €35-60 per kg
Sarde in Saor (Venice)
Venice's ancient sweet-sour fried sardines marinated with onions, pine nuts, raisins, vinegar, and sometimes cinnamon — a recipe unchanged since medieval times, reflecting Venice's trading past. Served as cicchetti in bacari.
Where to try: Osteria all'Arco, Calle dell'Arco 436, near Rialto, Venice
Price: €3-6 per portion
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Osteria Francescana
Three-Michelin-star restaurant by Massimo Bottura ranked among world's best. Innovative dishes reinterpret Italian classics with artistic presentation and exceptional wine pairings in intimate Modena setting.
Via Stella, 22, 41121 Modena MO
Trattoria Da Enzo al 29
Beloved Trastevere trattoria serves authentic Roman cuisine with daily handwritten menus. The intimate setting and traditional dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara draw locals and visitors alike.
Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma RM
All'Antico Vinaio
Florence's most famous sandwich shop serves enormous schiacciata filled with premium Tuscan meats, cheeses, and creative combinations. Lines wrap around the corner but move quickly.
Via dei Neri, 74r, 50122 Firenze FI
Trapizzino
Innovative street food concept serves triangular pockets of pizza dough filled with classic Roman dishes. Multiple Rome locations offer quick, delicious, and uniquely Roman experience.
Via Giovanni Branca, 88, 00153 Roma RM
Caffè Florian
Venice's oldest cafe opened in 1720 in St. Mark's Square serves coffee, pastries, and Prosecco in ornate Belle Époque rooms. The live orchestra and historic atmosphere justify premium prices.
Piazza San Marco, 57, 30124 Venezia VE
La Pergola
Rome's only three-Michelin-star restaurant atop the Rome Cavalieri hotel offers panoramic city views and exquisite cuisine by chef Heinz Beck. The wine cellar holds 60,000 bottles and service is impeccable.
Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Roma RM
Trattoria Mario
Florence institution since 1953 serves hearty Tuscan fare at communal tables with no-frills atmosphere. Locals pack this spot near Mercato Centrale for authentic bistecca and ribollita at excellent prices.
Via Rosina, 2r, 50123 Firenze FI
Pizzeria Spontini
Milan's legendary thick-crust pizza al taglio (by the slice) draws crowds for its rich, rectangular slices. The classic margherita and simple menu have satisfied Milanese since 1953.
Via Gaspare Spontini, 4, 20131 Milano MI
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Italian
Il Pagliaccio
Two-Michelin-star intimate restaurant near Piazza Navona serves creative Italian-Asian fusion tasting menus. Chef Anthony Genovese's innovative dishes and excellent service create memorable dining experience.
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 129/A, 00186 Roma RM
Da Vittorio
Three-Michelin-star family-run restaurant in Bergamo combines traditional Lombard ingredients with innovative techniques. The elegant villa setting and impeccable service complement exceptional cuisine.
Via Cantalupa, 17, 24060 Brusaporto BG
St. Hubertus
Three-Michelin-star mountain restaurant in the Dolomites features cuisine inspired by Alpine terroir with breathtaking mountain views. Chef Norbert Niederkofler's 'Cook the Mountain' philosophy showcases local ingredients.
Strada Micurà de Rü, 20, 39036 Badia BZ
Piazza Duomo
Three-Michelin-star restaurant in Alba's main square serves innovative Piedmontese cuisine celebrating local truffles, wines, and seasonal ingredients. Chef Enrico Crippa's artful presentations match the sophisticated flavors.
Piazza Risorgimento, 4, 12051 Alba CN
Reale
Three-Michelin-star restaurant in Abruzzo mountains combines state-of-the-art technique with wild mountain ingredients. Chef Niko Romito's minimal, refined dishes highlight pure flavors in stunning modern setting.
Castel di Sangro, 67031 L'Aquila AQ
Le Calandre
Three-Michelin-star restaurant near Padua run by the Alajmo family offers state-of-the-art cuisine in a modern setting. Chef Massimiliano Alajmo's innovative dishes push Italian culinary boundaries.
Via Liguria, 1, 35030 Sarmeola di Rubano PD
Imàgo
Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant atop Hotel Hassler near Spanish Steps offers panoramic Rome views and innovative cuisine. Chef Andrea Antonini's creative dishes complement the spectacular setting.
Piazza Trinità dei Monti, 6, 00187 Roma RM
Cracco
Two-Michelin-star restaurant in Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II by celebrity chef Carlo Cracco serves innovative Italian cuisine. The elegant multi-level space includes fine dining and casual options.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 20121 Milano MI
Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia
Two-Michelin-star Milan institution serves refined traditional Italian cuisine with seasonal ingredients. The cozy atmosphere and classic dishes prepared with modern techniques create timeless dining experience.
Via Privata Raimondo Montecuccoli, 6, 20147 Milano MI
Prosciutteria
Multiple locations across Italy serve excellent charcuterie boards, cheese plates, and truffle dishes. The casual wine bar atmosphere and quality products offer great value.
Multiple locations (Florence, Rome, Venice, Verona)
Tuscan
Cibrèo Trattoria
Affordable sister restaurant to Michelin-starred Cibrèo serves same quality Tuscan cuisine at lower prices. No pasta, just innovative meat and vegetable dishes showcasing Florentine cooking.
Via Andrea del Verrocchio, 2r, 50122 Firenze FI
Trattoria Sostanza
Hidden Florence gem since 1869 serves legendary butter chicken and bistecca at marble counters. The no-frills atmosphere and exceptional traditional cooking make this a local favorite.
Via della Porcellana, 25r, 50123 Firenze FI
La Giostra
Florence restaurant run by Habsburg prince serves romantic Tuscan cuisine with Austrian touches. The intimate candlelit atmosphere and excellent food create special dining experience.
Borgo Pinti, 12r, 50121 Firenze FI
Osteria di Giovanni
Classic Florence trattoria near Palazzo Pitti serves generous portions of traditional Tuscan dishes. The welcoming atmosphere and consistent quality make this a reliable choice for authentic regional cuisine.
Via del Moro, 22r, 50123 Firenze FI
Trattoria Toscana
Milan's best Tuscan restaurant brings Florence flavors to Lombardy with exceptional bistecca, pici, and Chianti. The rustic atmosphere and authentic recipes satisfy cravings for Tuscan cuisine.
Viale Bligny, 15, 20136 Milano MI
Cantinetta Antinori
Wine bar-restaurant in Palazzo Antinori showcases the famous family's wines paired with excellent Tuscan cuisine. The elegant Renaissance setting and premium ingredients create refined dining.
Piazza degli Antinori, 3, 50123 Firenze FI
Seafood
Osteria alle Testiere
Tiny Venice seafood restaurant with just nine tables serves exceptional fresh fish and shellfish. The daily-changing menu features creative Venetian dishes and excellent wine selection.
Calle del Mondo Novo, 5801, 30122 Venezia VE
Da Adolfo
Beachfront restaurant on Positano's Laurito beach serves fresh seafood, grilled fish, and famous mozzarella. Take the free boat from Positano beach for relaxed coastal dining.
Spiaggia di Laurito, 40, 84017 Positano SA
Uliassi
Three-Michelin-star seafood restaurant on the Adriatic coast in Senigallia serves innovative fish dishes with beachfront views. The creative tasting menus showcase the best of Italian coastal cuisine.
Banchina di Levante, 6, 60019 Senigallia AN
Taverna del Capitano
Two-Michelin-star seafood restaurant on the Amalfi Coast in Marina del Cantone serves exceptional fish dishes with sea views. The terrace dining and fresh local catch create quintessential coastal experience.
Piazza delle Sirene, 10/11, 80061 Massa Lubrense NA
Pescheria Mattiucci
Venice fish shop by day transforms into casual seafood restaurant at night. Choose from daily fresh fish display, they cook it simply, and you enjoy with wine at communal tables.
Sestiere di Cannaregio, 1355, 30121 Venezia VE
Historic Cafe
Antico Caffè Greco
Rome's oldest bar opened in 1760 near Spanish Steps has hosted Casanova, Goethe, and Byron. The elegant rooms and excellent espresso continue centuries of tradition.
Via dei Condotti, 86, 00187 Roma RM
Caffè Gilli
Florence's elegant cafe on Piazza della Repubblica since 1733 serves pastries, aperitivi, and coffee in Art Nouveau interiors. The terrace people-watching and historic setting create quintessential Florentine experience.
Piazza della Repubblica, 39r, 50123 Firenze FI
Caffè Pedrocchi
Padua's legendary cafe opened in 1831 features elegant neoclassical rooms and once stayed open 24/7 for students. The historic piano nobile upstairs houses museum of Risorgimento.
Via VIII Febbraio, 15, 35122 Padova PD
Neapolitan Pizza
L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Naples pizza institution since 1870 serves only two pizzas - Marinara and Margherita - made to perfection. The simple menu, fast service, and authentic wood-fired pies draw massive crowds.
Via Cesare Sersale, 1/3, 80139 Napoli NA
Pizzeria Starita
Historic Naples pizzeria where Julia Roberts filmed 'Eat Pray Love' serves excellent Neapolitan pizza. The montanara (fried pizza) and traditional pies maintain high quality since 1901.
Via Materdei, 27/28, 80136 Napoli NA
Il Pizzaiuolo
Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria in Florence run by Naples natives serves the city's best wood-fired pizza. The simple menu and no-reservations policy mean queues but excellent pies.
Via de' Macci, 113r, 50122 Firenze FI
Bakery
Antica Forno Roscioli
Historic Rome bakery serves exceptional pizza bianca (white pizza) and pizza rossa (red pizza) by weight. The crispy, fluffy flatbread makes perfect quick lunch or snack.
Via dei Chiavari, 34, 00186 Roma RM
Forno Campo de' Fiori
Popular Rome bakery in Campo de' Fiori square serves fresh-baked pizza, focaccia, and pastries all day. The pizza bianca con mortadella draws constant crowds.
Campo de' Fiori, 22, 00186 Roma RM
Roman Coffee Bar
Sant'Eustachio Il Caffè
Rome's most famous espresso bar near Pantheon serves secret-recipe coffee since 1938. The gran caffè (sweetened espresso) draws coffee pilgrims from around the world.
Piazza di S. Eustachio, 82, 00186 Roma RM
La Casa del Caffè Tazza d'Oro
Historic coffee bar near Pantheon roasts its own beans and serves excellent espresso. The granita di caffè (coffee slush) with whipped cream is summer favorite.
Via degli Orfani, 84/86, 00186 Roma RM
Florentine Street Food
Nerbone
Historic stand in Florence's Mercato Centrale serves legendary lampredotto (tripe sandwich) and bollito (boiled meat) since 1872. Authentic working-class Florentine food at rock-bottom prices.
Mercato Centrale, Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123 Firenze FI
Food Hall
Mercato Centrale Firenze
Two-floor food market near San Lorenzo features artisan food vendors, restaurants, and bars. Upstairs showcases Tuscan products from pizza to pasta, meat, and gelato.
Via dell'Ariento, 10/12, 50123 Firenze FI
French
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Florence's three-Michelin-star restaurant in a Renaissance palazzo features innovative cuisine and Italy's most prestigious wine cellar with over 150,000 bottles. The garden courtyard dining creates romantic atmosphere.
Via Ghibellina, 87, 50122 Firenze FI
Gelato
Grom
High-quality gelato chain uses natural ingredients and traditional methods. Multiple locations across Italy serve exceptional flavors including seasonal specialties and classic favorites.
Multiple locations throughout Italy
Lombard
Antica Osteria del Ponte
Historic Milanese osteria serves traditional Lombard cuisine including risotto, ossobuco, and cotoletta. The old-world charm and classic recipes maintain centuries of culinary tradition.
Piazza Santo Stefano, 3, 20122 Milano MI
Lucchese
Ristorante Buca di Sant'Antonio
Historic Lucca restaurant since 1782 serves traditional Lucchese cuisine in atmospheric medieval setting. The homemade pasta, meat dishes, and local wines showcase Tuscan culinary heritage.
Via della Cervia, 3, 55100 Lucca LU
Mediterranean
Quattro Passi
Two-Michelin-star restaurant above Positano offers stunning Amalfi Coast views with sophisticated coastal cuisine. The terrace dining and local seafood create quintessential Italian Riviera experience.
Via Amerigo Vespucci, 13N, 80061 Massa Lubrense NA
Milanese
Ratanà
Modern Milan osteria revives traditional Lombard recipes with contemporary flair in industrial-chic setting. The canal-side location and innovative takes on classics create memorable dining.
Via Gaetano de Castillia, 28, 20124 Milano MI
Milanese Pastry Shop
Pasticceria Marchesi
Milan's historic pastry shop since 1824 serves exquisite pastries, chocolates, and coffee in elegant Art Deco setting. Now owned by Prada but maintaining traditional quality.
Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/A, 20123 Milano MI
Modern Coffee Shop
Ditta Artigianale
Florence's specialty coffee pioneer serves single-origin espresso, pour-overs, and modern brunch. The hip atmosphere and quality coffee attract younger crowd seeking alternatives to traditional bars.
Via dello Sprone, 5r, 50125 Firenze FI
Neapolitan Fried Food
Friggitoria Viva lo Re
Naples street food shop specializes in fried foods including frittatina, arancini, and pizza fritta. The quick service and low prices offer authentic Neapolitan snacking.
Via Ferrante Imparato, 147, 80146 Napoli NA
Neapolitan Pastries
Sfogliatella Mary
Naples pastry shop famous for warm sfogliatelle (shell-shaped pastries) filled with ricotta. The flaky layers and sweet filling make perfect breakfast or snack.
Galleria Umberto I, 66, 80132 Napoli NA
Pizza
Gusta Pizza
Beloved Florence pizzeria in Oltrarno serves excellent thin-crust pizza to locals and students. The casual atmosphere, fair prices, and quality pies create authentic neighborhood experience.
Via Maggio, 46r, 50125 Firenze FI
Pugliese
I Trulli
Authentic Pugliese restaurant in Rome serves southern Italian specialties including orecchiette, burrata, and bombette. The rustic atmosphere and reasonable prices offer taste of Puglia in the capital.
Via Luigi Luzzatti, 9, 00185 Roma RM
Roman Bakery
Antico Forno Marco Roscioli
Family bakery near Campo de' Fiori serves exceptional pizza al taglio, focaccia, and traditional Roman baked goods. The pizza bianca remains a local favorite for quick meals.
Via dei Chiavari, 34, 00186 Roma RM
Roman Deli
Roscioli
Rome's renowned deli-restaurant combines exceptional salumi, cheese, and wine with creative pasta dishes. The small space and incredible quality make reservations essential at this foodie favorite.
Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM
Roman Pasta
Osteria da Fortunata
Rome pasta restaurant features window where fresh pasta is hand-rolled all day. Watch the pasta-making while enjoying classic Roman dishes at excellent prices near Campo de' Fiori.
Via del Pellegrino, 11, 00186 Roma RM
Roman Pizza
Trastevere Eatalian
Casual Rome pizzeria serves traditional Roman thin-crust pizza with quality toppings in lively Trastevere neighborhood. Great value and fun atmosphere make this local favorite.
Via di San Francesco a Ripa, 158, 00153 Roma RM
Roman Street Food
Supplizio
Specialized supplì (fried rice balls) shop near Trastevere serves creative variations on classic Roman street food. The crispy exterior and melted mozzarella center make perfect snack.
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 143, 00186 Roma RM
Sandwiches
Paninoteca Mangio
Rome sandwich shop near Trevi Fountain serves creative panini with quality ingredients at fair prices. The porchetta and truffle options offer gourmet take-away experience.
Via del Lavatore, 37, 00187 Roma RM
Sicilian Contemporary
Duomo
Two-Michelin-star restaurant in Ragusa celebrates Sicilian ingredients with innovative presentations. Chef Ciccio Sultano's creative cuisine highlights the island's rich culinary heritage in elegant setting.
Via Capitano Bocchieri, 31, 97100 Ragusa RG
Sicilian Street Food
Paninoteca da Salza
Palermo sandwich shop serves pane con panelle (chickpea fritters) and pane con milza (spleen sandwich) - classic Sicilian street food. The authentic flavors and low prices attract locals.
Via Maqueda, 184, 90133 Palermo PA
Street Food
Luini Panzerotti
Milan institution since 1949 serves hot fried panzerotti (stuffed pastries) with savory and sweet fillings. The take-away shop near Duomo draws constant crowds for quick, delicious snacks.
Via Santa Radegonda, 16, 20121 Milano MI
Turinese Cafe
Caffè Mulassano
Turin's Art Nouveau gem since 1907 invented the tramezzino (triangular sandwich). The ornate Belle Époque interiors and excellent coffee create elegant refreshment stop.
Piazza Castello, 15, 10123 Torino TO
Venetian
Trattoria al Gazzettino
Family-run Venice trattoria away from tourist areas serves authentic Venetian seafood and pasta. The warm hospitality and traditional recipes create genuine local dining experience.
Calle dei Fabbri, 4971, 30124 Venezia VE
Venetian Cafe
Gamberinus
St. Mark's Square cafe since 1890 competes with Florian for elegance and history. The waterfront terrace and refined pastries offer classic Venetian cafe experience.
Piazza San Marco, 152, 30124 Venezia VE
Food tours & tastings in Italy
Eat your way through Italy with a guide.
Browse food experiences in ItalyWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Supplì al Telefono (Rome)
Crispy fried rice balls filled with ragù and mozzarella — when broken, the melted cheese stretches like a telephone wire, giving the name. Rome's quintessential street snack, eaten hot from paper cones.
Find it at: Supplì Roma, Via di San Francesco a Ripa 137, Trastevere; and across Rome
Pizza al Taglio (Rome)
Pizza sold by weight, cut from large rectangular trays — toppings change daily including potato-rosemary, eggplant-mozzarella, or gorgonzola-pear. Gabriele Bonci's Pizzarium in Prati revolutionized the form.
Find it at: Pizzarium Bonci, Via della Meloria 43, Prati, Rome; or Forno Campo de' Fiori
Arancino / Arancina (Sicily)
Fried risotto balls — cone-shaped in Eastern Sicily, round in Palermo — filled with ragù and peas, or butter and béchamel. Dispute whether the name is masculine (Catania) or feminine (Palermo) is a genuine cultural controversy.
Find it at: Friggitoria Chiluzzo, Via Calderai 47, Palermo; or any Sicilian bar
Lampredotto Sandwich (Florence)
Florence's most traditional street food — slow-cooked cow's fourth stomach served in a soft roll, dipped in broth, with salsa verde or spicy oil. Eaten standing at mobile carts (trippai) by Florentines since medieval times.
Find it at: Nerbone, Mercato Centrale, San Lorenzo; or Tripperia Trippaio del Porcellino, Piazza del Mercato Nuovo
Pane con la Milza (Palermo)
Palermo's ancient street food — braised veal spleen and lung, fried in lard, stuffed into a sesame roll with fresh caciocavallo cheese and lemon juice. A 500-year-old Jewish butcher tradition still thriving.
Find it at: Focacceria San Francesco, Via Alessandro Paternostro 58, Palermo
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mercato Centrale, Florence
Spectacular 19th-century iron-and-glass market building at San Lorenzo with ground floor traditional market stalls and transformed upper floor with artisan food producers, restaurants, and bars open daily until midnight.
Hours: Ground floor: Mon-Sat 7AM-2PM; Upper floor: Daily 8AM-midnight
Mercato di Rialto, Venice
Venice's 1,000-year-old market beside the Rialto Bridge divides into pescheria (fish market) and erberia (produce market). Watch Venetian chefs select Adriatic seafood, lagoon artichokes, and radicchio rosso di Treviso.
Hours: Tue-Sat 7AM-2PM (fish); Mon-Sat 7AM-1PM (produce)
Vucciria Market, Palermo
Palermo's most ancient market runs through medieval alleyways near the port with butchers, fishmongers, olive sellers, and street food vendors. Chaotic, aromatic, and authentically Sicilian. Evening becomes an outdoor bar scene.
Hours: Daily 8AM-2PM (market); evenings for bars and food
Mercato di Porta Nolana, Naples
Naples' most authentic seafood market near Piazza Garibaldi with spectacular Neapolitan fish vendors, mozzarella and cheese stalls, and mountain vegetable sellers. The fish seller theatrics are a show in themselves.
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-2PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is the main restaurant meal in Italy — same quality food costs 30-40% less at pranzo (lunch) vs cena (dinner), especially at working-class trattorias
Trattoria vs Ristorante: trattorias are family-run, cheaper, more authentic; ristoranti are formal, pricier, sometimes better quality. Osterie are wine-focused with simple food. Enoteca is wine bar with small plates.
Cover charge (coperto €1-4) and bread appear automatically — legal and expected; if you don't want bread, say 'senza pane grazie'
In Venice, eat cicchetti at bacari (bar-restaurants serving bite-size snacks with wine) for the best value authentic eating — €1-3 per piece, ombra wine €1.50
Order house wine (vino della casa) by the carafe (caraffa) at trattorias — 250ml, 500ml, or 1L, typically €5-12 for excellent local table wine
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €8-15/meal | Trattoria pranzo fisso or street food |
| Mid-range | €20-40/meal | Mid-range trattoria or restaurant dinner |
| Upscale | €60-200+/meal | Fine dining and Michelin restaurants |