It’s not hard to convince any culinary aficionado that a trip to Italy is a good idea. However, there are some fabulous food destinations you might not have considered. Some places specialize in a particular ingredient or method, while others are known for a specific flavor or influence. Come with us on a tour through the 20 culinary hotspots in Italy that you just can’t afford to miss!
Parma, Emilia-Romagna
Famous for Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parma is an amazing adventure for foodies. The city and the surrounding countryside offer the opportunity to explore where their delicious food comes from. Factories, farms, and ranches open their doors to allow visitors a look into their traditional processes.
Greve in Chianti, Tuscany
When you think of classic Italy, especially in relation to food, you are probably thinking about Greve in Chianti. This medieval-style market town is often the first stop in Chianti Classico wine country. Your senses will be overwhelmed by the sight of hills covered by vineyards and olive groves. A local specialty is Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a rare grilled thick-cut T-bone steak.
Tropea, Calabria
If you want a great Italian vacation with breathtaking coastal scenery and a culinary treat, check out Tropea. The region is known for red onions that are super sweet and used as a signature ingredient in local dishes. Most famously, the onions are used in a spreadable sausage made only in Calabria. You will also find outstanding seafood pulled daily from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
Aged cheese, cured meats, and fresh pasta define the culinary experience in Bologna. In The Quadrilatero, Italy’s oldest market, you can find many specialty shops and artisans. Here, one of the coolest foodie activities is taking cooking classes, where you can learn authentic Italian culinary techniques.
Modica, Sicily
Chocolate lovers head over to Modica, Sicily, for Aztec-inspired chocolate. Conquistadors brought cocoa from the Americas to the Spanish rulers of Sicily in the 16th century, along with recipes and techniques for working with the new ingredient. Today, that influence gives this baroque style hillside village its distinct chocolate that brings visitors from all over the world for a taste.
Alba, Piedmont
There is only one place you can find the Tartufo Bianco d’Alba, and that is in Alba, Piedmont. These delicious truffles can not be cultivated, so they are very rare and are best when harvested in the fall. The region is also home to distinct wines, hazelnut groves, and many family farms. Dine at local restaurants and pubs to try fresh farm-to-table samplings and regional specialties.
Montepulciano, Tuscany
Montepulciano, Tuscany, has a flavor all its own. Perched above a vast landscape of vineyards, it is known for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This red wine is generally aged for two to three years. Visitors can find regional wines, local game, and Chianina cattle being served up by the town’s restaurants.
Bergamo, Lombardy
Northern Italian cuisine is on display in Bergamo. The traditions here are more Alpine-influenced. You will find hearty foods like meat-filled cancelli pasta. Taleggio and branzino cheeses also originate from a nearby valley and are good to try here.
Matera, Basilicata
The stone city, known for its cave dwellings, lends itself well to traditional methods and recipes handed down for hundreds of years through the generations. This is the place to find local breads baked in wood-fired ovens, local walnut liqueur Padre Peppe, and herb-infused amaro.
Norcia, Umbria
Norcia is a town whose name literally means traditionally skilled pork butcher. Prosciutto, soppressata, and capocollo are highlights made from locally raised stock. Farm-to-table dishes often include wild mushrooms and black truffles.
Cetara, Campania
The Amalfi Coast is a hot tourist destination right now. One of the best places for foodies to visit is Cetara, a small fishing village. They still make an ancient fermented artichoke Roman fish sauce that you will never find anywhere else. Additionally, tourists will love the fresh swordfish and tuna, as well as the acqua pazza made from family recipes handed down for generations.
Bra, Piedmont
Bra, Piedmont, is the home of the University of Gastronomic Sciences, where the future leaders in the world of food are being educated. The small city itself is surrounded by farmland that produces heirloom and heritage products that give the area chefs the world’s freshest and finest ingredients to work with.
Cividale del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Central European flavors blend seamlessly with Mediterranean recipes to create Friulian cuisine. Guests will fall in love with dishes like the herb, fruit, and chocolate-filled pasta known as cjalsons. The area also has indigenous grape varieties used in the production of local wines that have their own rich, distinct flavor.
Trapani, Sicily
The cuisine of Trapani, Sicily, is flavored by the sea salt harvested nearby. The methods used have remained largely unchanged since the Phoenicians settled in Sicily in the 11th century BCE. Food in Trapani combines elements of Italian, Spanish, and Arab in its cooking and presentation.
Verona, Veneto
Verona, Veneto, is largely known for its freshwater fish and wines. The Bardolino and Lugana wines come from ancient vineyards on the banks of Lake Garda. Artisans and farms from the surrounding area also produce radicchio rosso and Monte Veronese cheese, commonly seen on local menus.
Dozza, Emilia-Romagna
Nestled in the heart of the medieval village of Dozza is the Enoteca Regionale. It is a shop housed in a 13th-century fortress that specializes in regional wines and vinegars. Dozza is a lovely place to vacation, and you will find area restaurants featuring peaches, cherries, and pears from the nearby countryside farms.
Ravello, Campania
If lemon cake from an ancient recipe sounds good to you, it’s time to visit Ravello. The town’s breathtaking steep terraces and bright Mediterranean sun are the perfect environment for growing very flavorful lemons. You will find lots of dishes throughout the city showcasing them.
Mazara del Vallo, Sicily
The cuisine of Mazara del Vallo in Sicily is heavily influenced by North African traditions. Since it is a fishing port, you will find plenty of fresh seafood, including European favorite red prawns. Check out the fish markets for an amazing spectacle of the world’s best seafood.
Orvieto, Umbria
Does anything sound more authentic than Italian wine aged in ancient caves carved out of volcanic rock? Enjoy crisp wines from these cellars along with truffles, wild boar, and more sourced from the nearby plains. This region is also famous for its Olive oils, so don’t miss the chance to explore some of the estates where they are produced.
Salina, Aeolian Islands
Salina is a volcanic island whose unique landscape produces Malvasia wine, which is super sweet, and sea salt fermented capers, unlike anything else you’ve ever had. Beyond these island staples, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, wild fennel, ricotta, and pistachios, all locally sourced.
For more travel tips and hacks, visit our website and explore our resources to enhance your next adventure.