A Foodies Guide To Italy
It’s no secret that Italy is known for its food. From pizza, to pasta, to wine, and ice cream, no one does it quite right like Italy. I’ve been fortunate to travel to Italy a few times in the past, and I’ve experienced some great food on my way. Each region of Italy has it’s own specialties, and you really need to travel around to make the most of fine Italian cuisine. There are several guides you can find on the best places to eat in Italy, but with so many different regions it can be hard to decide where to start! On my travels I’ve been lucky enough to try out a few different places, so here’s a few places I definitely recommend you should try.
Puglia
Puglia is the home to miles and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches and delicious Italian cuisine, surrounded by some beautiful views. Over the past few years the region of Puglia has been discovered as a huge talking point for foodies. Offering foodie events running throughout the year, with at least one event taking place each month. The contemprary fairs still continue on the tradition of producing some of Italy’s finest olive oil, as well as being the sixth biggest wine-making region in the world.
Tuscany & Umbria
With its miles of rolling fields of olives and long stretches of vineyards, it’s no surprise that Tuscany should win a place on this list. Tuscany is famous for offering some of the finest wines and cuisines that the country has to offer. There’s one place that all foodies certainly need to pay a visit to, and that’s the Chianti region, the wine-making capital of Tuscany. Wine-tasting and winery tours are of course available here, where you can have the chance to taste some of the most famous wines; Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Vernaccia di San Gimignano. On past trips to Italy I’ve fallen in love with the wine so much, I’ve had to bring it back home with me! When it comes to the food, Tuscan cuisine reflects the regional way of life, adopting the mantra of taking i slowly. Slow-cooked food and slow-paced dining packed full of flavors are the norm here.
Neapolitan Rivieria
For those with a well-developed palate and a taste for finer food, a holiday in the Neapolitan Riviera is not to be missed! With culinary delights such as fresh fish from Cetara, a local fishing village, and fresh spaghetti served with a rich anchovy pesto. And of course who could forget the signature dish of the region, Neapolitan pizza! Freshly made, thin-crust bases topped with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, scattered with either fresh seafood, meat or vegetables all cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven – who wouldn’t want to visit?
Italian food is certainly more than just pizza and pasta. It’s about exploring the different tastes of each region. You won’t regret it!