Indulge in the flavors of Italy!

Gourmet Restaurants

Traditional/Regional

Wine In Tuscany

Open Air/Outdoor Markets

Food in Italy is varied by region. Northern (Rome), Coastal Northern/Central (Tuscany), and Southern (Sicily). Each has its own distinct tradition, style and signature ingredients.

Northern features more cream-based sauces (such as Alfredo sauce) and meats such as pork. Central/coastal regions (Tuscany) feature more beans and soups. Bread figures prominently.

Southern Italy/Sicily is where you find the more traditional Mediterranean type of cooking. Tomatoes, olive oil, onions, garlic and seafood. Swordfish figures prominently, as do vegetables such as eggplant.

Even pizza varies by region. Each area has so much to offer and the wholesome, healthy, hearty and delicious food from this country is just another reason to love Italy. Desserts here are also amazing.

Dining almost anywhere in the country would have to be a positive experience. But take the time and money, if you can, to visit at least one of the gourmet restaurants and one of the “regional” family-owned restaurants. Just to give yourself the full treatment and taste of true Italian cuisine.

Most of the information on this page came from knowledge I have acquired over the years. But I also did some fact-checking on this page in Wikipedia: Northern versus Southern Italian Cooking

And just to give credit where credit is due, I owe a lot of what I know to watching Giada De Laurentis’ show, Everyday Italian and reading her cookbooks.