Top 5 food hotspots in Italy to experience authentic Italian cuisine

By Swindon Link - 30 May 2022

Food & Drink

What do you think of when you think of Italy? If it’s the mouth-watering food then you’re not alone. While the country is known for its incredible architecture, sensational artwork, and spectacular fashion, there’s no doubt this country is also known for its legendary gastronomy.

To experience some of Italy’s tastiest and most authentic dishes, enthusiastic foodies can travel around the country by city hopping, or booking a tour of Italy that traverses some of the most important food hotspots: Parma, Bologna, Naples, Milan, and Rome. 

 

Parma

Keen cheese enthusiasts will recognise this city’s name from its cheesy staple: parmesan. In fact, this city in northern Italy is home to the highest number of typical foodstuffs protected with quality brands. Italian fanatics might recognise the likes of PDO Parmigiano Reggiano, PGI Coppa di Parma, and PDO Parma Ham, to name just a few. However, this city is also famous for its prosciutto ham - making it an excellent place to enjoy a lunch of delicious cheese, and tasty cold meats. 

 

Bologna

Did you know? Bologna isn’t actually the home of spaghetti bolognese - well, at least as we know it. Instead, the historic capital’s tagliatelle al ragù will have you salivating over your plate, and apologising for thinking that your bolognese recipe could ever top it. If you’ve got any more room left in your belly, don’t miss out on trying the city’s Bologna sausage, mortadella, as well as their lightly filled tortellini pasta.

 

Naples

Perhaps one of the most important places on this list as the birthplace of pizza itself, Naples makes pizza that’s so good, it’s part of the UNESCO cultural heritage - don’t be surprised if you see people queuing around the block at some of the best-known grub spots. Due to its coastal location, Naples is also infamous for its seafood dishes, especially clams and calamari!

 

Milan

A city where you can experience both flash fashion and fantastic grub, Milan’s gastronomical landscape is as extravagant as its people. Head here for the tastiest risotto, including the legendary risotto alla Milanese, where first recipes mentioning this plate can be found in cookbooks dating all the way back to the 1800s! 

 

Rome

One of the most popular Italian cities for travellers, you don’t have to speak fluent Italian to enjoy the best treats Rome has to offer. Enjoy everyone’s favourite Pasta Carbonara in its most authentic form finished off with a light dusting of cheese and a whole load of guanciale, cured pork cheek. And since Rome is best travelled on by foot, there are plenty of gelaterias offering traditional Italian ice cream to cool you down on your adventures. 

While some would say there is more to Italy than just pizza and pasta, take that with a pinch of salt - indeed, this country’s pizza and pasta dishes make up some of its most delicious delicacies. Add on top of that risotto, gelato, meat, cheese, and seafood, and you’re on the right track to understanding this incredible culture - bellyfirst.

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