Gastronomy

(Italian cuisine)

Acclaimed all over the world for its exquisite food, Italy has dictated trends and inspired the world’s culinary scene for centuries.
Pizza and pasta define the gastronomic legacy of this country, but Italy’s peculiarity is the culinary richness.
While you might need a lifetime to taste every traditional dish, you can start with these best foods and drinks to try in Italy.

Contents

PIZZA


Kicking things off with the big daddy of Italian cuisine, forget anything you once thought about pizza: here in Italy, pizza making is a form of art.
Pizza may be considered an international dish, but the truth is that it was born in Naples.
And this is the only place on Earth where you can taste the primordial goodness just as it was invented.
Think ultra-crisp stone-baked dough, tomatoes bursting with the countryside from which they were grown, creamy mozzarella and simple toppings scattered with fresh basil leaves.
Unlike most of the world, where pizza is known for being a fast food, oily and filled with preseratives.

Try the classic margherita for a masterclass in simple pleasures, or spice it up a little by diving into toppings like salty prosciutto and punchy white anchovies.
Neapolitan pizza impresses with its simplicity. Don’t expect extravagant ingredients.
Italians like to keep it simple, and all you’ll get is dough, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
Yet, the way these flavours blend equals perfection.

Places of interest:

  1. Naples:
  2. Rome:
  3. Florence:

PASTA

In Italy, the word ‘pasta’ doesn’t even begin to sum up the sheer volume of amazing dishes on offer.
From simple spaghetti carbonara in Rome to fresh seafood pasta in Sicily, wherever you are, try to sample the locals’ favourites – there’s a reason they’re popular.

Try one of the rarest pasta dishes around by heading to the picturesque island of Sardinia, home to our Baia dei Mori Beachclub and malloreddus alla campidanese – a unique gnocchi-like pasta served in a rich tomato, sausage and saffron sauce.
It melts in the mouth and will leave you wanting more and more…

Places of Interest:

  1. Rome:
  2. Florence:

GELATO

Quite possibly the highlight of Italian food and drink.
Even though this smooth and creamy Italian dessert was not invented in Rome; nonetheless, Italy’s capital is a great place to taste it.
There are literally dozens of ice cream shops scattered throughout the city, and most of them sell traditional artisan gelato.
Containing less butterfat and no air or water, this flavourful, velvety indulgence will surely make you rethink your idea of good ice cream.
Flavours vary widely from seasonal fresh fruit gelatos to creams, coffee, and even savoury kinds, so you can surely find one that you like.
If you can, try to make gelato breaks a regular part of your holiday routine.
Taking ice cream to the next level, gelato’s soft, light folds are packed with layers of beautifully intense flavours.

Pair flavours such as pistachio or mandorla (almond) with rich chocolate, or try fruity varieties like frutti de bosca (fruits of the forest) or pesca (peach) for a slightly more virtuous vitamin hit – the perfect antidote for a sun-filled day.
If you’re in southern Italy, you have to check out the regional favourite, liquirizia (liquorice).

There’s nothing worse than indulging in something heavenly and feeling guilty about it afterwards - so if you’re that way inclined, hit the Italian holiday activities in the morning: with perfect water and climates to suit both beach and ski breaks, you’d be silly not to.

Places of Interest:

COFFEE

Italians love coffee - and they love it strong.
While you might see milky cappuccinos at breakfast time, locals tend to take their caffeine hit in short, sharp espresso form, barely pausing to take a seat.
Coffee culture in Italy is a serious past-time and comes with its own etiquettes and customs.
So before you hit the slopes or take to the water, do as the Italians do, and start your adventures with a morning coffee.

Places of Interest:

It’s hard to compete with Italy’s culinary richness, and crafting a list of the best foods and drinks to try in the country is near impossible.
From the alpine regions in the north known for their hearty dishes to the Mediterranean cuisine in the south, there are hundreds of foods and drinks to delight your palate.
Start with the those on this list, but don’t be afraid to try other dishes while exploring your destination.
You’ll most likely be surprised in a good way.

Wherever you decide to go in Italy, one thing’s guaranteed: unrivalled cuisine. Enjoy!