When you think of Italy, food is almost always part of the picture. From pizza in Naples to risotto in Milan, every bite tells a story of tradition, pride, and regional diversity. What makes Italian cuisine so irresistible is not just the taste—it’s how each region offers something completely its own. Must-Try Italian Dishes by Region.
If you’re planning a trip through Italy and wondering what dishes to try in different parts of the country, this guide is for you. Whether you’re exploring Rome Italy tours, heading north to Piedmont, or soaking up the southern sun in Sicily, there’s a plate waiting to impress you.
This blog is part of our content at Tours Through Italy, where we aim to share travel tips, cultural insights, and food-focused guides. We don’t offer Italy tour packages, but we do share helpful information to enhance your journey. Learn more about our story on the
Let’s take a delicious journey, region by region.
1. Lazio (Rome)
Must-Try Dish: Cacio e Pepe
Simple but bold, Cacio e Pepe is a Roman pasta made with pecorino cheese, black pepper, and spaghetti. It’s creamy, spicy, and deeply satisfying.
Other Roman Highlights:
- Carbonara: Made with eggs, guanciale, and cheese.
- Supplì: Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella.
Rome is not just about landmarks. The cuisine alone makes it a worthy stop in any
2. Tuscany
Must-Try Dish: Bistecca alla Fiorentina
This iconic Florentine steak is thick-cut, grilled, and seasoned simply with olive oil and salt. It’s a celebration of the region’s quality beef.
Other Tuscan Favorites:
- Ribollita: A hearty vegetable and bread soup.
- Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Wide noodles with wild boar ragù.
Tuscany is a food and wine paradise. Many Italy travel packages feature Florence for good reason—the food alone is unforgettable. Must-Try Italian Dishes by Region.
3. Emilia-Romagna
Must-Try Dish: Tagliatelle al Ragù
Often confused with spaghetti Bolognese, the original dish uses flat tagliatelle pasta and a slow-cooked meat sauce that’s rich in flavor.
Other Delicacies:
- Tortellini in Brodo: Pasta stuffed with meat served in broth.
- Lasagna alla Bolognese: The classic, layered dish done properly.
This region is often called Italy’s culinary capital. It’s a must-stop on any
4. Campania (Naples)
Must-Try Dish: Pizza Margherita
Born in Naples, this pizza is all about balance—crisp crust, sweet tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. It’s proof that the best things are simple.
Also Try:
- Sfogliatella: A layered pastry filled with sweet ricotta.
- Spaghetti alle Vongole: Pasta with clams and garlic.
No Italy package holidays are complete without a stop in Naples for pizza that sets the standard worldwide.
5. Sicily
Must-Try Dish: Arancini
Golden, fried rice balls filled with meat, cheese, or peas. Arancini are a perfect snack while exploring ancient ruins or coastal villages.
More Sicilian Treasures:
- Pasta alla Norma: Pasta with eggplant, tomato, and ricotta salata.
- Cannoli: Crisp pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream.
Sicily is where Arabic, Spanish, and Italian flavors collide to create some of the country’s most unique cuisine. Consider it when building
6. Piedmont
Must-Try Dish: Vitello Tonnato
Chilled veal slices served with a creamy tuna-caper sauce. This may sound unusual but is incredibly refined and flavorful. Must-Try Italian Dishes by Region.
Don’t Miss:
- Agnolotti del Plin: Small stuffed pasta served in butter or meat sauce.
- Tajarin: Thin egg noodles served with truffles or meat ragù.
Piedmont’s cuisine is elegant and earthy, perfect for food lovers looking beyond mainstream
7. Lombardy (Milan)
Must-Try Dish: Risotto alla Milanese
Creamy rice infused with saffron, offering a rich golden color and a deep, savory flavor. Often served with ossobuco (braised veal shank).
Also Try:
- Cotoletta alla Milanese: Breaded and fried veal cutlet.
- Panettone: Sweet bread loaf traditionally eaten at Christmas.
Lombardy offers a more refined, northern take on Italian cuisine that balances rustic tradition with cosmopolitan flair.
8. Veneto (Venice)
Must-Try Dish: Sarde in Saor
Marinated sardines with onions, vinegar, and pine nuts—this sweet-and-sour dish reflects Venice’s love of combining land and sea.
Also Explore:
- Bigoli in Salsa: Thick spaghetti in anchovy and onion sauce.
- Fegato alla Veneziana: Liver with onions, a classic comfort food.
Veneto cuisine is unique and sometimes surprising. It’s a vital piece of any
9. Apulia (Puglia)
Must-Try Dish: Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa
“Little ear” pasta with sautéed turnip greens, garlic, and anchovies. This southern dish is rustic, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Also Worth Trying:
- Focaccia Barese: Thick bread topped with tomatoes and olives.
- Burrata: Creamy cheese that’s fresh and indulgent.
Puglia’s food scene is authentic and rooted in the land. Include it in your
10. Liguria
Must-Try Dish: Trofie al Pesto
Liguria is the birthplace of pesto. Trofie pasta is twisted and perfect for catching the basil-based sauce. Must-Try Italian Dishes by Region.
Don’t Skip:
- Farinata: A chickpea pancake baked until crispy.
- Focaccia di Recco: Thin focaccia filled with melted cheese.
Ligurian dishes are light, herb-forward, and ideal for travelers who love Mediterranean flavors.
Quick Tips for Food Travelers in Italy
- Menus May Vary by Season: Many Italian restaurants prioritize seasonal ingredients.
- Antipasto to Dolce: Meals typically follow a structure: antipasto (starter), primo (first course), secondo (main), contorno (side), and dolce (dessert).
- Don’t Expect Garlic Bread: Many popular “Italian” foods abroad don’t exist in Italy.
- No Rush: Meals are leisurely affairs. Enjoy the process.
Do You Need to Speak Italian to Order?
In major cities, many restaurants have English menus. But even in smaller towns, staff are usually helpful, especially if you try a few words. Knowing food terms—or pointing to dishes—is often enough.
For more practical travel tips like this, explore our blog for guides that go beyond just sights and landmarks.
Why Food is Key to Any Trip Through Italy
Food in Italy is more than just nourishment—it’s a cultural experience. Each region has its signature ingredients, cooking techniques, and traditional recipes. Sampling dishes across regions is like tasting history on a plate.
If you’re planning a journey across Italy—whether solo or inspired by Rome package holidays—let the local cuisine guide you. It will lead you to the heart of each region, one bite at a time.
Final Thoughts
Italy is not one single cuisine—it’s twenty diverse regions, each with its own story, flavors, and traditions. From creamy risottos of the north to fiery dishes of the south, there’s a world of taste waiting to be discovered.
This food traveler’s guide was created to help you explore Italy not just with your eyes, but with your taste buds. For more authentic travel advice, visit Tours Through Italy, browse our helpful blog, or learn more about our platform on the.
Plan smart, eat well, and make your Italian adventure unforgettable—one region at a time. Must-Try Italian Dishes by Region.
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