Italians give a lot of importance to wine and food, and people love and revere Italian food culture.

This Italy Restaurant Guide gives you an idea of what the traditional cuisine of Italy is like, as well as what you are likely to encounter in Italian restaurants. You could also check out what the dining scene is like in Sardinia. Don't forget to have a look at our Italy Shopping Guide too, for great ideas on gifts, souvenirs and shopping options throughout the country.

Food & Cuisine in Italy

Italy has numerous establishments ranging from elegant restaurants to simple alimentari (grocery shops). A typical Italian breakfast consists of a brioche (croissant) and coffee, available at every café and bar. The two items will cost you around 1.60€, but you may have to pay double if you sit down at a table in a bar or café. Do as the Italians do - stand and have your breakfast.

The national cuisine of Italy has evolved through centuries of political and social changes, with its origins dating back to the 4th century BC. The discovery of the New World left a significant mark on the Italian cuisine popular today. Tomatoes, maize, potatoes and bell pepper, which form the central part of the cuisine, were introduced only after the 18th century.

Restaurants in Italy

Every region has its own specific dishes and ingredients. Some regional dishes have become popular regionally as well as nationally. These regional dishes have proliferated and different variations are sold across the country. Cheeses and wines manufactured under the Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) (regulated appellation) laws, popular for their different variations, form a major part of the cuisine. Coffee, especially espresso, is an important part of the cultural cuisine of Italy.

Italy's hotels have exceptional restaurants that exhibit Italian food culture and offer their guests and travellers excellent varieties of cuisines. The extremely popular hotels in Rome have small coffee shops that offer a light breakfast (calazione) of brioche and espresso, and a sandwich bar or panineria for lunch.

The amazing spread of food and wine served at Italy's five-star establishments will leave you speechless. The hotels in Florence are known for their excellent eating places. The tiny, out-of-the-way Italian restaurants, tucked into small spaces on a side street are definitely worth a visit. They are popular with the locals because of the authentic Italian food they serve.

Pastas & Pizzas

Every region in Italy has its own cuisine. The menus of the restaurants of Northern Italy have dishes with a generous use of polenta, butter and cheeses, because people there love cream sauces. The Italian food in the Central region of the country is popular all over the world. You must try the prosciutto in Umbria, stuffed pastas in the Emilia-Romagna district, exquisite olive oils and meat dishes in the hills of Tuscany and bruschetta in Rome. While Italian restaurants in the Central region are considered by many to be the best in the country, Southern Italian food, like the lamb in Calabria, the pizza in Naples (home to the world's first pizzeria), the sweet green olives of Sardinia and the pasta in Sicily are definitely worth trying.

Desserts

While in Italy do remember to sample the fine desserts, especially gelato. This Italian food, available in dozens of flavours, is not for the calorie consciousbut the perfect way to end a fine Italian meal.

Wine

Italians love wine and serve it liberally with lunch and dinner. While touring Italy you have the opportunity to try various fine Italian wines like the Asti Spumante of the Piedmont region, the red Cabernet of Sardinia, the outstanding dessert wines of Sicily and the Chianti of Tuscany. Italy's hotels and restaurants have a long list of wines to choose from, so while travelling to different regions remember to opt for the local favourite.