Best Cities in Italy for Food – Our Favorite Places to Chow Down in Italia

Last updated on April 19th, 2024

Are you planning a food-related trip to Italy?

Or maybe you just want to fill your Italian vacation only with cibo delizioso (delicious food).

While you can find amazing anywhere in Italy, there are cities that are known (by Italians and visitors) for their culinary delights.

Let’s take a look at the top cities in Italy for food – including what to eat, where to get it, and what else you should do while you are there. This guide is based on my personal travels with fellow students, friends, and my Italian family. 

Where to Go for Italy’s Best Food

Parma

Why Visit Parma?

Parma is home to some of Italy’s most famous charcuterie board ingredients – prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano.  It’s also a great base for exploring Emilia-Romagna (I used for weeks while I was checking out the area’s food museums).

What to Eat in Parma

• Prosciutto di Parma DOP – local prosciutto
• Culatello di Zibello DOP – local cured meat
• Parmigiano Reggiano
• Anolini in brodo – small stuffed pasta served in broth
• Tortelli – large stuffed pasta with various fillings such as cheese and spinach
• Gnocco fritto – fried bread served with various cured meats

Learn More: You may want to read Is Prosciutto Raw?

Where to Eat in Parma

• Ristorante Cocchi – a historic institution for locals and tourists alike
• Osteria del 36 – one of the oldest places around serving up local specialities
• Osteria Virgilio – a hole in the wall so be sure to book in advance!

While You’re in Parma…

• Visit a Parmigiano-reggiano factory and see exactly how this world famous cheese is produced
• Take part in the town’s lively evening aperitivo scene 
• Visit the city’s cathedral and see some of Caravaggio’s masterpieces
• Visit the Museum of Parmigiano Reggiano just outside of Parma
• Visit the Museum of Prosciutto di Parma, also just outside the city

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Food of Emilia-Romanga.

Learn More: Study up on formaggio with our Complete Guide to Italian Cheese!

Modena

Why Visit Modena?

The charming cobblestone center is home to aceto balsamico di Modena and has great Parmigiano-Reggiano which you can watch being made just outside of the city center.  

What to Eat in Modena

• Lambrusco – sparkling red wine
• Aceto balsamico di Modena DOP – balsamic vinegar
• Parmigiano Reggiano 
• Tortelloni e prosciutto – large filled pasta with prosciutto
• Passatelli – a handmade small dumpling pasta served in broth

Where to Eat in Modena

• Osteria Francescana – Massimo Bottura’s famed Michelin-star restaurant
• Osteria Ermes – a favorite among locals 
• Restaurante de Danilo – no frills yet total satisfaction 
• Hosteria Giusti – serving up classic and traditional dishes of the region 

While You’re in Modena…

• Visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum in town
• Luciano Pavarotti House Museum to learn all about the famous opera singer 
• Mercato Albinelli is the best food market in Modena and totally worth the visit and sometimes long lines at stalls

Palermo

Why Visit Palermo?

Palermo is a melting pot of cultures from Africa, all over Europe and beyond so it truly is paradise as there is something for everyone. The markets are amazing, the street food is fun and exciting and the cannoli are to die for! 

I have visited Palermo numerous times over the years as both a student, a mom, and with friends, each time with a different budget and food frame of mind. Here are my top picks! 

What to Eat in Palermo

• Cannoli
• Granita con brioche – shaved ice with pastry
• Arancini – fried rice balls
• Pasta alla norma – pasta with tomatoes and eggplant
• Stigghiola – grilled lamb intestines/inerds
• Cous Cous (kus kus) – couscous originally from Trapani but very popular in Palermo

Where to Eat in Palermo

• Franco U Vastiddaru – the best street food 
• Pasticceria Cappello – some of the best cannoli
• Trattoria da Salvo – great fish and easy going dishes
• I Pupi – a Michelin must-try if your budget is a bit higher
• Zia Pina – great lunch experience with locals (skip this spot for dinner)
• Osteria Ballarò – best for slightly more complex dishes
• Trattoria da Mafone – best fish specialties outside the Mercato il Capo

While You’re in Palermo…

• Visit the three best open air markets for food but not only: Vucciria, Ballarò and Mercato il Capo
• Don’t bother sitting down for meals one day and get lost in the street food, particularly in Vucciria (check out our street food guide in Sicily for more info)
• Visit Palazzo dei Normanni, the royal palace – it will take your breath away! 

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Sicilian Food

Milan

Why Visit Milan?

I make my way to Milan to visit friends, sightsee with family, or work and I never miss a chance to dig into their regional goodies.

Milan is known for several things including fashion, art, design and innovation. Well, this also includes food. Not only should you visit Milan for great timeless classics but also it’s probably the best city for food innovation and creativity in the kitchen!

What to Eat in Milan

• Risotto alla Milanese – rice flavored with saffron
• Cotoletta alla Milanese – fried pork chop
• Ossobuco alla Milanese – Milanese-style oxtail 
• Panettone – a classic Christmas brioche bread 
• Zafferano – saffron 

Where to Eat in Milan

• Trattoria del Nuovo Macello – for traditional Milanese dishes
• Antica Trattoria della Pesa – for great, reliable classics
• Ratanà – for timeless classics
• Horto – three star Michelin restaurant with a view
• Latteria San Marco – family-run hole in the wall
• Bar Luce – cafe and bar best for drinks
• Il Mercato del Duomo – best for grab-and-go in a central location
• Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia – two star Michelin restaurant 

While You’re in Milan…

• Head to the Navigli District for great bars and nightlife
• Book a viewing of Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’
• Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera for some of Milan’s best artwork
• Spend time gawking at the Cathedral in Piazza Duomo

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Food of Lombardy.

Forte dei Marmi

Why Visit Forte dei Marmi?

Even if you have a lower budget or are traveling with lots of kids, this can be a great place to just walk around, grab a sandwich and enjoy a kid-friendly sea-side town (this is how I do it now with four kids). If you have money to burn, you’re also in the right place! 

While Forte dei Marmi not be for everyone (it’s very pricey), it has amazing seafood, it’s easy to navigate with kids and there is a high-concentration of Michelin-star restaurants.

What to Eat in Forte dei Marmi

• Spaghetti alle vongole – with clam sauce
• Spaghetti alla trabaccolara – with razor clams
• Pesce di giorno – catch of the day
• Insalata di polpo e patate – octopus and potato salad
• Scarpaccio – savory vegetables cake
• Cacciucco – seafood soup

Where to Eat in Forte dei Marmi

• Gilda – a great choice for families
• Pesce Baracca – best for informal, easy going food, including street food
• Lorenzo – well known for its elegant seafood dishes
• Filippo Forte dei Marmi – after opening his successful restaurant in Pietrasanta, Filippo opened a local version serving up classic flavors of Versilia + pizza
• Bistro – an elegant Michelin star restaurant overlooking the water
• La Magnolia – a Michelin recommended must try. Be sure to book in advance

While You’re in Forte dei Marmi…

• Head to the absolutely amazing street market every Wednesday in Piazza Marconi for real deals on cashmere, leather and household items
• Take a walk along the pier anytime but particularly at dusk
• Rent a bike (it’s super easy and safe) and ride the bike path along the boulevard

Tip: Read our full food guide to Traditional Tuscan Foods.

Bologna

Why Visit?

The main reason I always tell people to stop off in Bologna if they can is because it’s small enough to enjoy in a day without feeling rushed – and the food is divine.

Some of Italy’s best food is from Bologna. There are so many amazing restaurants it’s honestly hard to choose them all so we will list our favorites. But don’t worry, you can’t go wrong at most places. 

What to Eat in Bologna

• Parmigiano Reggiano 
• Mortadella – bologna
• Lasagna alla bolognese
• Tortellini in brodo – stuffed pasta served in broth
• Tortellini – small stuffed pasta dressed often in meat or cream sauce
• Cotoletta alla bolognese – fried veal cutlets
• Taglieri – charcuterie and cheese boards

Where to Eat in Bologna

• Forno Brisa – best bakery
• Pasta Fresca Naldi – only take-away but some of the best homemade pasta in the city
• Panini di Miro – hands down best panini in Bologna
• Salumeria Simoni – best cheese and charcuterie boards
• Sfoglia Rine – handwritten menu changes daily. A great joint
• Da Cesari – our top pick for fine dining in Bologna
• Drogheria delle Rose – serving up amazing classics

While You’re in Bologna…

• Food lovers rejoice at Mercato delle Erbe where food stalls couldn’t be more stunning
• Stroll Bologna’s porticos, night and day, for great street life, shopping and people watching
• Take a food tour to really explore how some of the best regional products are made
• Take a museum or factory tour of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, Pagani, and Maserati, all just outside of Bologna!

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Food of Emilia-Romanga

Rome

Why Visit?

My husband loves Rome (although he is Florentine) so he is always looking for a reason to go and luckily he knows a ton of people with all the ins and outs so we have learned where and what to eat without getting trapped into scammy or cheap places.

So many of Italy’s most classic dishes are Roman so be sure to spend extra time eating between visits to some of Italy’s most important monuments. Whether it be breakfast, lunch or pizza, Roma has it all!

What to Eat in Rome

• Carbonara – pasta with egg and bacon
• Pasta alla gricia – with bacon and pecorino cheese
• Cacio e pepe – pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper
• Trippa alla romana – Roman style tripe
• Carciofi alla giudia – fried artichokes
• Puntarelle alla romana – Chicory salad
• Pizza alla pala – Roman pizza by the slice 
• Suppli – fried rice balls
• Maritozzi – brioche bun filled with whipped cream
• Trapizzino – Roman pizza sandwich street food 
• Pinsa – light and airy pizza

Where to Eat in Rome 

• Pasticceria Regoli or Roscioli Caffe – best maritozzi
• Panificio bonci” or Casa manco – best pizza alla pala
• La Pergola – the only three star Michelin restaurant in Rome
• Suppli – best for suppli 
• Forno campo dei fiori – good and quick sandwich in central area
• Da Enzo – best carbonara and other classics
• Roscioli Salumeria con cucina – best classics. You must book ahead
• Latteria Trastevere – best for wine and charcuterie and cheese boards
• Tavernaccia da Bruno – best suckling pig and for lasagna (prepared only for Sunday lunch)
• Trapizzino for trapizzino 
• Armando al Pantheon – best location and backdrop

While You’re in Rome…

• Check out Testaccio Mercato for great quick food finds, especially if you are renting a place with a kitchen and want to do some cooking. The produce is top quality and the local vendors sell some of the best bites around.
• Enjoy an aperitivo in Campo dei Fiori for great people watching 
• Spend time in Testaccio, the heart of Rome for locals
• Enjoy street food such as trapizzino, pizza alla pala and suppli for a quick recharge between tours and visits. 

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Food of Lazio.

Venice

Why Visit?

You will probably never visit a city just like it – literally built on water. Explore Venezia in a water taxi or vaperato instead of a street taxi and be sure to ease into the tradition of Italian piacere or pleasure and unwind with plenty of good wine, people watching and cicchetti (Italian-style tapas). 

I have luxuriously enjoyed the food scene here, especially on my own, with my Italian husband, and with friends. It has taken quite some time to come down to pick my faves but here they are!

What to Eat in Venice

• Cicchetti – small bites of food similar to Spanish tapas
• Bellini – peach and prosecco cocktail
• Baccalà mantecato – whipped salted cod on toast
• Sarde in soar – sweet and savory sardines
• Bigoli in salsa- local handmade spaghetti with anchovies
• Risi bisi – risotto-like soup with peas
• Risotto primavera – risotto with peas, asparagus, broad beans and spring onions (only made in the spring)
• Fegato alla Veneziana – Venetian-style liver
• Moeche – small fried crabs (only fall and spring)
• Buranelli – butter cookies made on the small island in the Venetian Lagoon, Burano
• Frìtole – small fried donuts

Where to Eat in Venice

• El Sbarlefo – best wine list and great cicchetti
• All’Arco, Cantina do Spade and Osteria Bancogiro – all good for cicchetti 
• La Zucca – best for vegetarians
• Osteria alla Frasca – for classic Venetian cuisine
• Al Covo – a cute and traditional osteria 
• Cà D’Oro alla Vedova – a fantastic restaurant serving up classic Venetian dishes
• Trattoria da’a Marisa – one of only a handful of authentic restaurants left in the city. 
• Trattoria al Gatto Nero – an institution for locals on Burano
• Tonolo – best bakery, especially for frìtole.
• Osteria alla Testerie – for best local seafood
• Caffè Florian – best for coffee and people watching in Piazza Marco, a central location
• Osteria al merca – a favorite among locals. Book ahead! 

While You’re in Venice…

• head over to the small island of Burano and pick up some of their famous cookies, Buranelli, to bring home
• Splurge on a gondola (Venetian boat) ride and see the city by boat
• Leisurely enjoy a glass of wine (or two) with a plate of cicchetti 

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Food of Veneto.

Venice bound? Get prepared with all of our Venice posts:
20+ Must-Try Foods And Drinks In Venice – And My Favorite Places To Eat Them
What Are Cicchetti? + Where To Eat Them In Venice
What Is A Bacaro? + A Local’s Self Guided Bacaro Tour Itinerary
My Favorite Cicchetti In Venice – The 10 Best Bacari To Try
Best Restaurants in Venice + Nearest Cicchetti Stops
Best Gelato In Venice – My Italian Family’s 10 Favorite Gelaterie
7 Food Markets In Venice Worth Your Time
Where To Get Coffee In Venice
Where To Eat Breakfast In Venice – A Local’s Favorite Breakfast Nooks
10 Amazing Bakeries In Venice – Where to Get Your Pastry On
Best Spots In Venice For Aperitivo – My Top Bars & Squares for Pre-Dinner Drinks
Dinner On The Water In Venice – My Top 7 Restaurants
Best Pizza In Venice – My ‘Don’t Miss’ List
My Favorite After Dinner Drink Spots In Venice
Shopping at the Rialto Market in Venice – Tips + Printable
5 Street Foods To Try In Venice & Where Eat Them
Best Places To Get Takeout In Venice – My Top Picks
Where To Eat Before Catching Your Train At The Venice Santa Lucia Train Station
My Favorite Food Chains To Try In Venice
Eating Gluten-Free In Venice – Restaurants, Cicchetti & Gelato
Gluten-Free Cicchetti In Venice – What To Order (& Avoid) and How to Order
Eating Vegetarian In Venice – My Top Five Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants + Tips
Eating Vegan In Venice, Italy – My Top Five Vegan Friendly Restaurants
Eating in Venice While Pregnant
8+ Kid Friendly Restaurants In Venice
Best Squares To Eat And Drink With Kids In Venice
24 Hour Food Guide For Venice – A Self Guided Tour For Foodies in Venice
Eating Around Venice in 48 hours – 2 Day Venice Itinerary For Foodies
10 Best Food Souvenirs From Venice, Italy + Where I Buy Them

Bolzano (The Dolomites)

Why Visit?

Italy meets Austria in this beautiful northern town with mountains towering over the bustling city of Bolzano.

What to Eat in Bolzano

• Strudel – puff pastry filled with apples
• Pretzel – large, soft prezel
• Mezzelune – stuffed pasta similar to ravioli
• Formaggi vari – local cheese such as Alta badia, Lagrein, Stelvio and Bela badia
• Speck – locally produced cured ham or prosciutto
• Canederli – bread dumplings flavored with various ingredients
• Regional beer

Where to Eat in Bolzano

• Osteria dai Carretti – for quick and easy lunches and snacks
• Vögele – a Michelin guide restaurant meaning great food at terrific value
• Grandi Bakery – best bakery for things like pretzel
• Hopfen & co. – best for classic such as polenta and apple strudel
• Laurin – wonderful local cuisine with modern touches (you do not need to be a guest at the hotel to eat at the restaurant)

While You’re in Bolzano…

• Enjoy the more Austrian tradition of beer: find a local pub and ask for a regional beer (there are plenty of options!)
• Ride the Renon Cable car for sweeping mountain views
• Head just outside the city center to Roncolo Castle to see some truly amazing frescos that are unmatched!
• Spend time in Piazza Walther (Waltherplatz) where many local markets and festivals take place, most famously the December Christmas market

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Food of Trentino Alto-Adige

Turin (Torino)

Why Visit Turin?

Turin is home of Eataly, the Slow Food movement and is the absolute best city for Italy’s most beloved chocolate and hazelnut invention – Gianduia. Some of the best coffee companies were founded in Turin and Piedmont boasts excellent innovation in wine making – it’s no wonder Turin is fast becoming one of Italy’s top international cities for tourism!

I was lucky enough to spend a whole month studying the Slow Food Movement after graduating from college in Turin back in my school days. I love returning to see that my favorites are as good as I remember!

What to Eat in Turin

• Tartufo bianco d’Alba – considered Italy’s most prized truffle
• Nocciola di Piedmonte IGP – local hazelnuts
• Grissini – traditional long, thin breadsticks
• Gianduia – hazelnut spread (also try the gianduia flavored gelato)
• Gianduiotto – hazelnut chocolates
• Tajarin – extremely thin egg pasta dressed most commonly in a butter truffle sauce
• Agnolotti di Plin – very small stuffed pasta with various fillings either served in broth or a sauce
• Panna cotta – a pudding-like dessert made from cooked cream

Where to Eat in Turin

• Baratti & Milano – beautiful bar with some of the best gianduiotto in town
• Tre Galline – best for regional classics
• Eataly – everyone orders what they want at a different restaurant but you all can sit together. Great food shopping as well
• Piola da Celso – tradition at its finest
• Da Cianci Piola Caffé – best value for what you get + seasonal menu
• Trattoria Valenza – a local favorite 
• Trattoria Piemontese – another favorite among locals. Ask for a recommendations from an Italian patron
• Porto di Savona – one of the cities oldest and most classic dining options
• Osteria di Pierantonio – best for fixed price lunch special

While You’re in Turin…

• Head to the first ever Eataly, a short walk or tram ride outside the city center. You can even dine there
• Check out the National Museum of Cinema – Il Mole – for a visual ride through history
• The recently renovated Egyption Museum is one of the best in Europe!

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Food of Piedmont,

Naples

Why Visit Naples?

Home to the absolute best pizza in the whole of Italy, it’s a whirlwind of great people watching, amazing street life and some of the best Italian treats. 

What to Eat in Naples

• Pizza
• Babà – liquor soaked cake
• Caprese – tomato and mozzarella salad
• Lasagna napoletana – local Neapolitan style lasagna
• Mozzarella in carrozza – fried mozzarella sandwich 
• Sfogliatella – a puff pastry 

Where to Eat in Naples

• L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele – best pizza
• Gino e Toto Sorbillo – best pizza
• Sfogliatella Mary – best sfogliatella
• Trattoria da Nennella – locals eating local food
• Pintauro – historic bakery
• Cibbi Cotti – great family run find in the Torretta market

While You’re in Naples…

• Check out the Torretta open air market to pick up the best local produce and products
• Head just outside of Naples to Pompeii to visit the world famous ruins
• Visit the amazing Cappella Sansevero for one of a kind artworks 
• Get lost in the side streets of San Gregorio Armeno for a one-of-a-kind street shopping experience

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Food of Campania.

Florence 

Why Visit Florence?

Not only is this one of Italy’s most beautiful cities but it’s so small you can see it all in just a couple of days and also have plenty of time for eating your heart out with great Florentine steak, plenty of schiacciata (focaccia) and Chianti Classico red wine.

If I know one place it’s Florence. I have lived here for over 10 years and I know Tuscan cooking like the back of my hand. Although I love eating out, I also love cooking regional dishes at home too. You won’t be disappointed if you follow my tips below!

What to Eat in Florence

• Pappardelle al cinghiale – pasta with wild boar 
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina – Florentine steak
• Pecorino e prosciutto toscano – local sheep’s milk cheese and local prosciutto
• Olio d’oliva – olive oil
• Crostini neri – crostini with liver patè 
• Ribollita – vegetable bread soup
• Pappa al pomodoro – tomato and bread soup

Where to Eat in Florence

• Sforno – best bakery
• Fuori Porta – for best crostoni (large crostini) + great wine
• Santo Bevitore – best modern spin on Tuscan classics
• Le volpe e l’uva – best wine bar and for charcuterie and cheese boards
• Trattoria Pandemonio – best Tuscan food 
• Trattoria del Carmine – some of the best Tuscan classics
• 13 Gobbi – best bistecca fiorentina

Try one of our Favorite Pizzerie in Florence!

Tuscan Wines: Read all about Wines to Try in Tuscany.

While You’re in Florence…

• Climb Ghiotto’s bell tower which will have a much shorter line than the Duomo (more time for chowing down!)
• Spend a morning at Sant’Ambrogio, the local open air food market 
• Go wine tasting next door in Chianti 
• Try trippa (tripe) or lampredotto (tripe sandwich) at one of the many local street food stalls

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Tuscan Foods.

Polignano a Mare

Why Visit Polignano a Mare?

White pebbled beaches, picturesque backgrounds and sweeping seaside views coupled with some of the best seafood, mozzarella, fresh produce and of course, olive oil in all of Italy. If you like the heat and seafood is your jam, this is your place!

What to Eat in Polignano a Mare

• Pesce crudo – raw fish such as prawns, scampi, sea urchins and muscles
• La Tiella Barese – a dish of potatoes, rice and mussels
• Orecchiette con cime di rape – handmade pasta with turnip greens
• Fava e cicoria – cooked fava bean puree with cooked greens
• Parmigiana di melanzane – eggplant parmesan
• Mozzarella 
• Focaccia
• Olio d’oliva extra vergine – extra virgin olive oil

Where to Eat in Polignano a Mare

• Donna Gina – beautiful setting and excellent seafood
• Trattoria della Nonna – a favorite among locals and tourists. Be sure to book ahead!
• Pescaria – new to the food scene but has quickly become very iconic. The best sandwiches but also serves salads and seafood
• La Focacceria delle Noci – best for focaccia (perfect for a seaside snack or picnic)
• Gusto Caruso – best gelato
• Fly – scenic restaurant with great local cuisine and creative cocktails
• Mint – best for vegetarians
• Le Foccace Ignoranti – best street food 

While You’re in Polignano a Mare…

• Take a picnic lunch to one of the amazing beaches such as Lama Monachile Beach, Cala Paura, Cala Incina and San Vito
• Visit the sea caves by boat. Choose a company that allows you to swim directly off the side of the boat for extra fun!
• Order the caffè speciale (the special coffee made with coffee, sugar, lemon zest, cream and amaretto liqueur) invented by Mario Campanella. Go to Il Super Mago del Gelo Mario Campanella in piazza Garibaldi n.22
• Visit Monopoli (just 25 minutes away) for a breath of fresh air and beat the tourist crowds

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Food of Puglia.

Genoa

Why Visit Genoa?

This is such a fun cit to visit with kids and plus, the food is great (especially for seafood lovers like me). And if you have kids like mine, don’t worry, they will be happy too as many of their dishes are made with pesto and what kid doesn’t love pesto?

Pesto and focaccia (called fugassa by the locals) lover’s paradise. What better reason than that? 

What to Eat in Genova

• Trofie al pesto – handmade corkscrew-like pasta with pesto
• Lasagna al pesto e patate – with pesto and potatoes
• Riso alla Genovese – baked rice with vegetables and sausage
• Frittelle di Baccalà – cod fish fritters
• Focaccia alla Genovese 
• Salsa di noci – a walnut pesto

Where to Eat in Genova

• Il Genovese – best local dishes such as pesto
• Trattoria da Maria – good home style Italian cooking
• La Strambata – great for aperitivo
• Antico forno della Casana – best bakery
• Antica Friggitoria Carega – best fried seafood
• Panificio e Grissineria Claretta – best fccaccia

While You’re in Genoa…

• Visit the local aquarium. It’s great fun for both adults and kids
• Get out of town and head to Boccadasse for the most picturesque town with beautiful restaurants (check out Antica Trattoria Osvaldo) and classic Italian riviera postcard views
• Hike up to Campo Pisano to enjoy sweeping views below
• Check out Palazzo Ducale for traveling art exhibits

Tip: Read our full food guide here to Traditional Food of Liguria

Best Cities in Italy for Food FAQ