Last updated on November 27th, 2024
If you’ve been to Italy recently or have been attuned to all the changes in weather then you know Italy has seen some of the hottest summers on record in recent years. This makes the fall weather ever more welcome to locals and visitors.
After months of eating nothing but salads, cold pasta dishes, rice and cured meats and cheeses, we can’t wait to hunker down and indulge in some of fall’s most comforting foods.
Join me as I share with you my favorite fall foods to try in Italy as we finally see a bit of cooler weather. I will keep the list short and sweet with my absolute favorite foods to snack on or order at restaurants in Italy. Keep this handy for the next time you’re traveling here in the fall.
If you have extended time in Italy during this time of year, you may also be interested in reading all about my favorite foods to try in September, October and November.
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Schiacciata all’Uva
(Pronounced skee-ahch-chah-tah ahl-oo-vah)
Where to Enjoy It: Tuscany, more in A Local Dishes on Her Favorite Pastry Shops in Florence.
Schiacciata is a sweet flatbread with grapes, enjoyed during September and October when the grape harvest is in full swing. Look for it in bakeries and restaurants throughout Tuscany (and even at Tuscan cooking classes), originally made with canaiolo grapes but now often with uva fragola.
Frittelle di Mele
(Pronounced freet-tehl-leh dee meh-leh)
Where to Enjoy Them: Trentino-Alto Adige
Apple fritters, or frittelle di mele, are made from slices of apple dipped in batter, fried until golden, and dusted with powdered sugar. A delightful treat during autumn, they are best enjoyed in northern Italy, made with freshly picked apples.
Strudel
(Pronounced stroo-dehl)
Where to Enjoy It: Trentino-Alto Adige
This delicate dessert, sometimes called apfelstrudel, features thin pastry dough wrapped around fresh apples, spices, sugar, and raisins. Trentino-Alto Adige is famous for crafting some of the finest strudel, making it a must-try dessert in this region.
Foodie Experience: For a culinary experience in Italy, try cooking class in Trentino South Tyrol to learn how to make strudel in Italy Foodie Bucket List – 17 Amazing Italian Culinary Experiences by Region.
Pan di Ramerino
(Pronounced pahn dee rah-meh-ree-noh)
Where to Enjoy It: A Local’s 10 Favorite Bakeries In Florence, Italy (For Sweet And Savory Treats!)
Pan di ramerino from Florence is a slightly sweet bread flavored with rosemary and raisins, typically sold as a large bun or roll. Seek it out from local bakeries in Florence and enjoy it for breakfast or as a snack.
Castagne Arrosto
(Pronounced cah-stahn-yeh ahr-roh-stoh)
Where to Enjoy Them: Anywhere in Italy
Roasted chestnuts, known as castagne arrosto, are a popular street food in Italy to enjoy as you window shop or sightsee. These warm, toasty treats are perfect for chilly evenings when the sun goes down early. Look for them at local markets and food festivals or sagre in the fall.
Necci
(Pronounced nehch-chee)
Where to Enjoy Them: Florence and Lucca
Necci are thin pancakes made from chestnut flour, rolled into tubes, and stuffed with fresh ricotta cheese. You can find these treats at markets in Florence and at Pizzeria da Felice in Lucca.
Pappa al Pomodoro
(Pronounced pahp-pah ahl poh-moh-doh-roh)
Where to Enjoy It: 15 Restaurants to Try on Your First Trip to Florence.
Pappa al pomodoro is a must-try vegan Tuscan soup that transforms stale bread into a comforting primo. Made with sautéed onions, garlic, basil, and seasonal (or canned) tomatoes, this soup is finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Zuppa di Ceci e Castagne
(Pronounced zoop-pah dee cheh-chee eh cah-stah-neh)
Where to Enjoy It: All of Italy
This hearty soup combines pancetta, onions, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, chickpeas, chili peppers, and broth which are simmered until tender. Just before serving, seasonal chestnuts are added, imparting a touch of sweetness to this robust stew.
Vegetarian in Italy: If you are vegetarian in Italy, be sure to check before ordering soups because some may be flavored with pancetta.
Olio Nuovo
(Pronounced oh-lee-oh nwoh-voh)
Where to Enjoy It: All regions
Olio nuovo, or “new oil,” is freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil, typically harvested in late October to early November. Drizzle it over almost any dish in Tuscany and consider bringing a bottle home as a souvenir or gift from Florence.
More On Olive Oil: Be sure to read up on extra virgin olive oil in
How To Store Olive Oil – Our Italian Family’s Secrets From Tuscany
Olive Oil Health Benefits – According to Italian Nonne (Grandmothers) and
How Italians Cook with Olive Oil
Castagnaccio
(Pronounced kah-stahn-yahch-choh)
Where to Enjoy It: Tuscany
Castagnaccio is a dense chestnut cake flavored with pine nuts and rosemary, widely available during chestnut season in the fall. Look for it at pastry shops and bakeries throughout Tuscany for a true seasonal treat.
Fettunta
(Pronounced feht-toon-tah)
Where to Enjoy It: Tuscany
Fettunta is a simple Tuscan delight, embodying the essence of rustic Italian cuisine. Made with slices of grilled or toasted crusty pane toscano rubbed with fresh garlic and drizzled with newly pressed extra virgin olive oil, it’s finished with a sprinkle of salt.
Make It: Bring home a bottle of olio nuovo and recreate it at home with the help of Fettunta – Italy’s Oily Slice.
Tagliatelle Ai Funghi Porcini
(Pronounced tahl-yah-tehl-leh ay foon-ghee pohr-chee-nee)
Where To Eat It: Central and northern Italy
Tagliatelle ai funghi porcini is one of my top picks if you are a vegetarian in Italy. This dish features fresh egg tagliatelle pasta coated in a luxurious pasta sauce made from sautéed porcini mushrooms, garlic, butter, and parsley.
Risotto
(Pronounced ree-soht-toh)
Where To Eat It: Northern Italy
For gluten-free travelers, risotto is a perfect dish to order in Italy no matter what region you are in. This rich and creamy rice dish features seasonal produce, which may vary by region, and is often enhanced with cheese or herbs.
My Favorite types of risotti to try while in Italy in the fall:
- risotto al tartufo – with truffle
- risotto alla zucca – with pumpkin or squash
- risotto ai funghi porcini – with porcini mushrooms
Truffle Lovers: Don’t miss my in-depth article about Truffles in Italy – All You Need to Know About Tartufi, including the best truffle fairs and festivals to attend.
Polenta Con Funghi
(Pronounced poh-lehn-tah kohn foon-ghee)
Where To Eat It: Northern Italy
Polenta becomes a popular dish in northern regions as the temperatures drop in Italy. Perfect timing because mushrooms also become readily available at this time of year, making it a match made in heaven. Another great veggie option (ask for it without cheese if you are vegan in Italy).
Curious to know more about Italy’s seasonal foods, dishes, and produce? Check out
Foods to Eat in Italy by Month in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December and by Season in Spring – Summer – Fall – Winter.
Italian Fruits and Vegetables in Season in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December.
Italian Nuts
