Food

Everything to eat on your tour through Italy

There are few countries with a higher reputation for food than Italy, and, when you go, you'll quickly see why. We couldn't possibly explain everything there is to know about Italian cuisine here. But we can give you a few guidelines that will help you to make culturally sustainable choices and get a more local, immersive experience.

North-south divide

A handy way to think of Italian food, although it doesn't explain everything, is the distinction between the north and the south.

In the north, you'll find the best risotto (especially around Milan). You can also expect to find polenta dishes, which is a versatile cornmeal made from maize. It's cooked, cooled, and shaped into a loaf to be fried or baked. It's often served alongside soups and stews. It can also be pureed, a bit like mashed potato.

In the south, you'll be much less likely to find risotto or polenta (though it won't be impossible). Instead, you'll find big dishes like "parmigiana" (a kind of lasagne using fried aubergine slices instead of pasta sheets), classic Roman dishes, like carbonara and amatriciana, and more.

Nothing illustrates the north-south divide more than the difference in pizza. In the south, the base tends to be much thicker and doughier. In the north, it's often thin to the point of crispy. Both are delicious, and it's entirely your choice which you prefer, just be careful who you voice your preferences in front of!

Choices, choices …

The other key thing to note about Italian food is its sheer variety. Practically every region and every town is famous for some recipe or other. If you're heading to a restaurant, or looking to grab a bite on the go, you can't go far wrong if you ask for the most local or typical dish on the menu.