Italian food

Hunting down the best gelato in Italy is one of those essential things you have to do when you're here, but it's good to know that gelato is so much more than just ice cream. It's a proper daily ritual, a treat that's taken very seriously and is seen as a true art form.

Strolling through a sunny Italian piazza, it’s easy to think that gelato is just the local word for ice cream. The debate of gelato vs ice cream, however, goes far beyond a simple translation.

Summer in Italy means sunshine, sightseeing, and plenty of gelato. If you’re heading to Italy and looking for the perfect way to cool down, nothing beats a scoop (or two) of traditional, homemade gelato. But with so many delicious options to choose from, which flavours are local favourites?

When you think of Italian desserts, your mind probably jumps straight to Tiramisù, a creamy Panna Cotta, or maybe a scoop of Gelato. They're certainly famous for a reason, but the world of Italian sweets, or dolci, goes so much deeper than the usual suspects.

There's a special moment at the end of a good Italian meal, when you're full and happy but not quite ready to leave the table. This is often when a small glass of something sweet and aromatic appears. In Italy, dessert wine isn't just an afterthought; it’s a cherished part of the dining culture.

When you think of the most popular dessert in Italy, it's easy for tiramisù and gelato to steal the show. But Italy has a deep love for chocolate, and its dolci often showcase it in a way that’s wonderfully rich and not overly sweet.

Italy and pasta go hand in hand—it's not a cliché, it's just the simple truth.

Central Italy is where rustic countryside flavours collide with city flair, and the region’s pasta dishes are all about bold simplicity and proudly local ingredients.

Northern Italy’s pasta scene is all about comfort, richness and an eye for proper detail. The region’s love affair with creamy sauces, eggy fresh pastas, and plenty of cheese shines through in each dish, with local ingredients giving classics their unmistakable northern twist.

Southern Italy doesn’t make a big fuss—food’s woven into the day almost without thinking.

In 2001, fast food giant McDonald's decided to expand further into southern Italy, opening a large branch in the city of Altamura, in the province of Bari. However, the story of the Altamura McDonald’s is more than just an anecdote — it represents a key moment in the broader debate between globalisation and the preservation of local traditions in Italy.

Italy, renowned for its wine and cuisine, is also celebrated for its olive oil, ranking as the world's second-highest producer of extra virgin olive oil after Spain.

The unique landscape of Abruzzo, which includes mountainous areas, hills, and a long coastal strip, allows for the cultivation of distinctive vineyards. The region's wine culture further enhances this.

In addition to the stunning landscapes and unspoiled nature that stretch from the sea to the mountains, Abruzzo is also known for its excellent cheeses. Some of these have been traditionally made in the region for centuries and have a distinctly unique flavour.

Lazio boasts a centuries-old food and wine culture and is one of Italy’s most fascinating regions for wine lovers. Its varied terrain and favourable climate have given rise to a winemaking tradition that ranges from fresh, aromatic white wines to full-bodied, well-structured reds.

Lazio is an Italian region steeped in history and tradition, and its traditional desserts, pastries and sweet treats offer a true culinary journey through its most authentic flavours. There are many typical desserts from Lazio, but some stand out as particularly well-known and cherished.

The Italian region of Lazio boasts a vast array of traditional products, but cheeses undoubtedly play a central role in the region’s food and wine culture. Cheesemaking in this part of central Italy has ancient origins, dating back to Ancient Rome.

The typical cuisine of a place is a direct reflection of its culture and the local produce the land offers. Italian cuisine, thanks to a combination of various factors, is undoubtedly one of the most beloved in the world.

Autumn marks the grape harvest, and there’s nothing quite like soaking in the enchanting atmosphere among Italy's vineyards. Italy boasts an incredible wine heritage, with its rolling hills, plains, and terraced landscapes offering stunning backdrops for excellent wine production.

Often when we book a holiday stay our search focuses on accommodation with bed and breakfast. Breakfast traditions across Europe vary widely, reflecting the diverse cultures and culinary preferences of each region.

Take a little time to discover the Belpaese this autumn, from North to South, and to taste some of the typical sweet delicacies of the region.

In Italy, you know that wherever you go you can eat well. But there is a real ranking of the best restaurants in the world and, according to the Compare The Market study, there are two Italian cities in the top 5: Venice, which dominates at number one, and Milan, at number five.

According to Reuters, there are reports that Uber is to stop its food delivery service in Italy. The company's decision to cease operations is attributed to its failure to establish a significant market presence in the country.

If you're planning a holiday in Italy, there are a few faux pas you should be aware of if you want to fit in like a local.

The coffee bar or simply 'bar' in Italy is a real institution.