Italy is one of those places where food isn’t just part of the culture—it is the culture. Each region brings its own specialties, traditions, and flavors to the table, and exploring by city is the best way to taste it all. From rich pasta dishes to street food favorites, here are 10 Italian cities that serve up unforgettable meals.
Rome
Rome is bold, flavorful, and unapologetically carb-heavy. Classic dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana are local staples you’ll find in trattorias all over the city. Grab a slice of Roman-style pizza or a fried artichoke in the Jewish Ghetto for a perfect street snack.
Florence
Florence is all about hearty Tuscan cooking and local ingredients. Expect rustic dishes like ribollita (a thick bread soup), wild boar ragu, and the iconic bistecca alla Fiorentina. Pair it all with Chianti from the nearby vineyards and you’re set.
Bologna
Known as Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna is where rich, comforting dishes take center stage. This is the birthplace of tagliatelle al ragù (don’t call it spaghetti Bolognese here), tortellini in brodo, and mortadella. The food here is indulgent in the best way.
Milan
Milan brings a more refined and modern edge to Italian cuisine. Try risotto alla Milanese, cotoletta (breaded veal cutlet), and panettone if you’re visiting around the holidays. Aperitivo culture is big here, so don’t miss the early evening snack-and-sip ritual.
Turin
Located in the Piedmont region, Turin is known for its truffles, chocolate, and rich, elegant dishes. This is the land of vitello tonnato, agnolotti, and hazelnut everything. It’s also the birthplace of gianduja and Italy’s slow food movement.
Modena
Modena may be small, but it’s a heavy hitter when it comes to food. This is where traditional balsamic vinegar is made, and it’s home to world-famous chef Massimo Bottura. You’ll find incredible pasta, cured meats, and Parmigiano Reggiano all around town.
Palermo
Palermo, in Sicily, has a food scene that’s bold, spicy, and heavily influenced by its many cultural roots. Street food reigns here—try arancini, panelle, and spleen sandwiches if you’re feeling adventurous. The flavors are unique and unforgettable.
Venice
Venetian cuisine is all about seafood, rice, and seasonal produce from the lagoon. Dishes like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto), and cicchetti (small bar snacks) show off the city’s distinctive flavors. Pair it with a glass of local prosecco for the full experience.
Naples
You can’t talk about Italian food without mentioning Naples, the birthplace of pizza. Neapolitan pizza with its soft, chewy crust and simple toppings is the main event, but there’s more—sfogliatella pastries, fried street food, and fresh seafood round out the city’s food culture. It’s deliciously chaotic in all the right ways.
Parma
Parma is famous for two global culinary icons: Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. But the city itself is also a gem for food lovers, with creamy pasta dishes and a strong sense of local pride in its culinary traditions. It’s a little quieter than the big cities, but the flavors are just as powerful.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.