The Ultimate Food Guide to Italy

Sometimes, the best way to fully experience a country’s cuisine is by cooking it yourself. There’s no shortage of cooking classes across Italy and each region offers something slightly different, so there’s always something exciting happening. On the Amalfi coast, the charming town of Ravello is where Italy comes into its own. Candy coloured houses spill along the coast, overlooking the sparkling water below. Some of Europe’s finest restaurants can be found here, and the rustic Neapolitan food in this region epitomises authentic Italian cuisine.

In Rome, the Campo de’ Fiori food market is perfectly stocked with fresh, seasonal produce that is perfect for Italian cuisine. Wander through the market with a chef before preparing a delicious Italian meal in an intimate cooking class. Throughout the day, you’ll get a unique insight into the culinary traditions of southern Italian cuisine. Of course, no discussion of Italian cooking classes would be complete without a nod to Tuscany. In Cortona, learn how to make a four-course Tuscan meal; starter, pasta dish, main course and desert. You’ll be rewarded for your hard work at the end of the day, when you sit down to enjoy the food you’ve made alongside a glass of wine.

Alongside France, Italy is one of Europe – and the world’s – top cheese producers. From parmesan to Gorgonzola, any of Italy’s cheeses go perfectly with a crisp glass of wine in one of the country’s many vineyards. Across our Italy tours, there are plenty of foodie opportunities to learn the authentic Italian art of cheese-making. On the Amalfi coast, visit a buffalo farm in Ravello – see the famous buffalo mozzarella being made and of course, get to taste some of the delicious produce. In Puglia, meet a local cheese artisan at their Fasano based farm. They will demonstrate the art of making fresh burrata and let you try your hand at twisting a knot of mozzarella or two.

Although pizza and pasta take centre stage in Italy, sweet treats shouldn’t be forgotten about. In southern Sicily, the charming town of Modica specialises in chocolate. Chocolate is an ancient art form here and is still made the same way as it was by the Aztecs in Mexico. In Modica, you’ll visit a local factory and try some of its delicious creations; you’ll even get a chocolate bar to take away with you. 

When it comes to wine, Italy has its own sublime specialities scattered across the country. For travellers looking for the perfect Italian escape, wine tasting in Italy is often at the top of their bucket list. In Lecce, Li Veli winery is one of Puglia’s most renowned wineries. A family-run operation that has been around for 40 years, this is an incredible place to explore the history of wine in Puglia. You can enjoy a fascinating tour and tasting of beautiful wines here, before settling down for a spot of lunch.

If you’re in need of something a little stronger, limoncello is Italy’s national liqueur. This authentic Italian drink shines in Sorrento, as lemon is the symbol of the city. Wall paintings and mosaics uncovered in Pompeii and Herculaneum suggest that citrus trees have been cultivated in this region for millennia. While you’re in the area, tour a local factory producing limoncello before getting a taste of the traditional digestivo.

The best foodie experiences in Italy are the ones that combine a variety of tastes. Tuscany is a stand-out destination known for its wonderful food, wine and beautiful countryside. One of the best ways to explore this region is on a culinary adventure. Start in beautiful Florence with a gelato tour; in Italy, gelato is much more than just ice cream. On this educational tour, you’ll learn how gelato was invented, see how it is made in a traditional gelato parlour and taste test various flavours. 

Then, move on to the Tuscan countryside, where you can get acquainted with an enviable culinary tradition, fine Chianti wines, beautiful towns and warm locals. One of the best ways to combine food with meeting locals is on a tantalising truffle hunt at a local farm. Head into the forest alongside trained dogs who will help you sniff the best truffles out. A local farmer turned guide will also be on hand to explain the techniques used to truffle hunt. After a successful forage, you’ll sit down to a well-deserved truffle tasting and light lunch. 

Foodie romance continues in Venice, where you can dine at Venissa Ristorante. Nestled on the small island of Mazzorba, this restaurant is surrounded by vineyards and the lagoon. This idyllic Michelin-starred establishment features a menu inspired by the fishermen of Burano and the opportunity to dine at a private table surrounded by the vines.