Tips for getting the most out of travelling to Italy!

Thousands of people flock to Italy every Summer. While many visitors are intrigued by the beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages, we guarantee that most people go for the food. The world will forever be grateful to the Italians for inventing pizza, pasta, gelato, prosecco and limoncello. Expect an abundance of these foods when eating in Italy, but be careful with your selections. A few rules to follow when choosing a restaurant, bakery or café are:

Italian restaurant

Follow the locals

Italy is swarming with people. Sometimes you’ll have a hard time finding any locals when you’re cocooned between hundreds of other tourists on the streets of Venice but persevere. You will find unpretentious, honest and quaint little eateries that are buzzing with Italians and you’ll absolutely always find a great meal there. There’s a famous sandwich cafe in Florence called “All’antico Vinaio”. The locals queue down the street for what is considered and rated as The Best Street Food in Italy. Grab your sandwich and a bottle of wine (they even give you glasses) and enjoy your meal whilst sitting on the pavement outside, just as the locals do.

Florence eatery

Positano Amalfi Coast

Pizza in Italy

Stay away from the sights

The restaurants around the big tourist attractions are almost always overpriced, empty and disappointing. Sometimes you’ll need to walk three or four blocks away from a particular museum or monument to find an authentic dining experience in Italy. When in Amalfi, there are great bakeries and pizzerias hidden on the walk between the famous beachfront and the bus station. That’s where you’ll find the best food, and views. Enjoy your meal at the bus stop instead of at an overpriced, unauthentic eatery.

Pizza in Positano

Eating in Italy

Go to the origin

The best pizza will be found in Naples, Cannelloni was invented by a chef in Sorrento and Bolognaise really does come from Bologna. The best Parma Ham and Parmesan Cheese can be sampled and purchased in Parma, and you’ll find great gelato, Spritz and coffee just about anywhere. Limoncello originates from Southern Italy and is made from the zest of “Sorrento lemons”. When walking the streets in beautiful Sorrento, you’ll find (and walk through) an abundance of lemon groves.

Spritz in Italy Sorrento

Spritz in Positano

Let them cook for you

Some intimate accommodation options like Airbnb hosts or owners of guesthouses might have a private dining option. If travelling to Italy, it would be worth spending just one night with another family and definitely ask them to cook for you. Don’t be shy, as most Italian mothers (especially) absolutely love cooking and will feel honored by your request. You can eat at dozens of restaurants, but there is something truly magical about having a home cooked meal in the food capital of the world. Don’t miss the opportunity.

Be cautious

There shouldn’t be pictures of food with translations on the menu. Nobody should be trying to usher you into a restaurant. Always ask to see a menu before choosing a restaurant and absolutely never enter a restaurant where someone is trying to call you in from the street.

Italian Food in Ischia Eating in Italy

Italian Menu

Don’t pass the salt

Don’t spice anything. Italian food is supposed to be very simplistic, honest and basic. Don’t get into a habit of spicing your meals with extra salt and condiments because you’ll miss the entire experience that way. In fact, the majority of restaurants in Italy don’t even have salt and pepper on the tables.

Gnocci in Sorrento Italy

Don’t be shy

Ask for recommendations when eating in Italy. Keep an eye on a restaurant you’re interested in and ask patrons who are leaving if they enjoyed their meal. You’ll be surprised at how many great-looking eateries you’ll walk away from this way. Your hotel, guesthouse or host will be able to suggest an array of their favourite eateries, so rather opt for solid referrals instead of searching the streets on your own.

Pasta in Positano Eating in Italy

Watch your wallet

It shouldn’t be expensive. When eating in Italy, remember that most of the food is very basic with very few ingredients. If you’re paying hundreds of rands for a Pomodoro (tomato) pasta, then you’re at the wrong place. Pay the prices that you imagine the locals do. You will pay a lot more for food on beaches as the waitrons really do struggle in the heat to get your meal to your sun loather, so keep that in mind. As a side note: You pay a hefty entrance fee at private beaches to use their facilities, so factor that in when working out your food budget! Most beaches in Positano are divided into private and public sections, and Arienzo is a firm favourite amongst locals, with fantastic food to match.

Italian Flag

Think fresh and local

Eat and shop at the markets. You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Italy, but you’ll also be eating an incredible amount of carbs. Grab pieces of fresh fruit from the local markets to help with both digestion and your budget. Italy is incredibly warm and humid in summer, but you’ll find an abundance of fresh fruit juices, fruit slushies and sliced fruit to snack on as you explore the towns. Ensure that you always have small change with you to grab bites along the way. If you have self catering accommodation then it’s definitely worth your while to find the seafood market in Venice.

Fruit market in Venice Italy

Don’t assume

The cafeterias at filling stations are phenomenal and with an extensive freshly made food offering. You might find one of your best meals here. The Italians love food and put a lot of love into everything that they create. What you’ll enjoy about the cafeterias is being able to sample a wide variety of classic Italian dishes on one plate. Prepare to be surprised at the most unassuming places when eating in Italy.

Penne Pasta eating in Italy

Try all the coffee, everywhere

Finding great coffee might be one of your biggest challenges in Italy, because absolutely everyone serves it and every Italian eatery claims to serve the best kind. Whichever kind of coffee you prefer, remember to try it unsweetened to fully experience the taste of their coffee beans. Italians love black espresso without sugar, always paired with a glass of water. Wherever you’re enjoying your coffee in Italy, it will always have the most beautiful view.

Coffee in Florence Italy

Go experience it for yourself, browse Cheap Flights to Italy right now!

We hope you enjoyed this beginner’s guide to eating in Italy. Let us know if you’ve been to Italy before and if you found any great restaurants. Comment below. We’d love to hear from you!

Our Readers Comments

  1. We have been to Italy 3 times and love the place!! Our last trip in 2018 was to Florence ( to see the art again and experience that beautiful city ) from where we went by TRAIN – yes by train – to Sicily! A must do if you are thinking of going that way as the ride along the Amalfi coast is also breathtaking. The train is loaded on a ferry for the crossing to Sicily and that is an experience in itself.
    We decided to book apartments in Sicily and Sardinia (where we went after Sicily) as we wanted to do self catering where possible and this proved to be a very good option as ALL the owners of these facilities were so helpfull and friendly – they collected us from train stations and also helped us get back there when departing! There local knowledge is so important because they can tell you where would be best to eat if you want to eat out (also the prices) and can direct you to nearest local markets for fresh produce as well as meat etc- this is a must – as well as local supermarkets. If you somehow get stuck they are also always available and just a phone call away. Probably the best holiday we have ever had and we travel only by public transport ie trains and busses!!! By overnight ferry from Sicily to Sardinia.

  2. Hi
    Going on an extensive trip to Europe in May and June – starting at Matera in the southern part of Italy and working our way up. Staying in Naples, then Rome, then Florence and ending in Venice. What would you suggest is a good and economical way of traveling around Naples, Amalfi, Pompei, etc – rent own car or any other suggestions? Same around Florence?

    Then, traveling from Florence to Venice – best by train? Last question – any suggestions/link for cheap air travel from Venice to Paris?
    Thanks

    • Hi Reta,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      Should you wish to get assistance in receiving a quote and making a reservation,
      we have a team of Travel Experts that would love to help.
      You can contact our direct sales team, Travelstart Live by calling 021 020 0559 (Monday – Friday) or by sending an email to live@travelstart.com with all details exact dates, routing, budget and number of passengers and one of our agents will get back to you with a quote.

  3. I went on a day trip to Pompeii when I went on a coach holiday to Rome a few years ago, it was so amazing and I wish I”d had more time to really explore, we were only there for about 2 hours! We spoke to a couple when we were in Sorrento who said they were staying near Pompeii and I would definitely choose to stay there if/when I go back!

    • Sounds beautiful. Maybe time for another visit 🙂

  4. Going to Milan end of July….where to eat there as I know most places there are very expensive – some advice please?

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