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Food Tourism in Italy – A Guide

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• Vroom with a view – In search of Italy’s Dolce Vita on a ’61 Vespa by Peter Moore
• 5 Italian Cities to visit in 2015
• Planning a trip to Italy on a budget – tips
• Trieste – 5 reasons to visit this overlooked historic city
• Seven European Cities to Visit in 2012
• 15 Travel Mistakes on a trip to Italy
• Franz Ferdinand rock Italy’s Home Festival
• 5 Reasons that Emilia-Romagna is ‘the new Tuscany’
• Ascoli Piceno – A jewel in the Marche

From the TMO Italy Travel Guide

Food tourism in Italy is a growing sector, notwithstanding the fact that Italians have been producing some of the best food in the world for centuries. Producing great food is one thing, making it accessible to visitors is another, and for many years it was not necessarily easy to plan your whole Italian holiday around food tourism. Thankfully nowadays throughout Italy producers are waking up to the possibilities of introducing tourists to their world-class produce. We’ve put together a guide to planning a gourmet or gastro-trip to Italy.

Understand the regional differences in food

The most important thing to consider about Italy, in almost any aspect, is that it’s highly regional, and this is particularly true in relation to food. If you’re visiting Italy hoping to sample the famed mediterranean diet, and you base yourself in Bologna, often acclaimed as Italy’s gastronomic capital, you’ll be disappointed as the diet in Emilia-Romagna has little in common with that of southern Italian regions like Sicily, or Calabria. Each region has its specialities, and you should study them up before hand to make sure that you taste the key signature dishes – look at our articles in our Italy Travel Guide sections.

Follow local wine and produce routes

One of the best ways to travel around is to choose the region(s) you want to visit, and then check to see if their is a signposted route of local producers of wine and food. Most of the regional tourist authorities and producer collectives have worked together to provide scenic routes where you can stop off and taste local wines and produce. Some examples include:

• The Etruscan Wine and Oil route – in the Tuscan provinces of Livorno and Pisa
• Strada dei Vini e Sapori (Wine and Tastes) dei Colli di Rimini – in the Romagna hills, home to Sangiovese wine
• Strada del vino – Piemonte – a new initiative helping tourists discover the fantastic wines of Piemonte

Get involved in the local harvests

Whether it’s grape-picking or olive harvesting, throughout Italy there are opportunities to combine a holiday with a special experience getting hands on experience to see how food is harvested and processed. At the high end of the market, you can stay in Sting’s Tuscan vineyard and help with the harvest, while the less star struck can opt for specilised tours in regions like Puglia where you can learn about the production of spectacular olive oil.

It’s a great way to enter into the culture, and to get to taste some serious local produce.

Take an Italian cookery course

Throughout Italy you can organise a holiday with a local cookery course. In Bologna, for example, you can learn to make perfect Tortellini , or in Rome you can take a cookery course that will bring you to local markets, show you how to choose the best produce, and then teach you to cook fresh pasta. Throughout the peninsula you have cookery schools specifically for tourists popping up. Competition is strong, so make sure that your school is run by locals who speak good english, and who can teach you about Italy’s amazing food culture as well as just show you recipes.

As a side note, there are lots of places now that offer cooking holidays in italy for singles, which can be a great way to meet people and make friends during your trip.

Stay in an Agriturismo

An Agriturismo is a government issued category of farmhouse accomodation. To benefit from the Agriturismo label an accomodation must have some form of agricultural activity, and it generally favours small local producers. How rustic an agriturismo may be varies, with many actually being luxurious guesthouses with fancy restaurants, while others are more down to earth. They’re the best way to sample the countryside, and all feature local home grown produce.

Sample food and wine at a local festival

Throughout the country, particularly throughout the summer and through Autumn with the harvests, there are local festivals dedicated to specific local cuisines. In almost any small town you’ll see posters put up to celebrate local ‘Sagre’, ‘Feste’ or ‘Mercatini’, where you’ll get local producers setting up stands along with outdoor cooking, music and general entertainment. These are where Italians themeselves flock, and are an amazing experience offering great simple food at, usually, great prices.

Some unusual ones include

• the White Truffle fair in San Giovanni d’Asso (Outside Montalcino, near Siena) in December
• The Sagra del Pesce (fish) in Camogli, Liguria
• La Sagra della Patata (Potato)- Leonessa, Rieti in October
• La Fiera Fredda della Lumaca piemontese (Snails) – Borgo San Dalmazzo, near Cuneo, December

Pay homage to Artusi

Pellegrino Artusi holds a special place in the hearts of many Italians, as he was one of the first to publish a comprehensive guide to Italian cooking, La scienza in cucina e l’arte di mangiar bene , or Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well , back in 1865 based on his extensive research. Whenever Italians argue about the correct way to cook something (which they do, often!), many will take immediate recourse to Artusi.

The Casa Artusi , in his home town of Forlimpopoli, is a museum/restaurant/cookery school setup in a converted church. It’s been described, by food critic Alberto Capatti as “the first living museum for Italian cuisine, haunted at night by the spirit of Pellegrino himself, and open during the day to the dilettantes, foodies, chefs, children and amateurs that are ready to tie on an apron and try their hand in the kitchen. Casa Artusi is not just for observing and remembering, but for letting the appetite live and work freely.”

Visit Parma’s food museums

Parma, the city which gave us its exceptional prosciutto (cured ham) and parmesan cheese, has four museums devoted to food: Museo del Parmigiano Reggiano (cheese), Museo del Prosciutto di Parma (cured ham), Il Museo del pomodoro (tomato), and the Museo del salame di Felino (the Felino Salami).

Follow the Slow Food network

The slow food movement, which was founded in Italy (in Bra, in Piemonte) and has now become an important global movement campaigning for food education, bio-diversity, ecology, and the general opposite of a fast-food culture. Part of their initial work was setting up a network of supporters amongst food producers and you can find local producers who adhere to the principles of the slow food community by searching on their site here

Do you have any tips or experiences about food tourism in Italy that you’d like to share with us? Send them to us via the comments.

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Food & Culinary Tours in Italy

Head out on a truffle hunting adventure in Tuscany , sip on the freshest limoncello at the Amalfi Coast or indulge in the finest berried blends in Sicily . Ignite your inner epicure with melting Margherita pizzas and spoon-swirling spaghetti on an Italian food tour. Whether you're indulging at a bàcari in Venice or celebrating la dolce vita with an aperitivo in Milan , there's no competition for the best food experiences in Italy.

117 Food & Culinary tour packages in Italy with 665 reviews

• Food & Culinary

Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests)

I can’t say enough good things about our experience in Sicily thanks to Mossimo and his team. Excellent, informative tour guides…Denise, Carlos, Antonio and Sem. The cooking class may have been the highlight, but all of the activities were fun and the pace of the tour, planned activities/free time mix was perfect. Will definitely recommend!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Wine tasting

Italy Real Food Adventure

Italy Real Food Adventure tour is amazing! I'm happy to travel around the cities in Italy and eat all of the food there!

Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience

A truly Salento experience. A variety of local food lovingly cooked & served together with various local wines. All carefully explained. A caring family approach to every aspect of the tour. This is a place for those looking for a relaxing time in a friendly country atmosphere & environment. Highly recommended especially but not exclusively for solo travellers.

Private Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour

Massimo of Sicily Activities was wonderful to work with. He always answered right away, and took care of EVERYTHING throughout the trip--even things that weren't strictly part of the tour. We were a private group of 15. PALERMO: The hotel was wonderful and Fabrizio was a great guide for the food tour. Luca was a great driver to Monreale and Cefalu'. Larisa was a good guide for the Monreale cathedral and Lisabeta in Cefalu' was fantastic--and the restaurant was, too. Claudio, our driver to Agrigento and Siracusa was excellent. The guide at Valley of the Temples was good. An amazing place. SIRACUSA: The hotel was lovely and in a great location. Both guides in Ortigia were great--Valerio for the walking tour and Paolo for the foodie dinner--what a fun man. Paolo, the driver to Noto, Villa Romana del Casale and Taormina was fantastic. Saro was an excellent guide in Noto and Mt Etna. Lunches in both Noto and Piazza Amerina were delicious. Patrizia, the guide for Villa Romana, was wonderful, especially when we needed an ambulance for one of the women to go to the hospital. And dear Massimo even arranged a taxi for me from the hospital back to Siracusa (about an hour and half away). The driver was the nicest man! TAORMINA: Another very nice hotel. Our guide for the walking tour was really good. She was patient as we were a little late getting ready to start the tour, but she still took us to the Greek Theatre in the rain and wind. The tour to Mt Etna was fabulous--both the tasting and the lunch. Massimo even arranged a pizza-making class when weather prevented us from going on our scheduled boat ride. In summary, there was nothing Massimo could have done better. And this is at a time when all the tour directors were overwhelmed with bookings. He was a standout!

Discover Matera and Taste of Salento Tour

What a terrific experience! Emilio was an outstanding guide and chef who helped us explore the entire Salento region- a different region each day! We then were treated to his culinary deilights each evening on the wonderful olive farm. He was extremely accommodating and very flexible throughout the stay. Matera was also a very enjoyable and interesting city, and Cosimo was the most knowledgeable guide! Omar did a wonderful job of organization and was very easy to contact and extremely helpful. What a wonderful trip. I would highly recommend this company!

Charming Sicily Food & Wine Small Group Tour - 8 days

I really enjoyed the tour!

Sicily Food Adventure

Well planned tour. Tour leader Rosario was the best. He made the tour very, very special. So very professional, caring and expert. Highly recommend this tour.

8-Day Foodie Tour Of Northern Italy

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

5 Days Italian Cookery Getaway in Umbria

Just GO!! It is the best 4 days I had and the experience of cooking with ONE the best was amazing!! The venue and soundings are breath taking!!

South Italy Campania Escape

Hotel room was large and comfortable = 5* Hotel location was difficult : NO buses, NO subway close by. We had to walk a LOT , even to reach meeting points for daily tours !! (2*) Staff was VERY friendly and helpful. (5*) TOUR to POMPEI / VESUVIO was excellent, considering the conditions... Excellent LUNCH and wine testing (5*) We did the VESUVIO hike, all the way to the TOP ! (5*) TOUR of NAPOLI was good. / We saw many more places, and took the subway (5*) Note : we had problems with the street food . Difficult to find good, relaxing places to have dinner in NAPOLI. ..Next time we will consult a TOUR GUIDE BOOK.

• In-depth Cultural

A Taste of Tuscany - Hilltop Towns and Vineyards

5 Luxury days on the Sacred Land of Umbria

Northern Italy Gourmet Luxury Tour - 8 Days

Everything about our tour was just amzingly great... from the tours, to the arrangements, to our chaufered driven Mercedes. One suggestion about our last stay at Locandia Marquesi di Alfieri. It is a very small village, and no nearby restaurant open on Mondays. Without a vehicle, it can be difficult, so it would be good to inform your clients. Also, the goodbye dinner was at Blue Rose, which would require a walk down to and back up the steep road. At night it can be a challenge and even dangerous, with no sidewalks. I would suggest either Osteria il Re degli Ignoranti or Ristorante Concordia, which are much closer to the Locandia Marquesi di Alfieri Hotel.

Gourmet Rome, Sorrento & Capri

The Best Wines of Tuscany in 5 Exclusive Days from Florence

What people love about food & culinary tours in italy.

Italy Real Food Adventure tour is amazing! I'm happy to travel around the cities in Italy and eat all of the food there!

Continued.. Besides both Carla and Emilios own knowlege and history of each place they had Profesional guides to take you around to the other places. Nice to be in a private car. Great food like I said before. Emilio really takes care and you can see the passion in every dish he makes. Very well put together tour. Loved my stay at the farmhouse learning about the olive trees. Overall a Wonderful experience during my week in brindisi. Will visit again! Crystal

Food & Culinary Tours

• Wine tasting (12)
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Regions in Italy

• South Italy (42)
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Travel Styles

• 10 Best Food & Culinary Tours 2024/2025
• Italy Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Itinerary Ideas for 10 Days in Italy, 2022-2023
• Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Discover the Best Italy Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• What is the best time to visit Italy in 2024/2025?

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• English: Food & Culinary Tours in Italy
• Deutsch: Italien Kulinarikreise Rundreisen
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Top 10 Italian Food Experiences

From eating with the seasons to enjoying an aperitivo, from devouring a pizza in Naples to grazing the street markets of Palermo, and whether hunting for truffles or the best possible gelato, Italy boasts an abundance of ways to experience one of the world’s most beloved cuisines.

We’re celebrating the arrival of our newest book,  Rick Steves Italy for Food Lovers  — available now. During the pandemic, I worked closely with Rick and co-author Fred Plotkin to assemble this comprehensive handbook for the traveler — teaching visitors how to fully experience the joys of eating and drinking in Italy, and to think about food the way Italians do. And now that the book is finally out, I’ve been dreaming about the many wonderful food experiences I’ve savored all across Italy. Here’s my selection of 10 amazing Italian food experiences — which, I hope, will inspire you as you plan your own travels.

Of course, this is just one traveler’s list. What are some of your favorite Italy food experiences? Share yours in the Comments.

Eating Local: Culinary Campanilismo

Yes, it does. And I was wrong.

  Campanilismo is the fierce loyalty Italians feel to their immediate community… literally, the people who live within earshot of the same bell tower (campanile) . And Italian cooking, too, is exactingly local.

As my wife and I explored Piedmont last September, we were struck by how similar menus were from place to place. Each dish was a  piemontese specialty we’d rarely seen elsewhere. Tajarin (skinny, vivid-yellow, egg-yolk noodles) were smothered in a variety of sauces. When it comes to Castelmango cheese, with a decadent texture and a wipe-a-tear pungency, a little goes a long way. And s everal meals ended with bonèt, similar to a  chocolate  flan. 

We used “eating local” as an excuse to stretch our culinary boundaries. Normally, we’d give a pass to  vitello tonnato — veal with a creamy tuna-caper sauce — based on the description alone. But knowing it was a local forté, we tried two very different versions. And both were excellent.

It’s not just regions. These localized specialties often come down to the town…or even the neighborhood. In Rome’s historic Jewish Quarter, signs advertise  carciofi alla giudìa — “Jewish-style” artichokes. Taking the hint, I ordered an item that looked like some crispy-crunchy alien appendage. And it was a memorable, and delicious, treat.

Don’t head to Italy with a “bucket list” of foods that you’ll demand to eat while there. Instead, let the locals tell you what they  are excited to feed you

Eating with the Seasons

Italians brag that if you show them a menu from any restaurant in Italy, they can identify not only where it comes from…but what time of year. That’s because the best food is not only local — it’s highly seasonal.

Speaking of artichokes, I happened to be in Rome last March, when artichokes were absolutely everywhere: piled in neat pyramids in grocery store windows, on restaurant menus, and so on. Walking through the Testaccio Market, I saw piles upon piles of those beautiful vegetables, with their artful ombré of green and purple. It felt like the city was having one big artichoke party.

Italians know the rotating calendar of seasonal specialties, and they track those annual cycles with a special verve. On a springtime visit to Palermo’s street markets, a  flurry of activity engulfed a table displaying gigantic slabs of bright-pink tuna, just caught. The fishmongers set out little sprigs of delicate spring mint, symbolizing that tuna season had begun. During the brief window when the tuna is this fresh, you eat it virtually rare — barely kissed by flame, then onto your plate.

One fall in Tuscany, the hillsides were mostly bare except for the neon-green fuzz of winter wheat. Trees were naked; bushes were brown. But on a few spindly branches dangled plump orange fruits: persimmons. One of the best dishes I had on that trip was a dessert consisting of chestnut mousse with persimmon purée. It tasted like a Tuscan autumn.

One dish my wife and I did not have on that trip to Piedmont? Truffles. Even though it’s a truffle-crazy region, we were just a dozen days or so too early to enjoy that delicacy in its prime. And so, it was notably absent from local menus.

We Americans are used to getting what we want, when we want it. But when we do that, we sacrifice quality. Recently, at my local supermarket, I bought some tomatoes and strawberries. And, because it’s winter, they tasted almost indistinguishable.

Italians have patience. They know good things are worth waiting for. And when you have an ingredient or a dish just once a year, its flavor is that much more special.

Indulging in Passeggiata, Aperitivo, and Apericena

When visiting Italy, let yourself get swept up in the passeggiata — that special hour or so each evening when the entire community does lazy laps around the city center. And as you stroll, don’t miss a parallel custom happening along the fringes of that street: the aperitivo, an after-work, pre-dinner drink enjoyed among friends. People meet up to have a cocktail, socialize, take a little break from their evening constitutional…and enjoy their beautiful cityscape.

At aperitivo time, Italians people-watch from café tables, or stand around in little clusters, engrossed in conversation. In every hand is a bright-orange glass of Aperol spritz. It’s all so…civilized.

Some bars throw in a small snack — a basket of potato chips, or a little bowl of nuts. Others lay out a delectable antipasti spread to lure in passersby. For the cost of a cocktail, you can fill up a small plate with munchies. Places with especially substantial snacks sometimes call this apericena — a pun combining aperitivo and cena (dinner). And, while it’s bad form to take this too literally and assemble a full dinner from the buffet, if you’ve had a big lunch, the snacks that come with a couple of drinks may tide you over until morning.

Cooking with the Locals

Taking a cooking class is a wonderful way to connect with Italian food culture, and to pick up a new skill. But a “cooking class” can take many different forms.

On a mist-enshrouded hilltop, a Michelin-starred chef invited visitors into his kitchen for an unforgettable lesson in olive oil, risotto, roasting meats, and, of course, making pasta. He began by rolling out sheets of pasta, then attacked each one with his knife to instantly trim it into textbook specimens of different noodles: “ Papardelle, ” he said, chopping thick ribbons. “ Tagliatelle ” — this one was thinner. “Capellini.” Thinner still. With each batch, he grabbed the wad of newborn noodles and tossed them gently in the air.

On a nearby hillside, Mamma Laura masterfully orchestrated a meal for her eager students. She’d demonstrate the task at hand — chopping up chunks of squash, packing ingredients into little pouches of cabbage, rolling out long sheets of pasta dough — then turned us loose to try it out. Ingredients would disappear into an oven or pot or blender, then reappear when it was time for the next step. Miraculously, everything was finished at exactly the right time. And it was all delicious.

At a rustic country hotel, every Thursday night is pasta-making night : All of the guests gather on the veranda, and Isabella walks everyone through how to make the local, hand-rolled pici noodles — from a little “volcano” of flour with raw eggs in the caldera to a delicious feast. Everyone gets in on the action: Grandparents and little ones all challenge each other to roll out the perfect noodle.

Because Italian chefs are more impressed by top-quality ingredients than by complicated technique, many dishes are relatively easy for beginners to replicate at home. (The hardest part can be finding those premium ingredients; once you do, the cooking is a snap.) One of the mainstays in my family’s menu planning is an outrageously delicious tomato sauce we learned from a restauranteur named Marta. It requires just a few ingredients: tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and — if you like a little kick — red pepper flakes. Each time we make it, it transports us back to some of our favorite travels. (Pssst! You can find the recipe here .)

Browsing a Palermo Street Market

Spleen sandwich? Fried-up leftovers of veal cartilage and organs? An entire tiny octopus, boiled to tender perfection in inky water?

Say what you will about these dishes…there’s no doubt they’re some of the most memorable things I’ve eaten in Italy. And I ate them all within a few hundred yards of each other, in the street markets of Palermo .

Palermo’s three sprawling street markets — Ballarò, Capo, and Vucciria — let you delve into gritty Sicilian culture. Joining a food tour (I did one with Marco from Streaty ) makes the experience far more accessible, ensuring that no weird food goes untasted.

Many items here are delicious by any standard:  arancina , a deep-fried ball of saffron rice and meat sauce; sfincioni, French-bread-style “Sicilian pizza,” grilled up to order; and, of course, cannoli, a crispy pastry tube that’s filled to order with luxurious ricotta.

Others put you precipitously steep on the street-food learning curve:  frittula — basically the leftover parts of veal (cartilage, intestines, little bits of bone) all chopped up, griddled, and seasoned with generous salt and lemon juice; or pani ca’ meusa — a pillowy bun stuffed with spleen, lung, and other organ meat. These bites challenged my ethic of always being willing to try a local dish…once.

The best tours also teach you how to think about the market like a Sicilian. Marco prodded us to hear the echoes of Sicily’s historic connections to North Africa in the melodic sales pitches of today’s vendors, and challenged us to view vendors with slippery pricing through a lens of good-natured gamesmanship.

Best of all, the whole time you’re browsing these gut-bombs, you’re fully immersed in the energetic hubbub of Sicilian urban life — watching the palermitani greet old friends, listening to the urgent musicality of those vendors’ patter, and smelling all that sizzling and frying goodness (plus a full spectrum of other odors).

Slamming Down un Caffè While Standing at a Counter

The Italian stand-up coffee counter has a special allure. Both efficient and social, this experience comes with a practiced ritual: First, you tell the cashier what you want, and you pay. They hand you a little slip of paper that you take over to the counter, where you get the barista’s attention. Once the drink is prepared, you stand there just long enough to down it. Maybe you make conversation with your fellow patrons or the staff. And then, within a matter of minutes (maybe less)…you bid everyone a cherry Ciao,  grazie ! and head on your way.

This is just what the doctor ordered when you’re fresh off the plane — disoriented and jet-lagged — to jump-start that wonderful feeling of “Hey! I’m in Italy!” The experience delightfully bombards all your senses: The smell of fresh-ground coffee as you walk through the door. The sound of the hissing steamer and the glockenspeil-like clink-clink-clink of teensy spoons against teensier ceramic cups. The mesmerizing, machinelike efficiency of the baristas’ practiced motions, a conveyer belt of full and empty cups, doing their perpetual loop from espresso machine to counter to dishwasher. And, of course…the coffee itself.

This ritual is also highly satisfying at breakfast time. Last year, I made a point to skip out on my hotel’s paltry buffet to enjoy stand-up breakfasts among the Italians in Siena, Rome, Trieste, and many other places. There’s something joyful about standing still and getting caffeinated while you watch the town wake up. Instead of strolling tourists, the narrow streets are filled with delivery people pushing hand trucks.

And often, there’s a special local pastry to try. One morning in Rome, I noticed everyone was ordering the local version of a “breakfast of champions”: A cappuccino and a maritozzo (puffy brioche roll filled with whipped cream). I would never be able to stomach this sugar-bomb back home…but in Rome, it just felt right.

Eating Pizza in Naples

Even when a food is available worldwide — maybe especially in those cases — it’s a rare treat to have it in its birthplace. The first time I went to Naples, I was skeptical that the pizza would really be all that different than the myriad versions I can get in my foodie hometown. Rarely have I been so wrong! In Naples, even a basic pizza is a revelation.

I met up with a Neapolitan friend, Vincenzo, who couldn’t wait to take me to his idea of the best pizzeria in town. Choice of toppings? Psssh. Here you have just two options: marinara or Margherita. Like In-N-Out Burger back home, this pizzaiolo understands that when you achieve perfection, you keep things simple.

When the pizza hit our table, Vincenzo took a bite and rocketed into performative ecstasy. “Aha! You taste that? The perfect crust. Thin, soft, a leetle sour. You don’t even need to chew it. You just put it in your mouth and…” He pantomimed a delicious glob of pizza sliding down his esophagus, ending with a big smile.

Watching me gingerly nibble at my slice, Vincenzo said, “ This is the correct way to eat pizza.” He cut out a wedge, rolled it up into a bundle, sawed off a crosswise chunk, and jammed it into his mouth. I tried it. And in one perfect bite, I got the gooey middle, the singed crust, and a squirt of tomato sauce — all in just the right proportions.

Neapolitans, you see, are pizza perfectionists. And after spending some time there, you’ll be in danger of becoming a pizza snob, too.

Hunting for Truffles (and Other Food Experiences)

Some of the most vivid food experiences in Italy don’t even involve eating — but rather, learning about where your food comes from. This can be a tour of a facility that produces Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino cheese; a walk through vineyards and wine-production facilities; or a trip to the community olive press. Or it can involve walking through the woods.

One chilly November morning in the hills of Tuscany,  I met a professional truffle-hunter, Paolo, and his trusty assistant, Milli . Milli — who, it seems pertinent to note here, is a dog — skittered off into the underbrush, nose twitching, tail wagging, in hot pursuit of those mysterious deposits that hide a few inches underground.

As we chased after her, Paolo explained that you can’t actually “plant” truffes — all you can do is cultivate the land to create an ideal habitat, scatter a few spores…and hope. And then, when they truffles begin to release their unmistakable aroma, Milli does the rest. Paolo began training her when she was just 10 days old — feeding her tiny bits of truffles to develop her palate. Teaching her how to find the truffles was the easy part, he said. The hard part was getting her to stop eating them.

As if on cue, Milli began excitedly pawing a particular spot in the ground. Paolo rushed over, held her back, and used his special shovel, with a surgeon’s precision, to extract the nugget from the damp earth. As I inhaled that pungent scent, Paolo beamed and Milli flapped her tail proudly. With that mental image, truffles are even more delicious.

Finding the Very Best Gelato

On a visit to Florence, I asked my friend Virginia: What are some clues for finding the best possible gelato? I got a gelato lesson I’ll never forget . As we walked through those Renaissance streets, surveying both great gelaterie and terrible ones, Virginia offered some tips:

“You want a place that makes all of their gelato fresh, on the premises, ideally that same day. That’s why you should look for words like artigianale — artisanal; or fatto in casa — homemade.”

She warned me to avoid big mountains of brightly hued gelato, which is designed to attract children. The best has muted colors — ones that occur in nature — and is often kept in stainless-steel covered tubs, until someone orders it.

Pausing at a promising-looking place, Virginia — quite strategically — asked to sample the pistachio. She explained: “Did you ever notice that every gelato flavor costs the same to buy? But, of course, they cost different to produce. And the most expensive flavor to do properly, using real nuts, is pistachio. If the pistachio is good, it’s a sign that the gelateria owner is committed to making quality gelato over profits.” This place had a tasty pistachio…and, sure enough, top-quality gelato.

This experience reminded me that the more you know about something, the better you’re able to appreciate it.

Having a Zero-Kilometer Meal

We’ve already seen how Italians are locavores. For the ultimate expression of this ethic, seek out a zero-kilometer meal: one where all of the ingredients originate from less than a kilometer away. This experience takes “farm-to-table” to painstaking extremes.

At  Santa Giulia farm , about an hour south of Siena, I joined Gianluca Terzuoli and his wife, Kae, for such a meal. After walking through the hut where Gianluca air-dries his prosciutto, we sat down for our zero-kilometer feast . As we sampled Brunello di Montalcino wine and bread drizzled with olive oil, Gianluca gestured to the neat rows of vines and the gnarled trees where he harvested the grapes and olives. (Forget “kilometer” — these are centi meters apart.)

Then came the prosciutto and salami, made with the meat of free-range pigs. When I popped a delicate slice into my mouth, it washed my palate with salt-and-umami flavor, then gradually vaporized on my tongue. Also on the table was pecorino, made with the milk of ewes that I could hear bleating in the distance.

When I pressed Gianluca on the point of whether it’s all truly from right here, he sheepishly waved a hand toward the woods and said, “Well, the pigs free-range over there…500 meters away.” “Yes, but that’s still within a kilometer,” I pointed out. Gianluca beamed in agreement.

“When you eat this food, you want to really taste the animal,” Gianluca says. This old Italian saying translates awkwardly, but it contains great wisdom: You know that ingredients — whether prosciutto or pecorino — are top-quality when the flavors linger on your palate. Processed prosciutto and pecorino are overly salted as a preservative and to boost the flavor; the faint flavors are immediately washed away. Quality goods like Gianluca’s linger on your taste buds for a long, long time.

Thanks for joining me on this brief culinary tour of Italy. What are some of your top Italian food and wine experiences?

This list was inspired by our brand-new travelers’ handbook to eating and drinking in Italy: Rick Steves Italy for Food Lovers, co-authored by Fred Plotkin. If these stories whetted your appetite…I promise, you won’t regret digging into this book.

And for more travel tales about great food, consider picking up my memoir, The Temporary European: Lessons and Confessions of a Professional Traveler . Inside you’ll find expanded versions of my stories about grazing at a Palermo street market, learning from Virginia about how to find the best gelato, hand-rolling pici pasta with Isabella, and much more.

6 Replies to “Top 10 Italian Food Experiences”

Lampredotto sandwiches with green sauce in Florence and Tuscany!

Looking forward to “Food Lovers” co-authored w/Fred Plotkin. I’ve used Fred’s “Gourmet Traveler” book all over Italy. Unfortunately I travel light and it’s heavy so I can’t take it along. Hopefully you’ll make this available as an e-book. Also, thanks for giving me the courage to travel alone. It has led to some amazing adventures and friends from all over the world.

On the first night of our first RS Tour: Heart of Italy, most of our group dined together at a casual osteria in Rome. The authentic handmade tagliatelle with ragu’ was so delicious that my (Italian-American) husband had to order a second plate! The restaurant owner had to come out and see for himself what kind of American tourist had to double-up on his delicious pasta. We all got a laugh, especially the restauranteur. But, secretly, I think we all wanted another portion too!!

Back in 2006, I was able to stay for 6 months in a small hilltop town in Tuscany called Castagneto Carducci which is close to Super Tuscan producing wine areas of Bolgheri. Went back for a few weeks stay again in 2011. This was all for food and wine. Loved the restaurants of CC as well as all around Tuscany. Even joined the Slow Food Society which started in Northern Italy. Now, am on Oceania World Cruise again for food and wine, the latter not so much as I can’t drink much anymore. Am experiencing world food now, some good

In Treviso there is a gelato shop called Dassie Gelato Sant’Agostino. The owner is Stefano Dassie and he has won the Gambero Rosso award numerous times for his gelato. In 2018 it was for the best chocolate gelato in all of Italy. One of the many reasons to discover Treviso!

We were very happy to have bypassed wine tastings at large producers in favor of Santa Giulia Farm. It was truly a lovely visit. Not to mention delicious!

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Food Travel Italy: An Insider Guide

Food travel and Italy go hand in hand. A fior de latte mozzarella, sliced and drizzled with a first-pressed olive oil. Pesto sauce pounded by hand until the basil, pine nuts and parmesan almost emulsify. Water, flour, and salt kneaded and shaped into the best pasta of your life. This is Italy’s food culture. It may sound like a cliché but it’s true; Italy is a place where food is life. 

Table of Contents

Eating Cicchetti In Venice

Venice is home to the Italian version of tapas: Cicchetti, small snacks designed to accompany a small glass of wine known locally as an ‘Ombra’. Traditionally they were designed to line the stomach when drinking at local bacaris – or wine bars. As with tapas, they can nowadays range from the traditional to the sophisticated. Think Polpette (small meatballs), hard-boiled eggs, and small sandwiches with a range of fillings. Almost every bar in Venice will have its version of Cicchetti at the bar, ready for you to choose from. This Venice Food & Market tour is the best way to discover the delicious Cicchetti tradition. Intrigued by Venetian fare? Book our Venice Food & Wine tour for the perfect sampling, or read our guide to Venice’s best restaurants . Where to stay while you’re exploring Venice’s culinary delights? This guide has everything you need to know about the best hotels in Venice .

Tuscany And Its Steak 

Tuscany – particularly Florence – is famous for its beautiful steaks. Bistecca all Fiorentina is similar to a porterhouse or T-bone steak. Traditionally it comes from a particular breed of cattle called the Chianina which is known for its excellent flavor. It’s a celebration of all things bovine. Just salt and pepper adorn these steaks, grilled over hot coals. The steaks are designed to accompany the robust local red wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, or Rosso di Montalcino, all made from the sour-cherry fruited Sangiovese grape. And there’s no better way to taste the best wine Tuscany has to offer than in a winery. The Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle from Montalcino is a great introduction to brilliant red wines. If you want to get your hands dirty and learn to make your own Tuscan cuisine from fresh local ingredients, we have a tour for that, too.

Devouring Pizza In Rome

Naples may be more famous for its pizzas but neighbouring Rome gives them a run for their money. There are two common types of Roman pizza . Pizza al taglio – or pizza by the slice – with a soft, bread-like base and topped with various ingredients. Then there are the Roman round pizzas that use olive oil in the dough. This makes a thinner, crunchier base than their Neapolitan counterparts. Whichever way you choose to eat pizza in Rome – or indeed if you choose to make it yourself in a Roman pizza cooking class , it can’t be faulted as one of the best foods in Italy’s capital. If you’re on a mission to become a Roman foodie expert, stay for a while in one of our best Rome hotels and indulge in a 5-day food tour .

Seafood In Sicily

Sicily is blessed with both the sea and a North African influence. Couscous al pesce is a famous example of the meeting of these two cultures, as is pasta con le sarde – sardine pasta with saffron, pine nuts, and raisins. Combine any one of these beautiful seafood dishes with a pizza and a local wine and you have the makings of a rather wonderful evening. Or take out the hard work of choosing – you’re on holiday after all – and indulge in a Taormina food and wine tasting tour.

Neapolitan Food Gems

When it comes to iconic Italian fare, a visit to Naples is an essential stop. From its famous pizzas and delicious street food variants to fresh fish and pasta, eating your way through a city is rarely tastier. A Naples street food tour in the scenic lanes of Napoli is a great way to begin your journey into its culinary tradition. To take the flavors of Napoli home with you, learn how to make ravioli in this traditional Italy pasta class . Or, get behind the scenes with a pizzaiolo and learn how to make the best Neapolitan pizza . You’re sure to leave Naples with a wealth of culinary knowledge that will serve you well for life!

Getting Lost In Italy’s Food Markets

Italy surely has some of the best food markets in the world. Tables piled high with local vegetables. Formaggerias and their great hunks of parmesan. Salumerias thinly slicing prosciutto and salamis. They are the beating heart of all Italian cities, towns, and villages and a brilliant way to immerse yourself in local food culture. Find one, buy your ingredients, and create a picnic of gastronomic heights. Our Rome Market Tour and Cooking Class is a good place to start your Italian market adventures. Another highlight would be exploring the Tuscan cuisine in our Tuscan Market and Cooking Class.

Italian Food Is About Simplicity And Quality

Italy worships the quality of its ingredients like nowhere else. A country where family feuds can develop over the type of barrels used in the family winery – Italy will always be synonymous with great quality food. If you’re planning to indulge in the cuisine, we recommend booking an Italy food tour. We’ll handle all the logistics so you can just sit back, relax, and feast!

With so many different types of food tours in Italy, it can be overwhelming to decide which Italy food tour is right for you. For this reason, we’ve compiled a handy guide on how to choose an Italy food tour as well as advice on Italy hotels, activities, and insider travel tips. And if you love wine as much as food, our wine travel guide has some great advice on how to handle Italian wine like a pro. But for the foodie who wants to eat their way through Italy, our 13-Day Italy Food & Wine Journey is the ultimate experience.

See all Italy Food Tours

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8 best cities in italy for food – where to find the best food in italy.

Italy has been our go-to food paradise for over 20 years. Having traveled to nearly every region, we’ve uncovered where to find some of the best food in Italy. While this post only scratches the surface of where to eat in Italy, it will certainly help you plan the ultimate foodie tour of Italy.

*This post contains compensated links. Find more info in my  DISCLAIMER . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

8 Best Food Cities In Italy:

After 20+ years of traveling in Italy, we came up with our list of the best cities in Italy for food. Okay, it’s really six cities and two regions!

Planning Your Food-Focused Italian Bucket List

Italy checks all the boxes for a destination with vibrant food cultures, food markets and museums, incredible architecture, rich history, and fine-dining restaurants . 

However, you must plan to get the best out of your trip. The first thing to decide is when to go to Italy . The winter is good for Alpine ski resorts, autumn is suitable for wine harvest, summer for beach vacations, and spring for road trips. The good thing about traveling to Italy for food is that is a year-round activity.

How To Choose Where To Go In Italy For Food

You should also identify where you want to go. But to enjoy all the various dishes, you should travel to all the regions: northern, central, and southern Italy. Though it may be challenging to visit all the provinces at once, the ultimate foodie tour of Italy should include all of them.

You can leverage search apps and tools to find the ideal locations and make reservations whenever needed. Check the schedule and opening hours of the places you intend to visit. Finally, it would be best if you learned the dining customs and etiquette of the locals.

We can help you with some shortcuts. We’ve been traveling to Italy for over twenty years and we chose our favorite food cities in Italy to help you make an informed decision.

Planning a trip to Italy? Get our Italy trip packing list .

How To Book Hotels In Italy

In the 20+ years of traveling to Italy, we’ve learned a thing or two about booking a hotel in Italy. We’ve stayed at some stunning hotels like the Westin Excelsior Rome and St. Regis in Florence . And we’ve stayed at some not-so-great hotels mainly around train stations in Italy. Do yourself a favor and avoid hotels near train stations at all costs.

When planning a trip to Italy, we use Booking.com for our accommodations. In addition to booking hotels, we’ve used them for booking apartments for longer stays or booking villas in Italy when we want something special. We’ve even found some charming and less expensive guest houses in Italy on Booking.com.

The 8 Best Italian Destinations For Food Lovers

Italy is a perfect destination for a food tour because it offers various regional cuisines. We have listed the best destinations for your Italy food tour. 

Amber and I fell in love with Bologna after our first visit back in 2010. We first learned about Bologna after watching No Reservations and couldn’t believe our eyes. Here’s a city responsible for lasagna, mortadella , and tagliatelle al ragu and we haven’t been there? Our first trip wasn’t our last trip. We’ve visited Bologna and the rest of Emilia-Romagna nearly a dozen times.

For us, Bologna is THE culinary capital of Italy. Don’t even try arguing with us, you won’t change our minds. With the nickname “la Grassa” (the Fat One), you can tell people in Bologna take their food seriously. The sheer volume of food is staggering with tons of trattorias, restaurants, and food markets throughout the city.

Why Travel To Bologna For Food

As we said, Bologna, as well as the region of Emilia-Romagna, has arguably the best food in Italy. The region is home to many DOP ( Protected Designation of Origin ) food products. This ensures the highest quality ingredients are being used. For any tourist on a foodie tour of Italy, Bologna has to be your first and last stop. It’s home to classic Italian ingredients including mortadella .

If you are looking for the best culinary Italian experience, Bologna is the place to go. You’ll find everything from high-end Michelin Star dining to family-run restaurants. Even after nearly a dozen trips to Bologna, we are still discovering new places to experience.

Things To Know About Bologna

• What to eat in Bologna: lasagna verde or tagliatelle ragu
• Where to eat in Bologna if you only have one meal: Trattoria Bertozzi , Via Andrea Costa, 84/2, is a real local restaurant outside of the city center, but still walking distance
• Where to stay in Bologna: For luxury try i Portici (which has a Michelin Star Restaurant) or for contemporary apartments in the city center try Design Club Collection .

Are You Heading To Bologna? Check Out Our Full Bologna Food Guide to learn what to eat in Bologna

Italian food products from Modena are some of the most famous. Some of these food products are what Italy is famous for . Modena is known for its rich cuisine, wonderful cheese, and barrel-aged balsamic vinegar. Tourists on a food tour in Italy flock to this city to sample flavors that cannot be replicated anywhere else.  

Why Travel To Modena For Food

Some of the most significant heritage foods anyone on a foodie tour of Italy should sample are prosciutto ham and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. 

Prosciutto is a cured ham and can either be di Parma or di Modena, depending on its origin. The ham comes from Italian-raised pigs and is salted, cured, and aged. Its flavor makes it a must-have dish if you are on Italian food travel. 

Also called the king of cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano can only be produced in Modena, Bologna, Parma, or Reggio Emilia. The process used in making this cheese is different and makes it so good and unique that lactose-intolerant people can consume it.

Things To Know About Modena

• What to eat in Modena: tortellini in brodo or gnocco fritto with mortadella
• Where to eat in Modena if you have one day: Trattoria Aldina is one of the best restaurants because it focuses on Modenese cuisine. Pasta is one of their best dishes and a slow-roasted pork shin known as stinco. 
• What to do in Modena: Be sure to visit the local food market, Mercato Albinelli, loaded with fresh vegetables and fruits from Italy .
• Where to stay in Modena: Best Western Modena for a good value or the PHI Hotel Modena for a more luxury stay.

Are You Heading To Modena? Check out our recommendations for the best restaurants in Modena .

Parma, Italy is an excellent destination if you want to find the best food in Italy and is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to understand Italian cuisine. There are numerous food museums to visit if you are on an Italy food tour.

Why Travel To Parma For Food

Prosciutto di Parma DOP is a cured meat you must have if you want real culinary Italy experiences. This meat is generally Parma ham, and its production is highly regulated and limited to the area around Parma. This ham has only four ingredients: Italian pigs, air, salt, and time.

Culatello di Zibello DOP, the king of Salumi, is another must-try dish. It has more strict regulations than prosciutto, thus more difficult to produce. Culatello is aged for at least ten months in a cantina or cave, with exposure to the fog and air of the Po River .

You can enjoy your prosciutto served with a variety of bread, such as the fluffy torta fritta. But where can you taste these Parma delicacies? Ristorante Gallo D’Oro focuses on the local cuisine of the region. 

Things To Know About Parma

• What to eat in Parma: Parma ham or culatello for cured meat lovers
• Where to eat in Parma: Sorelle Picchi Trattoria Salumeria , Strada Luigi Carlo Farini, for cured meats or Antica Corte Pallavicina , Polesine Parmense, outside of the city for a true Parma foodie experience.
• Where to stay in Parma: Palazzo della Rosa for a more luxury experience or the Best Western Farnese for a value hotel

Are You Heading To Parma? Check recommendations for what to eat in Parma .

Turino, the capital of Piedmont, is an important cultural region in Northern Italy. You can find the best northern Italian foods in Turino. Ingredients play the most significant role in the difference between the recipes from this region and those from Southern Italy.  Food in Piedmont is heavier, with a focus on aged cheese and beef.

Why Travel To Turino Food

If you’re on a foodie tour of Italy and you visit Turino, there are two things you will not miss: cheese and pasta.

Though most people think that pasta is Italy’s national food, cheese is one thing you won’t miss if you are eating in Italy. Almost all restaurants in Turino have all sorts of dishes with some of the most popular Piedmont cheese. 

Bagna Cauda is a must-try if you are visiting Turino. Its main part is the sauce, a mixture of milk, garlic, and anchovies. And there is a way to eat the sauce, which is served fondue-style in a pot with a flame beneath to keep it hot. To scoop up the sauce, use grilled vegetables, mostly celery, peppers, endives, or fennel, and not utensils.

If you want a fine restaurant where you can taste Piedmont cuisine, you can visit Ristorante Del Cambio and have the elaborate six-course tasting menu.  

Things To Know About Turino

• What to eat in Turin: Drink Barolo wine and hot chocolate. Eat risotto, tajarin pasta, and Piedmonte beef.
• Where to eat in Turin: Check out Porto di Savona, the oldest restaurant in Turino, as well as Eataly.

Genoa is the capital of Liguria in the Italian Riviera . It is known for its narrow streets where there is no shortage of tiny cafes. It is an excellent destination if you are on a culinary tour of Italy because it is filled with street food made from local ingredients.

Why Travel To Genoa Food

Most Ligurian cuisine focuses on pasta, fish, vegetables, and bread. Two of the best inventions that the city gave to the world are focaccia and pesto. You can snack on these two delicacies in one of the tiny cafes. And don’t forget to try farinata, a savory chickpea pancake.

Pesto Genovese is also a popular food to eat in Genoa. It includes Ligurian olive oil, Genovese Basil, cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and salt. The bright green sauce is served with various pasta dishes and is one of the best food in Italy.

Though the narrow alleys in Genoa are filled with tiny cafes, Trattoria Rosmarino is one of the best restaurants to dine at. It is full of intimate crannies and nooks for digging into the local cuisine. And, Genoa has some of our favorite types of I talian pastry !

Things To Know About Genoa

• What to eat in Genoa: Dunk focaccia in your cappuccino and eat pesto!
• Where to eat in Genoa: Antica Sa Pesta  for farinata and traditional working man’s lunches and Mercato Orientale Genoa  (or MOG).

Are You Heading To Genoa? Check Out Our Full Genoa Food Guide The Best Ligurian Food To Eat In Genoa Italy

Sardinia is a Blue Zone and hosts the healthiest people because of their longevity diet. It has one of the highest concentrations of people over 100 years. Sardinian food is delicious and unique; what you find there cannot be found anywhere else in Italy.  

Why Travel To Sardinia Food

Pecora in cappotto is referred to as the national food of Sardinia. It is a mutton stew with rich broth, potatoes, and wild herbs. Its name, which means “sheep in a coat,” refers to a pastoral tradition of not shaving the oldest sheep in the herd during the annual sheep-shearing feast.

Su Porcheddu is another popular dish on the island and a must-try if you are on a food tour in Italy. It is an authentic countryside tradition prepared by roasting a suckling pig until the skin is crisp.

L’Antico Borgo is an excellent restaurant if you want to try an incredible selection of seafood. Alternatively, you can enjoy the best Sardinian dish at its simplest, made from ingredients grown on-site.     

Things To Know About Cagliari And Sardinia

• What to eat in Sardinia: Pane carasau and for pasta try malloreddus alla campidanese and culurgiones.

Are You Heading To Sardinia? Check Out Our Full Sardinian Food Guide Where To Eat In Sardinia Italy

Everyone that Naples is famous for its pizza. That said, there’s more to enjoy if you are on a foodie tour of Italy. Neapolitan cuisine focuses on simplicity and local ingredients. Some of the classic ingredients are tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. 

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and Napoli pizza is a must-try if you are on Italian food travel. During our trip to Naples, we ate 15 pizzas over five days and reveal our favorite in our Naples Pizza Guide .

Neapolitan pizza is cooked in a brick oven which gives it its distinctive look and taste. A classic Neapolitan pizza is topped with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and 2-3 leaves of basil. Nothing more, nothing less.   

But Naples is not all about pizza; pasta fritters, known as frittatine di pasta, are also delicious. The Pignasecca market will tempt you with stalls serving deep-fried calamari, artichokes, and whitebait. Naples is one of the best cities for Italian snacks and streetfood.

If you are after top-notch Neapolitan cuisine, you can visit Ristorante Mattozzi. You will enjoy your favorite local dish in a wood-paneled dining room adorned with historic prints.  

Are You Heading To Naples? Check Out Our Full Naples Food Guide What To Eat In Naples, Italy

Puglia offers tasty and rustic dishes that are different from what you will find in northern Italy. You will get to enjoy simple plates of pasta, hearty baked dishes, and wilted wild greens like cimi de rape or chicory. Though the bread from Altamura and the rich string cheese burrata are enough to justify a trip to Puglia, there are more delicacies to enjoy.

Bread is the most common food in the region. Pane di Altamura is a PDO bread from Bari and the most famous. This toasted bread has yellow crumbs and a crunchy crust that remains soft for days. It is dense yet easy to chew. 

Though focaccia originates from Genoa, it forms the backbone of Puglia cuisine. The local version, Apulian focaccia, is characterized by a round dough. It’s lighter than the Genovese variety but soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Ristorante Grotta Palazzese Polignan is one of the most exotic restaurants. The restaurant is housed in a cave, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic. Apart from the stunning views, you can enjoy the traditional Apulian cuisine. 

Italy is one of the best destinations for a foodie. The country has regions that will offer a variety of dishes with unique flavor profiles and ingredients. However, you should plan and create a food-focused bucket list.  

Are You Heading to Puglia? Check Out Our Full What To Eat In Puglia Italy Food Guide

Culinary Travel To Italy

Our Italy Travel Experience

Check out Food & Drink Destinations original founder Amber Hoffman’s book, the Food Traveler’s Guide To Emilia Romagna , which is available on Amazon. In addition to being a culinary travel guide to the region, it walks through how many of the typical Italian food products are made, like mortadella , prosciutto , and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Eric Hoffman

Eric Hoffman is the co-founder of Food And Drink Destinations. Eric is a lifelong traveler who is passionate about helping people learn how to travel for food. He lives with his wife, Amber, in Limerick, Ireland, after spending 3 years living in Spain. Over the last 20 years, they've traveled to over 70 countries together, always in search of great food travel experiences. Eric also loves cooking at home, always looking to perfect his Italian recipes.

One thought on “ 8 Best Cities In Italy For Food – Where To Find The Best Food In Italy ”

Your articles on Italy are great. I’ve spent months traveling all but 2 of the regions. You’ve definitely explored the great depths of this too rich country. Your observations are “spot on”. Great work! One correction/addition: Parmigiano Reggiano is made in 5 districts. It is also made in a part of Lombardia in the province of Manitova. I spent 12 years as a Cheesemonger. Visiting the great cheese makers of Italy was a Joy!!! Save travels, David

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Food culture in Italy

For the love of good food and passion for fine wines,  journey through italy exploring the great food and wine traditions.

Street food in Naples is the quintessence of wonders for the palate

3 (of many) types of pizza to eat in Italy

Discovering the iconic dish of Sardinia: pane carasau

The Italian culinary art can be learnt in the company of the country's best chefs: here's where

Food & Wine products

• Typical products
• Recipes and typical dishes
• Wines & Vineyards
• Street food

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The Emilia Romagna region by way of Edu Guedes’ pizza

The Trentino and South Tyrol by way of Renato Bosco’s pizza

The Marche region by way of Gabriele Bonci’s pizza

The Abruzzo region by way of Donato De Santis's pizza

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Tegole and black bread in the Aosta Valley: delicious mountain traditions that stand the test of time

Turin and Its Chocolate Tradition

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Lucanian honey: the various types of the sweet nectar of Basilicata

In Aosta Valley, chestnut paradise

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Franciacorta

Val d'Orcia

Unesco heritage wines and landscapes in Italy

Italy's richness and uniqueness in wine production is well-known all over the world. Suffice it to say that some production areas have been awarded a UNESCO Heritage status

Ideas for living italian way

Food allergies and intolerances: a guide to choosing accommodation

Modena: city of art, land of motors and taste

Bologna: young, cultured and welcoming

San Daniele Prosciutto: an Italian legacy

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Discover italy.

Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley is a paradise for visitors seeking outdoor experiences in nature while exploring history and traditions The smallest region in Italy, dotted with the highest peaks in the Alps, it is the ideal destination for anyone who enjoys winter sports and high-altitude walks. Its green valleys and fairy-tale castles make the Aosta Valley an enchanting place to experience all year round.

Piedmont is sure to enchant you with its mountains, hills, typical flavours and uniquely elegant cities An extraordinary heritage of art and history, culture and nature, characterises Piedmont, a region with a thousand faces, one more interesting than the other: cities of rare elegance, mountains that lend themselves to splendid skiing or walking, fascinating villages, hills that are among the best known in the world for their extraordinary wine production.

Lombardy: a dynamic land immersed in the present and reaching toward the future, but with an extraordinary heritage of art and nature Lombardy is a region in the north of Italy known for its industry and finance, of course, but also for its art and extraordinary landscapes, starting with the picturesque lakes and its mountains, Valcamonica and Valtellina in primis. Capital and symbolic city, Milan represents the industrious heart that goes hand in hand with other cities with a vibrant spirit.

Trentino is sure to amaze you with its immense natural heritage, the spectacular splendour of the Dolomites and fascinating sites steeped in history Discover Trentino’s culture of slow travel, taking the time to savour every corner among nature and cultural trails and educational farms. You will find hundreds of hotels offering wellness centres for truly relaxing holidays for the whole family in some of Italy's most beautiful villages, set in unique landscapes.

South Tyrol

Alto Adige is a dream place to discover all year round amidst green valleys and snow-capped peaks Combine the relaxation of spa treatments with the pleasure of fun in the snow for a real wellness boost amidst Alpine lakes, beautiful villages and state-of-the-art ski facilities suitable for all ages. All this and more in the majestic scenery of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Alto Adige.

Veneto, a region of wonder, with cities of art of undisputed beauty, as well as the most pristine nature The beauty of Lake Garda, the charm of the Dolomites, the sea of Jesolo, the hills covered with vineyards and the relaxing thermal baths, on top of an immense artistic and historical heritage, elegant cities such as Venice and Verona, quaint villages and breathtaking landscapes. Veneto is all this and much more.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia Friuli Venezia Giulia: a treasure chest nestled between sea and mountains A border region sandwiched between the Friulian Dolomites and the Upper Adriatic, blessed with an immense cultural heritage resulting from the influence of different cultures and peoples, cosmopolitan and modern, Friuli Venezia Giulia will also seduce you with its temptations of relaxation, sport and fun.

Tucked-away villages, secret little beaches and superb nature: how enchanting Liguria is! Liguria is a wonderful strip of land enclosed between the sea and the mountains, with pastel-coloured houses and breathtaking views. With lush unspoilt nature, many small towns to discover and an incomparable culinary tradition, it enraptures the eye and the heart.

Emilia-Romagna

Emilia Romagna, a region of unrivalled charm, with immense artistic beauty and unparalleled hospitality Emilia Romagna with its Riviera Romagnola offers beach tourism that attracts families and young people to its shores every summer. Rich in sites of historical and cultural interest, this region boasts a world-renowned wine and food tradition. Skilful hospitality does the rest, making Emilia Romagna an ideal holiday destination in every season. Video credits: Oliver Astrologo

Tuscany will win you over with its unique landscapes, cities of art, thousand-year-old history and fantastic food Tuscany’s magical atmosphere evolves day by day as you stroll around the cities of art, cycle in the parks, enjoy the sea or savour its typical products, in a region with a one-of-a-kind natural, cultural and historical heritage that has fascinated visitors for centuries.

From Assisi to Perugia, via Gubbio, Lake Trasimeno and Marmore Falls: Umbria is a truly enchanting tourist destination Peaks covered in lush forests and large valleys outlined by rivers, lakes and waterfalls; sorrounded by villages and castles, crossed by paths steeped in history, art and culture, in a natural environment that helps to restore the body and soul: Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy, is all this and much more.

Le Marche, a plunge into the history, art and architecture of a region with the scent of the sea and redolent of traditions and hospitality A great variety of landscapes and an infinite range of colours that make the area's natural beauty incomparable, plus an artistic heritage that fears no comparison: this is how the Marches, with an area of no more than 10,000 square kilometres, will captivate you forever.

Sardinia: a journey to the island of the emerald sea, nuraghi, unspoilt nature and millenary traditions Crystal-clear waters, beaches of soft, white sand, granite rocks framed by wild, fragrant Mediterranean scrub: welcome to Sardinia, an island of a thousand contrasts that will also seduce you with its unique archaeological heritage and its people's innate sense of hospitality.

Lazio is not only Rome: landscapes and monuments of Lazio Rome, the capital of Italy and a unique open-air museum in the world, is enough to make Lazio one of the most beautiful and interesting regions. Even in terms of landscape, it boasts an area of great impact and remarkable variety, with its long coastline, beautiful hills and Apennine mountains. A destination to fall in love with.

Abruzzo, a journey through history between sea, mountains, flavours and unspoilt nature in parks and protected areas A region in central Italy, Abruzzo has two souls and one heart. Predominantly mountainous and hilly, it overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Adriatic Sea. Here, you will find the highest peaks of the Apennines, such as the Gran Sasso and the Majella massif, as well as the only Apennine glacier, but also some of the most popular beaches.

Campania offers landscapes, history, culture and a gastronomic tradition that the whole world envies A consistently mild climate, lush nature framing breathtaking landscapes, unspoilt villages and fairy-tale coastlines: this is Campania, a region that sums up centuries of cultures, between West and East, in a single Mediterranean jewel known for its unparalleled hospitality. A destination for the soul, the eyes and the palate.

Molise, a tiny region with grandiose landscapes: come and discover its history and culinary tradition Molise is a region steeped in history, characterised by numerous tasty food and wine delicacies, but also by rich nature reserves and villages that seem crystallised in history. A destination yet to be discovered, amid marvellous seashores and breathtaking high cliffs

Apulia: the sunny region between two seas and warm hospitality in places rich in history Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, it is a magical combination of artefacts, history, art and unspoilt nature, amidst beautiful coastlines and picture-postcard landscapes. This is Puglia, a region of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, intense flavours and fascinating destinations: Castel del Monte, the trulli, the islands passing through towns kissed by a unique and unforgettable light.

Basilicata, a region of ancient origins, suspended between two seas and with mountains of great beauty Basilicata is a region where the passage of man has left its mark since prehistoric times. With the ancient name of “Lucania”, it is enriched by an incredible artistic heritage. Not to mention its never-boring panorama, which ranges from the Lucanian Dolomites to the Pollino Park, passing through two seas.

Calabria is the region of crystal-clear sea, the Riace Bronzes, Reggio Calabria and Capo Vaticano, a captivating mix of history and beauty Calabria, also known as the tip of the Italian boot, is a region in Southern Italy characterised by the incredible diversity of its landscapes, with the proximity of mountains to a splendid sea that attracts tourists from all over the world.

A dive into Sicily, where a sea of art, culture and nature will seduce you and become eternal love A predominantly hilly and mountainous area, but one that wins the hearts of tourists from all over the world with its wonderful sea and rich cities with a charm all their own. Sicily is a picture-postcard island characterised by the indelible marks of the people who have lived there and made it unique, amidst artistic and cultural testimonies of enormous value.

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Italy Food Tours: The Top Regions to Visit

The lingering smell of fresh oregano, bubbling tomato sauce, layer upon layer of finely rolled pasta; Italian food is one of the most-loved cuisines in the world. And where better to be educated on its fineries than on a culinary tour of Italy?

Taking part in one of Italy’s food tours while on holiday is not only an eating experience but a cultural one. While on your Italy tour, you will be introduced to families who hand their recipes down through generations on farms and in shops that have been open just as long!

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History on a Fork

Key regions to visit on a food tour in italy are;, what to expect on the best food tour in rome, where to eat in rome, what you can eat in tuscany, how long is a food tour in tuscany, what to expect: the venice cicchetti tour, when to go on a venice food tour, what to expect on a sicily food tour, when to dive into a food tour in sicily, what to expect on your food tour in bologna, cooking experiences not to be missed on italy food tours, start planning your italy food tours today.

One of the culinary capitals of the world, Italian food has spread across the western world. While the Romans may have brought ingredients to Britain, Italian food went with the Italian migration to America in the 19th and 20th centuries. This migration brought global attention to Italian food with the rise of America, in particular pizza. 

Bringing it back to Italy, the home of pizza lies in the capital of Campania, Naples where you can still visit the first-ever restaurant to make a margarita pizza which is said to have been inspired by the Italian flag. 

However, the Neapolitan classic is just the beginning of the flavours and delicacies that can be explored in Italy. Stretching from the north to the south, Italian cuisine goes deep into history. Whether you are in the maritime capital of Venice, the official capital city of Rome where the Empire once hailed or the Mediterranean island of Sicily; Italian food and the stories that come with it differ greatly from region to region.

When it comes to pasta, many stories question when the idea first came around. What is certain is that the pasta we know now was an adaptation from another country. 

Some say that the adventurer, Marco Polo brought pasta (or noodles) back from China, although this is often disputed for its lack of historical merit. A tale that does have some historical value is that pasta could have come with the Ottoman rule over Sicily when the Arabs brought Itriyya, a dry pasta similar to what we have come to call macaroni, in the 10th century. 

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The Best Italy Food Tours

No matter where you are during your tour of Italy , you’ll find food at the very centre of the regional culture and pride. 

Italy food tours can be arranged around the country. Whether you are looking for the true taste of pasta on a food tour in Bologna or prosciutto on a food tour of Tuscany; the diversity of culinary experiences across the country will charm you into taking another bite.

Nestled in the northwest of Italy, Piedmont is famous for its lush green landscape and terraces that stagger across the hills. 

You cannot leave Piedmont without going on what is considered the ‘true’ truffle hunting experience in Italy. Truffles in hand, your tour will be finished off with a tasting paired with local wine, such as the one found in this Italian food tour . Piedmont is particularly well-known for its Barolo wine, with a grape type that has made its way into all wine-lovers cabinets. 

Naples is the third-largest city in Italy and the home of Italy’s most famous food, pizza. While wandering through the city streets on a Naples food tour, you’ll discover why the Neapolitan way of eating is an entirely new cultural experience that makes it a must while considering Italian food tours. 

Everything in Naples is indulgent: no matter where you go you’ll be met with great helpings of cheese, bubbly prosecco and decadent sliced meats! 

When you are not being blown away by the city’s plethora of architectural wonders, Rome is a foodies paradise. While hopping between the museums and basilicas on the best food tours in Rome, you’ll find small restaurants that will lure you in with their fresh and flavourful dishes.

Must-tries whilst on Italy food tours in Rome are simmered artichokes ‘Jewish style’ and Maritozzi, a sweet breakfast bun filled with whipped cream.  

An essential stop on any food and wine tour of Italy, the rolling hills of Tuscany are complemented by the orange hue of small towns and villages that has become an iconic image of the region. Tuscany is not only known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance but for its flavourful, simple, hearty dishes.

Think rich sauces, homemade bread, olive oil and cheese, finished with Tuscany’s Chianti wine that balances it out the meal. Tuscany is known across the country as being the best when it comes to food – a bold statement that is not to be taken lightly!

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Food Tour of Rome

Be introduced to the tastes of the capital on a food tour of Rome! In between visiting the ancient sites, sculptures and basilicas, Roman food capture the culture and atmosphere of the Eternal City. You’ll learn the in’s and outs on a Rome food walking tour in Trastevere.

Fresh vegetables, olive oil and bread have been a staple in the Roman diet since ancient times. As Ancient Rome was the epicentre of trading, a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and grains were always available in the city. At the centre of it were thick sauces, that are still prevalent today. 

With a guide, you’ll be introduced to local vendors who will share their products with you as you explore the city on your Rome food tour in Trastevere. Sample centuries-old cheese, sip on traditional Italian wine and snack on a Suppli to get to grips with the ways of Rome. 

The tour will take you through Trastevere, a neighbourhood that has long been a favourite among locals with its stone pavements, warm colours, hidden architectural gems and trattorias on every corner. The area demonstrates the magic of the outskirts of Rome, away from tourism, yet is still within reaching distance of the ancient centre so you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the city. 

One of the best food tours of Rome will take you through the small cobbled streets, stopping along the way to pick up snacks that will blow you away with their simplicity; in Italy, the ingredients are the star of the show.You can incorporate a food tour in Rome into a longer trip, such as this food and wine tour in Italy to capture the magic of culinary culture across the country.

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Planning your trip can be a little overwhelming, especially when you want to make sure it’s perfect. Our trusted Local Designers use their travel planning expertise, local insight and destination knowledge to design extraordinary travel experiences, every time. Browse our Italy tours and connect with one of our Local Designers to get started! 

Italy’s Tuscany Food Tour

As far as food and wine tours in Italy go, this is by far the most indulgent. Vineyards and olive groves, cured hams and bread dipped in balsamic paint a picture of Tuscany with its rolling hills. 

A classic food tour in Italy’s Tuscany could take you to Val d’Orcia, like the tour found in this 9-day Italy food tour where you will be taken to dairy farms to sample cheese, vineyards to taste wine, and olive groves to try olive oil; often all of these delicious ingredients can be found in one place. For a truly unique experience, you’ll be taken on a hunt for truffles in the calming hills while on a Chianti wine tour from Florence. 

A food tour in Tuscany takes you to the soul of Italian food culture. You’ll learn about the importance of the quality of the food produced in Tuscany by using recipes that have been handed through generations. 

Food tours through the Tuscan countryside could be done in an afternoon or over several days. There’s so much to learn about Tuscany, you will never grow tired of the possibilities and the hospitality that comes with it. 

It’s also possible to take one of the Chianti wine tours from Florence that will give you a sample of Tuscany cuisine with a selection of cheese, homemade salami, olive oil and bread that is paired with a wine tasting.

Venice Food Tour

Not often top of the list when it comes to food tours in Italy, Venetian cuisine focuses on the port city’s maritime past. With that in mind, a Venice food tour such as this 9-day Gastronomic Rome to Venice Adventure starts in the fish market to get to the source of the many seafood restaurants that line the streets of Venice. 

You cannot leave Venice without tasting Cicchetti; all Venice food tours will have a Cicchetti spot along the way, packed with local Venetians coming for their fix. Often washed down with prosecco or spritz, the freshness alone will impress. 

Cicchetti is a snack that sits at the heart of Venetian cuisine. The dish is a highlight of any culinary tour of Italy, known for its simplicity. Made up of crostini topped with grilled or fried fish and vegetables, during the maritime years of Venice, it was served to fishermen who arrived back in the floating city in the small hours of the morning. 

Taking a food tour during your culinary tour of Italy is best done in the morning so that you can see the fish market in its magic hour. 

If you want to incorporate a Venice wine tour with your Cicchetti, you can opt to take a tour late afternoon, just as the evening restaurants are about to open, so you don’t lose out on the freshness. 

Mediterranean Flavours of Sicily

The island of Sicily has an extravagant history as it was ruled by more civilisations than any other part of modern-day Italy. Sicilian cuisine demonstrates the influences of the people from different cultures who came to live here over the centuries. It attests to its Greek, Middle Eastern, French and Spanish influences with an elaborate range of food. 

A food tour in Sicily can be on any part of the island. Whether you are looking to sample the wine from vineyards on Mount Etna, local cheese or seafood fresh from the sea; you’ll find it in the cities, towns and villages in Sicily. 

Sicilian culinary ventures such as this Italy food tour in the centre of Syracuse, takes you to the heart of the island’s divine and varied cuisine. An evening with a local guide will see you jumping between family-run tavernas getting to know locals and their favourite dishes, all washed down with Sicilian wines. Your evening will be filled with cheese, finely sliced meats and bruschetta, finished with some classic Sicilian desserts and limoncello to cleanse the palette. 

This is one of the best food and wine tours in Italy as you truly go on a culinary journey the local way. 

Choosing a Sicilian food tour in Italy depends on when and where you would like to go in Sicily. If you are looking to stop in some places during the day, you are best to go to the countryside, where you’ll find vineyards, dairy farms and olive groves everywhere you turn. 

For an evening tour, stop in Syracuse and be charmed by the local pace of life while tasting all that is on offer. This will set a more relaxed pace, as most tavernas are open late, offering the chance for you to stay for a wine or two at the end of your tour. 

Want to Plan Your Own Sicily Trip?

With so much beautiful food on offer, Italy food tours of Sicily are popular for a reason. Make your trip different from the rest with authentic, local experiences by designing your trip with one of our trusted Local Designers. Browse our Sicily tours and connect with one of our Local Designers to start designing your journey! 

Bologna Food Tour

Italian’s will tell you to look no further than Bologna for pasta. Home of the international favourite, Bolognese, while on your food tour in Bologna, you’ll soon find out that not only do we not make the dish correctly, but it is not called Bolognese either. 

An interesting and fun fact: the bolognese sauce that is known around the world is referred to as ragu in Italian. It is considered a Bologna-style sauce that, when served with tagliatelle, is a la Bolognese . It is also used for lasagne a la Bolognese. That’s right; Bolognese is the word for the sauce, and is not often served with spaghetti!

A Bologna food tour will take you deep into the city where you’ll shop and dine like locals, with locals . Taking you on a journey from coffee to gelato, you’ll be guided through all that the city is known for. As you hop from delicatessen to roastery, you’ll sample products, unlike anything you have tasted before. 

Your tour will include tasting different kinds of fresh pasta, such as tagliatelle and tortellini that Bologna is so well-known for. You’ll also spend some time getting to know the ways of Bologna’s local cuisine that is centred around fresh local products that change with the season. 

A highlight of your Italy wine and food tour experience will be stopping in an osteria in the city; a traditional place to eat simple food washed down with wine. An osteria is like a mixture between a restaurant and a pub. It’s the soul of casual dining in Italy. Whilst here, you’ll sample Parmigiano Reggiano, Modena balsamico and a range of cured meats such as Parma ham with local bread. 

This traditional experience will leave you feeling the true la dolce vita.

To get deep into Italian culture, do a cooking class while on your food tour of Italy. An Italian cooking class will allow you to tap into the traditions of food and the importance of family that comes with each dish. Both fun and educational, the highlight of your cooking class in Italy will always be sitting down to your meal with your small group at the end!

Get hands-on by tapping into cooking classes across Italy, here are some of our personal favourites for you to get stuck into;

Rome with Roberta

Experience la dolce vita in Rome. Starting with a trip to the market, your cooking tour in Italy is peppered with antipasti and wine tastings to make the experience that much more satisfying. 

A cooking class in Rome is all about creating the ultimate Italian eating experience, surrounded by casual conversation, friendly people and lots of food! You’ll make two courses; pasta, a side dish and a dessert. Throughout the class, you’ll have the assistance of your chef for the day, as you are shown the secrets of genuinely Roman food in a small group. 

You’ll finish the day with an Italian-style family dinner with your local hosts, where you’ll grab a glass of wine and sit down to enjoy your creations with other travellers and your guides!

Bologna Pasta Class with Giulio

Learn the ways of the ultimate comfort food, pasta. Bologna is a one-stop-shop for pasta, known among locals as the best city to sample the variety of pasta dishes available. Get to know all things pasta on a master class like the one found in this cooking trip to Italy .

This pasta master class will take you through the stages of making the perfect pasta, from creating the perfect consistency of the dough to the shape for your tortellini and how to keep it that way when you cook. Today, you will become a pasta master! 

You’ll learn the in’s and out’s from a local family, with skills, techniques and recipes that are unique to the family, including a thick and flavourful ragu sauce. Little authentic experiences like this is what has led to Bologna earning its title as the city of pasta. 

Finish off your morning or afternoon of cooking with a glass of wine as you sit down to eat with your new Bolognese friends. 

Cooking Class in Piedmont with Fabio and Fernanda

Should your culinary tour of Italy take you into this tasty region, a cooking class comes highly recommended, such as the one in this food and wine tour in Italy .

Set in the Langhe Hills, you’ll be learning to cook regional dishes in the foodie paradise of the Piedmont region. Your morning of cooking will introduce you to products that the area is famous for, such as white truffle. Today’s cooking experience will teach you how to integrate this into authentic Piedmont dishes.

Walking into a kitchen in the picturesque town of Alba, your chef, Fernanda will introduce you to the products you are about to use, their origin, and how they contribute to the dish. Your personal chef and guide for the day will explain the role of the kitchen as the heart of any family home. Through today’s cooking class, you’ll learn about the culture behind Piedmont’s famous food and become part of it while in the kitchen! 

Food and wine tours in Italy are a form of cultural immersion that will transform your trip from bouncing between attractions to being at the middle of what Italian’s are most proud of! Through talking with one of our Local Designers in Italy, you’ll be able to tailor your foodie experience into something that balances wine tastings with food sampling to ensure that you have the complete Italian experience. 

Whether you are looking to tour the key cities on a 7-day trip to Rome, Florence and Venice or want a more local countryside experience while travelling in Umbria and Tuscany; adding a culinary tour will complete your trip. Contact one of our Local Designers to begin planning your next trip!

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To start planning your trip, explore our gallery of fully customisable Italy trips to be inspired or connect with one of our Local Designers in Italy by answering a few simple questions about your trip. Our Local Designers will then use their unique local insight and destination expertise to plan your extraordinary trip! Tap the button below to get started.

Eilidh Wilson

Hello! I’m Eilidh, a Scottish-born writer, artist and part-time explorer who has been based in Vietnam since 2016. Very much the outdoor type, in between words, you’ll catch me seeking out adventures to be had and stories to be told. I’m a sucker for a sunset, adore the reward of finding waterfalls and a self-proclaimed beach bum. Back at the desk, I love sharing my experience and love of travel and inspiring others to reach further out into the world - especially if it’s related to food!

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Fearlessly Italy

Best Italy Food Tours To Discover Italy Cuisine And Culture

Italy has long been known as the land of romance, good food, and rolling vineyards. The true birthplace of satisfying and hearty cuisine that fills up the stomach and the soul, Italy has become more famous for its food than almost any other part of the historic and beautiful country. Originating such classics as pasta, pizza, bottarga, polenta, risotto, and more, every part of Italian cuisine is designed to tempt and tantalize with every bite. With so much culinary history, you might be wondering if it’s even possible to experience it all! Some of the best Italy food tours address that question by taking you through a guided tour of all the best parts of Italian food in the locations of their birthplace, traveling through many different food and wine tours of Italy to ensure you experience the richness of every part of its cuisine.

The luscious vineyards of Italy are dripping with plant goodness that’s present in every dish. Wine tasting holidays in Italy are equally popular and allow you to tour this world famous wine location, but you can also plan a complementary culinary holidays Italy won’t let you forget anytime soon. With so many wonderful options for food vacations in Italy, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily for you, we’ve reviewed and prepared some of the best food tours in Italy so you know exactly what to book to help yourself discover the best Italy food tours have to offer and experience the many joys of Italian cuisine.

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Best Italy Culinary Tours To Tantalize Your Senses

Italy real food adventure by intrepid travel.

Uncover the secrets of delicious Italian cuisine while traveling across the northern and central Italian landscape from Venice to Rome , two of the most popular destinations included in the best Italy tours . Visit regional locations and take in seasonal and fresh ingredients for a delicious and authentic tasting food tour that’s inspired by days of the year. Your tour won’t just be limited to pizza and pasta- you’ll get to enjoy every part of Italy’s classic food traditions here thanks to the unforgettable restaurants and dining experience with your experienced guides.

Your guided tour travels from Venice to Rome, with pit stops in San Gimignano and Bologna (and a loop around Modena). You’ll experience four incredible staple cuisines in the Italian culinary landscape: Rome, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and the Veneto, and get to taste fresh ingredients at farmstays that let you watch fresh wine and olive production as well as original balsamic vinegar handcrafted by local chefs. Take hands on cooking classes, roll your own pasta, and prepare authentic meals guided by trained chefs in the heart of Italy for the perfect Italy food tour package.

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Northern Italy Gourmet Experience – 8 Days by Click Tours

Known for its fine delicacies and luscious landscapes, with this Northern Italy tour , you will find a region that is a gastronomic heaven overflowing with tantalizing flavors and delicious meals and traditions. The Northern regions of Italy are known for such famous foods as their Bolognese pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, Barolo wine, and even their delicious and worldwide famous truffles. Your delicious tour will take you through many historic parts of Italy’s culinary culture, including Bologna , Turin , and Pavia. You’ll tour the rolling foods where your food comes from, craft some meals yourself, and visit with your guide some of the most historic and delectable restaurants Italy has ever known.

You’ll begin in Bologna, the enogastronomic capital of Europe, before heading to Modena to sample fine Balsamic vinegar and learn about the history of the famed Ferrari car. Next, you’ll dive into the history and culture surrounding Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and learn about the region’s equally famous Parma ham. In Barolo, you’ll tour the fields your food is harvested from and learn more about the rich truffle traditions that surround Italy- you’ll even get to hunt truffles yourself with a local truffle guide dog! End in Turin touring castles and local small villages and sipping on delicious wines and other fine delicacies, having filled to the brim on the best things Northern Italy has to offer.

Culinary Paradise in Italy

This week-long vacation in the heart of Italy is designed to offer you unique and unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else. This tour connects you with local Italians in an authentic and genuine way, helping you to live among the townspeople, meet local artisans and crafts, and learn about the true faces of Italy’s culinary history. At night, you’ll return to your accommodations for the week, a privately-owned 15th-century palazzo that’s been restored to a stunningly noble decor with Italian gardens and stunning views enjoyed from your room with breakfast.

Your tour takes you to several key locations in Italy, including Rome and Spoleto. Hunt truffles with a real-life truffle hunter and visit a local farm that makes fresh Ricotta cheese every day. Cook in a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant to learn from the pros before visiting the area’s oldest winery. Sneak away for sightseeing in Rome and Spoleto and connect with your guide to hidden local hangouts that are full of the flavor and culture of your surroundings. With Culinary Paradise, you’ll be sampling all the best flavors of Italy in an authentic and genuine experience.

Best of Tuscany Wine Trails – 8 Days by Click Tours

Designed to offer the best of the best in terms of Italian wine tour packages, the Best of Tuscany Wine trails allow you to soak up all the best wine and alcohol craftings of the Tuscan wine scene on a simple eight-day experience that’s luxurious and culinarily satisfying. Your stay includes accommodation and an expert guide as well as meals and transport from location to location. Your first day begins in Florence , where you soak in the classic food and wine of Florence and Italian culture. Travel next to Chianti Classico to experience traditional and classic wines before trailing the footsteps of Antinori to explore the history of winemaking there.

You’ll also spend an entire day with winemakers in Montepulciano, soaking in the natural order of winemaking and learning local secrets and traditions along with great wine. Taste many different delicious wines alongside traditional Tuscan light lunches or fares and walk along the sloping landscapes to admire the greenery draped hills. Next, visit the Val D’Orcia and the river along the provinces of Siena, Grosseto, southern Tuscany, and Maremma, visiting historical sites and of course drinking delicious Tuscan wines before returning home sated and full of culture, culinary delights, and good wine.

South Italy Real Food Adventure by Intrepid Travel

Take your travel to the next step by exploring the southern regions of Italy as the center of the new and hopping Italian culinary scene. Puglia, Basilicata, and Campania are full of deliciously packed and traditional flavors and dishes all steeped in local culture and history. Book this South Italy tour to explore the breathtaking city of Bari and wander through the cave city of Matera, all while learning how to cook with local families, sampling homemade olive oils and wines, and taste freshly made mozzarella cheese on pizza in its natural birthplace, Naples.

The eight-day odyssey of meals takes you through some incredible local and larger culinary areas and combines tasting and fine dining with local masterclasses and cooking classes taught by locals with experience, heritage, and handcrafted products. Travel across the country from Rome to Bari and Matera to Naples to enjoy plenty of food and drink from all manner of local and public restaurants. If you’re looking for contemporary dishes and delicious meals, this is definitely the perfect tour to book as one of the best food tours in Italy.

Wine Trails of Cinque Terre & Piedmont – 6 Days by Click Tours

Cross through the trails of Italy and its luxurious wine locations to soak in some of the best wine on this side of paradise. Your six-day tour is a lavish wine-tasting experience that takes them through some of the richest wine regions Italy has to offer, including Cinque Terre , Portovenere, and more. Complete with an expert guide who’s well versed in both wine history and local history, this tour allows for the perfect combination of local history and delicious wine tasting as well as traveling through many highlights of Italian travel.

Your tour begins in the Cinque Terre. Spend a day and night there before traveling to Portovenere, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, & Monterosso, all surrounded by lush nature and pristine waters. Soak in vineyards, olive groves, citrus orchards, and connect with both nature and mankind in this incredible vintner’s experience. You’ll also visit Barolo, Portofino, Santa Margherita, Italian Riviera, Barolo, Vergne, LaMorra, and more, ending your trip in Milan with the city’s contemporary wine regions. Lavish, richly taught and filled with perfect wine, you’ll love your time in Cinque Terre with this guided tour.

Italian Espresso Foodie by Contiki

This express foodie tour bounces you across Italy in ten days, traveling through all the greatest hits of Italy and experiencing historic meals, cities, and culture in one simple tour. Your accommodation, expert guide, meals, transport, and more are all included in your purchase price, making it a fully inclusive express experience that powers you through an entire civilization’s culinary history in just ten days. Your tour both begins and ends in Rome, completing a full circle experience that leaves you a more informed traveler and diner with a new appreciation for Italian cuisine.

Your tour will take you through many famous locations in Italy, including Rome, Florence, Siena, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Milan , Lake Como, Venice, Bologna, and Verona, all historic locales with plenty of individual history and culinary additions to add as well. Each day introduces you to a new culinary staple and more delicious food and drink to sample. Highlights of the tour include Venice, Verona, Milan, and Florence, all staples of the Italian culinary scene in a few different ways as well as boasting cultural significance within the country of Rome. For an express trip, you’ll get the perfect crash course in all the best parts of Italian cuisine.

Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour By Sicily Activities

Travel your way with Sicily Activities on this personalized small group Sicily tour that takes you through all the best parts of Sicily’s food and wine experience on your time table and preferences. Begin in the historic location of Catania and travel for eight days through six historic locations in Italy. End in Palermo, city of pizza, pasta, and wine, and depart from there for your next travel destination! Your tour includes accommodation and meals as well as transport with your expert guide who’s well trained in local cultural and culinary traditions.

Your tour will take you through many different local, family-oriented traditions and culinary routines as well as larger cities’ restaurants and meals. Visit the countryside of Etna and taste the best of their food and wine, and learn to cook yourself in Taormina alongside the Family Trattoria. Take a walking tour through Noto and enjoy fresh seafood at lunch before heading to Syracuse for a light lunch and winery tour. End on the streets of Palermo for an authentic Italian experience that will leave you craving more Italy culinary vacations

Gourmet Journey of Emilia Romagna – 7 Days by Click Tours

This straight shot through the enogastronomic capital of Europe takes you through the rich wine and food traditions of the Emilia Romagna region- considered by many to be the highlight of Italian culinary culture. Your seven-day tour package takes you through many significant Italian locales as well as exposing you to traditional and contemporary dishes and meals thanks to the efforts of local guides and experts who walk you through meals, transport, and more. Your tour will study not only significant regions of Italy but also significant foods.

Begin with one day in Bologna before traveling to Faenza to taste the Lambrusco wine and Byzantine in Ravenna. Next, travel to Modena to test out their Balsamic Vinegar and visit the acclaimed Ferrari Museum. Stop over in Parma to experience first hand the culture of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and parma ham (more staples of the Emilia Romagna region) and visit an Italian castle, the Torrechiara castle, before heading to the Romanesque Cathedral and Corale Verdi to finish your trip. Packed with delicious food and historic sightseeing, you’ll love every part of this seven-day food vacation in Italy.

Taste of Salento – Authentic Culinary Experience by Soleto Travel

Experience Italian cuisine personally with this private tour that exposes you to local cuisines, local cooking styles, and historical local sightseeing stops all in one simple trip. Start and End in Brindisi for a circular experience that takes you through eight high-quality destinations in Italy that are off the beaten path but still packed with gastronomic history. Enjoy the authentic Salento culinary experience by sipping on local wines and pastas as well as training with local chefs to make your own.

Follow along with a local expert to learn the art of olive oil production before visiting Castro and the prehistoric cave of Zinzulusa. Learn how to make your own pasta with guidance from trained professionals and complement your meal with local wines and delicious blends from nearby vineyards. Cross from Castro, Gallipoli, Lecce, Maglie, and more, ending again in Brindisi for easy travel in and out of your tour.

Booking a food or wine tour is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself when making travel plans. Food and wine tours provide incredible benefits to your local holiday that turn an average trip into the vacation of a lifetime. Booking a guided package makes your travel plans incredibly simple. If you are traveling independently, you can also opt for a day tour like one of these food tours of Florence .

Rely on the experience of your booking company to organize and manage the minute travel planning details and transportation, leaning back and relaxing while they coordinate your arrival. Your stress levels will decrease drastically with an expert guide in charge who knows the area. The second benefit to booking a pre-paid Italy food tour is that expert guides can add local life and flavor to the sightseeing experience by sharing their knowledge and learned experiences of the area to your tour. Hear a local’s opinion and the colorful and authentic Italian experience as you travel with a local guide in charge, as well as one who can help you connect with locals in the communities you’re touring and visiting.

The best part of booking prepared expert tours is that you can soak in Italian experiences for a far better price with prepackaged tours that minimize spending on the go and package everything neatly into an all-access, all-inclusive package. Accommodations, travel, and meals are all paid for ahead of time, making it easy to budget for your trip and keep a tighter budget while you’re actually traveling. Whatever your reason for booking a food and wine vacation, Italy continues to offer some of the best food tours in the world, making them an ideal destination for your next food holiday.

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THE 10 BEST Italy Food Tours

Italy food tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas with vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch from Florence

2. The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere with Free-Flowing Fine Wine

3. Bologna Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

4. Sorrento Farm and Food Experience including Olive Oil, Limoncello, Wine tasting

5. Bologna Food Experience: Factory tours & Family-Style Lunch

6. Venice Food Tour - Eat like a Venetian

7. Small Group Street Food Tour in Genoa

8. Best Street Food Walking Tour in Milan

9. Rome Wine & Food Tour in Trastevere Jewish Ghetto Campo de Fiori

10. Rome Food Tour: Hidden Gems of Trastevere with Dinner & Wine

11. Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide

12. Florence Private Food Walking Tour With Locals: 6 or 10 Tastings

13. Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty

14. Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit

15. Savoring Palermo: In The Markets and Beyond

16. Small Group Florence Food Tour

17. Rome by Night-Ebike tour with Food and Wine Tasting

18. Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour

19. The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Bologna: The 10 Tastings

20. Rome Food Tour: Unlimited Tastings with Fine Wine & Barolo

21. Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert

22. Etna Countryside Food and Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group)

23. Naples Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

24. Private Half Day Parma Food Walking Tour

25. Private Tastings Guided Food Tour of Naples with Limoncello

26. Venice Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

27. The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Milan: 6 or 10 Tastings

28. Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience

29. A Venetian Evening - Wine Tasting & Tapas tour with a Local guide

30. Food & Wine Tour by the Vatican City

What travelers are saying.

Italy Food Tours. Since July 2nd, 2011

Visiting italy book a food tour.

Much more than a food tour

Intimate groups of 8-12, led by English-speaking insiders.

Cuisine from vendors feeding locals for generations.

Hidden neighbourhoods far from tourist crowds.

Entertaining stories about local culture.

“ ” A moving feast on the streets of Rome.

“ ” Florence is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is basically one giant gallery-museum, stuffed to the rafters with art, history, culture and architecture. The magnificent Italian city is a feast for the eyes... and the tummy if you get off the beaten track

“ ” A food tour that’s off the beaten path.

“ ” It seemed right to follow a foodie around on a ten-stops-in-four-hours, movable lunch feast.

See what people are saying on TripAdvisor

One of the best things to do in Rome. Our guide Toni, was knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating and fun. History accompanied by delicious Roman food that is complemented with wine and craft beer. Final stop holds an amazing surprise followed by dessert and moscato. Jill (Tripadvisor Review)

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Italian Food Experiences: Tours and Cooking Classes

Italy has it all: history, culture and, of course, food. You’ll want to experience all three on your travels, but it’s hard to top the experience of eating Italian food in Italy. It’s nothing like you will have tried at home. Nothing can compare.

Italian cuisine is famous all over the world for its delicious flavours, fresh ingredients, and simple yet sophisticated recipes. The country is home to countless regional specialties, each with its own unique twist on classic Italian dishes.

Food Experiences in Italy

Visitors to Italy can expect to find local markets overflowing with fresh produce, traditional trattorias serving up hearty meals, and fine dining restaurants offering innovative takes on classic Italian cuisine.

With such a wide range of culinary experiences on offer, it’s no wonder that food is such an important part of Italian culture and daily life.

Food Tours in Italy

But finding the best food in Italy isn’t always easy, particularly in the most popular tourist destinations at the peak of the travel season.

That’s why I recommend starting with a gourmet tour on your arrival to a new destination.

This is where you’ll get tips, personal recommendations from locals, and an understanding of what to look for when searching for authentic regional cuisine.

The best way to begin is by taking either a walking food tour, a cooking class or spending a couple of hours wandering around one of Italy’s famous farmers’ markets.

Below are a few tours and recommendations to get you started organising a great foodie experience in Italy.

What to Expect on a Food Tour

A typical food tour lasts for about four to five hours, catering to small or private groups. During the tour, you can indulge in a variety of dishes, snacks, desserts, and beverages, including wine or coffee, all of which are local specialties made with artisanal, organic, or fair trade ingredients.

One of the great things about food tours is exploring the city while enjoying the local cuisine. So, when you visit Italy, make sure to book a walking food tour in one of the country’s renowned foodie destinations, such as Bologna, Milan, or Rome.

Rome Street Food Tour The most popular and highly rated food tour in all of Italy takes you through the streets of Rome. You’ll get to try local delicacies such as suppli, cured meats, vegetarian dishes, pizza and gelato. A highlight of this tour is the seasonal dishes you will enjoy at a restaurant in Rome’s historic Jewish Quarter. Learn more…

Italian Farmers Markets

Visiting a farmers market in an Italian city is an experience not to be missed. The markets are bursting with fresh, local produce and delicious and unique goods.

While you don’t necessarily need to take a tour to enjoy the markets, a guided tour can provide valuable insights into the local culture and traditions and help you discover hidden gems and specialties.

What to Expect at an Italian Market

When exploring a farmers market, you can expect to find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and locally produced cheeses, meats, and baked goods.

In addition, you can often find artisanal products such as olive oil, honey, and wine, all of which are made with traditional methods and reflect the region’s unique flavours.

If you want to sample some of the local fares, try some street food vendors offering delicious and affordable options such as arancini, panini, and gelato.

And if you’re planning a picnic or a meal later in the day, the markets are the perfect place to stock up on supplies, such as fresh bread, cheese, and cured meats.

Taking a guided market tour is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and traditions surrounding the market.

An experienced guide can introduce you to vendors and producers, explain the history and significance of certain products, and help you navigate the often-bustling crowds.

In short, visiting a farmers market in an Italian city is a wonderful way to experience the local culture and indulge in delicious, fresh produce and artisanal products.

Whether you choose to explore on your own or take a guided tour, the markets will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and memories.

Venice Local Market Tour Venice has one of the most incredible city markets in the world, the Rialto Market. The quality and variety of fruits and vegetables are outstanding, everything is so incredibly fresh. Of course, in Venice, seafood is one of the highlights. You can buy freshly cooked meals or take some home to prepare in your apartment. Learn more…

Cooking Class in Italy

When it comes to taking a cooking class, there is no better place to do so than in Italy. Not only will you learn how to cook authentic Italian dishes, but you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life, thanks to your guide.

What to Expect in a Cooking Class

A typical cooking class in Italy will generally involve a visit to a local market to source fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on instruction in the kitchen from an experienced chef.

You’ll learn how to prepare traditional Italian dishes, such as homemade pasta, risotto, or a classic tiramisu.

Along the way, you’ll pick up essential techniques, tips, and tricks to help you recreate these dishes at home.

In addition to learning how to cook, taking a cooking class in Italy is also an opportunity to connect with locals and gain a deeper understanding of Italian cuisine’s culture and history.

You can ask questions about the ingredients, techniques, and flavours that make Italian food special and even share a meal and conversation with your classmates.

Cooking classes in Italy can be found in almost any city and are often offered by local cooking schools or restaurants.

They can range from a few hours to a full day or even a multi-day experience, depending on the level of immersion and instruction you desire.

Taking a cooking class in Italy is a unique and immersive experience that allows you to learn the art of traditional Italian cooking while immersing yourself in the local culture.

From sourcing fresh ingredients at a local market to learning essential techniques in the kitchen, a cooking class in Italy is an experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the cuisine and the country that created it.

Verona Cooking Class You might not think of heading to Verona until you discover it’s less than an hour from Bologna, the foodie capital of all of Italy. Use the freshest local ingredients to make handmade pasta and delicious tiramisu from scratch. Learn more…

Best Places in Italy for Food

Italy is a dream destination for foodies, and there are countless cities and regions to explore for an authentic culinary experience.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Italy for food experiences:

• Bologna: Known as the “food capital” of Italy, Bologna is famous for its rich pasta dishes, cured meats, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Don’t miss out on trying traditional dishes like tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini in brodo.
• Naples: Famous for its Neapolitan pizza, Naples is a must-visit for any foodie. The city also has seafood dishes, including spaghetti alle vongole (with clams) and frittura di pesce (mixed fried fish).
• Tuscany: This region is known for its simple yet flavorful cuisine, featuring dishes like ribollita (a vegetable and bread soup) and bistecca alla fiorentina (a grilled T-bone steak). Tuscany is also renowned for its wine, especially Chianti.
• Sicily: This island off the southern coast of Italy has a unique culinary tradition, with dishes influenced by Greek, Arab, and Spanish cultures. Don’t miss out on trying Sicilian specialties like arancini (fried rice balls) and cannoli (a dessert pastry).
• Rome: The capital city of Italy is a foodie’s paradise, with countless trattorias, pizzerias, and gelaterias to explore. Don’t miss out on trying classic Roman dishes like spaghetti carbonara and cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and black pepper).
• Piedmont: This region in northwest Italy is known for its rich and hearty cuisine, featuring dishes like risotto with white truffles and bollito misto (mixed boiled meats). Piedmont is also renowned for its wine, including Barolo and Barbaresco.
• Emilia-Romagna: This region is home to some of Italy’s most famous culinary traditions, including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar from Modena. Don’t miss out on trying traditional dishes like lasagne alla bolognese and piadina (a type of flatbread).
• Amalfi Coast: This coastal region in southern Italy is known for its seafood dishes, especially fresh fish and shellfish. Don’t miss out on trying local specialties like spaghetti alle vongole (with clams) and scialatielli ai frutti di mare (a type of pasta with seafood).

Italy has a rich culinary tradition, and countless cities and regions exist to explore for an authentic food experience. From the pizza in Naples to the pasta in Bologna, there is something for every foodie in Italy.

Sustainable Food Tourism

Taking a food experience-based vacation in Italy can be a fantastic way to indulge your senses and explore the country’s rich culinary heritage.

However, it’s important to do so in a sustainable way that respects the local environment, economy, and culture.

Here are some tips for sustainable tourism when taking a food experience-based vacation in Italy:

• Support local, sustainable agriculture: Choose restaurants and food tours that prioritize locally-sourced, organic, and sustainable ingredients. This supports the local economy, promotes sustainable agriculture, and reduces the carbon footprint of the food you consume.
• Avoid overconsumption: While it may be tempting to try everything, avoid overconsumption and waste by being mindful of portion sizes and sharing dishes with your travel companions. This not only helps reduce food waste but also supports a healthy lifestyle.
• Respect cultural traditions: When visiting markets and taking cooking classes, be respectful of local traditions and techniques. Ask questions and learn from locals, but avoid appropriating cultural practices or treating them as a commodity.
• Reduce plastic waste: Bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to avoid contributing to plastic waste. Choose food vendors that use sustainable packaging, and avoid disposable utensils whenever possible.
• Walk, bike or use public transportation: Consider walking, biking or using public transportation to get around rather than renting a car. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also allows you to experience the local culture and scenery in a more sustainable way.

Undoubtedly, taking a food experience-based vacation in Italy can be a sustainable and rewarding experience if done mindfully.

By supporting local agriculture, reducing overconsumption and waste, respecting cultural traditions, reducing plastic waste, and using sustainable transportation, you can enjoy the local cuisine while also supporting a sustainable and responsible tourism industry.

Final Thoughts

Italy is a country that boasts a rich and diverse culinary landscape, with each region and city offering its own unique food traditions and specialties. Whether you are a foodie or simply love good food, there are countless gourmet experiences to enjoy throughout the country.

A food tour is one of the best ways to explore the local cuisine. Almost every city in Italy offers food tours that allow visitors to sample the local specialties and learn more about the region’s culinary traditions.

Furthermore, a food tour is an excellent way to discover a city and its people, as you get to meet local vendors, chefs, and restaurateurs who are passionate about their food and eager to share their knowledge and stories.

In addition to food tours, there are many other gourmet experiences to enjoy in Italy. From cooking classes and wine tastings to truffle hunting and olive oil tasting, there are endless opportunities to indulge your senses and learn more about the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Some of the top gourmet experiences in Italy include visiting the cheese factories in Parma, exploring the vineyards in Tuscany, and indulging in the seafood dishes in Naples. No matter where you go in Italy, there is always something delicious and unique to discover.

In summary, Italy is a food lover’s paradise, with countless gourmet experiences to enjoy. Whether you prefer food tours, cooking classes, or wine tastings, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country.

So, if you are planning a trip to Italy, be sure to explore the local cuisine and indulge in the delicious flavours and traditions of this culinary wonderland.

If you have questions or want to leave a tour or cooking class review, please do so in the comments.

Recommendations are independently chosen by our travel editors. This post contains affiliate links to tours in Italy. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.

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April 20, 2023 at 3:32 pm

There’s a cooking school in Calabria that uses local grandmothers to teach traditional Calabrian dishes that help tell the history of Calabria through the food artifacts left behind by thousands of years of invasion and occupation.

“La Cuoca Calabrese – School of Calabrian Cooking”.

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30+ best Italy food tours

Last updated on March 18th, 2024.

There’s one rule I follow whenever I write a post about food in Italy: don’t write on an empty stomach. 

Undeniably one of the top, and most cited, food cuisines in the world, you can’t go wrong with Italian.  

And if you love Italian food as much as I do, the topic of this post will have you hooked. 

I’ll be sharing 30+ of the best Italy food tours along with some top Italian cooking classes.

Divided by cities, it’s a useful guide to help you decide which Italy food tour best fits your itinerary. 

If you’ve any dietary requirements, let the organizers know in advance so they can prepare accordingly. 

Perfect Italy bucket list material, you can also use this post to help  plan your trip to Italy . 

Rome best food tours

Our food tour across Italy begins in the capital of Rome.

The Eternal City has some of the best Italy food tours and cooking classes in the country. The hardest part is deciding which one you want to book. 

Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide 

Experience the flavors of Rome on a Street Food Tour with a Local Guide . Choose between the Jewish Quarter or Trastevere and enjoy local delicacies like suppli and seasonal dishes along the way. 

The Rome food tour also includes a visit to several local and significant historical sites. 

Rome Trastevere Sunset Food Tour 

Watch the sun go down over the historic area of Trastevere on this Rome Trastevere Sunset Food Tour . Led by a local expert guide, the tour will take you to 4 local venues in Trastevere. Expect plenty of delicious Roman dishes, good wine and a fun evening with like-mind company. 

Rome Food Tour by Night 

Prepare for an epic foodie experience in Rome on this 4-hour Rome Food Tour by Night . Including 20 food tastings in foodie neighborhoods across Rome, it’s one of the best Italy food tours to book.

Highlights include a visit to Rome’s no.1 rated pizzeria plus a stop at a specialty salumeria . 

Rome Food and Wine Tasting in a Traditional Trattoria 

Starting at Campo di Fiori, this 4-hour guided Rome Food and Wine Tasting in a Traditional Trattoria ends in Trastevere. Indulge in Roman delicacies and wines at local eateries and shops, before ending the experience with dinner in Trastevere. 

Rome best cooking classes 

Cooking class with a local roman family .

Just outside Rome in Frascati is this experience offering a  Cooking Class with a Local Roman Family .

Spend a few hours learning how to make fresh pasta and Roman-style sauces like carbonara, cacio e pepe and amatriciana . 

From a local

The visit also includes a tour of the family’s 15th century wine cave where wine production began eons ago. Frascati is a 40-minute train ride from Roma Termini. A family member will greet you at the station and will show you around Frascati’s top sights before the class. 

Rome Drunken Cooking Class 

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you with the title of this unique Rome food tour.  

Learn how to make homemade pasta with a top chef and mixologist at this Rome Drunken Cooking Class . It includes 3 perfectly shaken and stirred Italian cocktails while you make your own fresh pasta. 

Arguably one of the most unique cooking classes in Italy, it’s a Rome experience you won’t find elsewhere. 

Naples best Italy food tours

You know you’re going to eat well the second you set foot in Naples. The Campania region is home to some of the best food in Italy .

The home of Neapolitan-style pizza and everything sinful yet delicious, you’ll take home good memories and plenty of extra calories. 

Naples Street Food Tour with Local Guide 

Get familiar with some of the best eats in Naples on this Naples Street Food Tour with Local Guide .

Try the different types of pizza, visit a local salumeria and sip on some locally made limoncello. One of the best Italy food tours, a full tummy and satisfied smile is guaranteed. 

Naples Food Tour with Davide 

Avoid the tourist areas of the city on this  Naples Food Tour with Davide . A local and knowledgeable host, Davide will guide you through the slow food scene in Naples. One of the best Italy food tours given its personally curated tasting menu, this one stands out from the rest. 

Naples by Night Food and Wine Walking Tour 

Walk off the calories, then pile them on again on this fun Naples by Night Food and Wine Walking Tour .  

This 4-hour walking experience includes 7 tasting stops and the chance to sample some of the tastiest traditional Neapolitan food.

More than a food tour, the guide will also bring you to Naples’ historic sites . These include the Basilica di San Paolo Maggiore and Piazza San Gaetano. 

Campania best cooking classes 

Naples pizza making workshop and diploma .

Become a Neapolitan pizza chef at this authentic Pizza-making Workshop in Naples . You’ll learn how to make traditional Neapolitan pizza dough and how to cut it using a 600-year-old technique.  

The experience also includes delicious starters made with locally grown ingredients and a drink. A unique takeaway for all guests is a personalized pizza diploma that you can hang up proudly at home. 

Amalfi cooking class and garden visit 

How does a  Italian Cooking Class on the Colorful Amalfi Coast sound? As part of the gastronomic experience, guests get to visit and pick their own fresh ingredients from its terraced gardens.  

It’s an ancient cultivation method and one that represents a resource of sustainability and environmental conservation on the Amalfi Coast. Seeing this in action makes this one of the best cooking classes in Italy. 

Once the meals have been prepared, everyone sits down to enjoy the fruits of their labor. An added local touch to the experience, guests are treated to local wine, limoncello and real Neapolitan espresso. 

Florence best food tours

The beating heart of Tuscany, Florence has plenty to satisfy hungry visitors. If a visit to Florence is on the cards, here are some of the best Italy food tours to book. 

Florence Street Food Tour 

Join a small group of like-minded foodies on a Florence Street Food Tour led by a local guide. You’ll learn more about Florence’s history and culture while trying some of the city’s most traditional foods. 

Florence sunset food and wine tour

Unlock the city’s hidden gems on this Florence sunset food and wine tour . Sip on local wines ranging from Chianti Classico to Super Tuscans and learn to make a famous Negroni cocktail.

Other highlights include trying a traditional Tuscan zero-waste soup and sampling artisan cheeses and cured meats.

Florence Food Walking Tour  

Have fun on this culinary guided Florence Food Walking Tour , sampling local coffee, cheeses, meats and wines. The tour includes a stop at a historic delicatessen, a popular enoteca and a top gelato shop in Florence.  

Florence Food Tour with All’Antico Vinaio  

This Florence Food Tour with All’Antico Vinaio combines delicious Tuscan street food and a skip-the-line ticket to the famous paninoteca .  

An ideal way to get to know Florence , the tour provides an up-close look at local life. Discover traditional bakeries and the independent fruit and vegetable shops where the locals frequent. 

Chianti Wineries Tour with Food and Wine Tasting 

If you’re interested in trying a gastronomic experience outside Florence, you may like this one. This Chianti Wineries Tour with Food and Wine Tasting includes a visit to 2 wineries in the renowned wine region. 

During the tour, you’ll learn about each vineyard’s history, the wine-making process and tips on savoring the wine. 

A perfect day trip, this tour also lets you set eyes upon the iconic Tuscan countryside. 

Map of Italy

Bologna food tours

The second I hear ‘Bologna’, my thoughts immediately return to our visit to the foodie goliath .

The birthplace of tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne alla Bolognese, passatelli and tortellini, Bologna is a food paradise. It’s also home to some of the best Italy food tours in the country. 

Bologna Traditional Food Tour 

Avoid the tourist traps and leave feeling full and satisfied on this Bologna Traditional Food Tour . Under the guidance of a local expert, you’ll experience a variety of traditional foods from Bologna at 5 different places. 

Alongside the food tasting, the tour will also provide historical anecdotes about several of the city’s main attractions. 

Bologna Secret Food Tour 

After experiencing an excellent secret food tour in NYC , I couldn’t recommend it enough. Without giving too much away, this Bologna Secret Food Tour will take you to some of the city’s best places.

Some highlights that aren’t ‘secret’ include visiting Bologna’s oldest tavern and cheese and wine sampling at a local bottega . 

Parma best food tours

Parma traditional food tour .

Heading to another Italy food capital, Parma has created some of the country’s top food exports. They include Parmigiano-Reggiano, tortellini and more.  

Learn more about the rich food culture of the city on this Parma Traditional Food Tour . A local guide will take you on a gastronomic tour, where you’ll get to try some of Parma’s traditional dishes. 

Parmigiano and Parma Ham Guided Food Tour 

Combining two of my favorite foods, sample the real deal on this delectable Parmigiano and Parma Ham Guided Food Tour .

The tour includes a factory visit where they make Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma Ham. One of the best Italy food tours, expect plenty of cheese and ham paired with glasses of delicious wine. 

Sicily top food tours

An island where we’ve a summer home , I always eat well whenever we’re back in Sicily.  

Sicilian food is one of the richest, most flavorsome food cultures in Italy. Many of the dishes may come from humble roots, but they’re bursting with deliciousness and robust flavors.  

While I can’t invite you all to eat at our house, one of these best Italy food tours will give you a solid introduction to Sicilian food. 

Palermo Street Food and Local Market Tasting Tour 

Begin your Sicilian food class in the capital by booking this Palermo Street Food and Local Market Tasting Tour . 

Try at least 7 traditional Sicilian street foods on this 3-hour tour while exploring its loud and vibrant food markets. Accompanied by a local expert guide, the tour also includes a drink in Palermo’s oldest working-class bar. 

Palermo Night Street Food Tour 

If you prefer an Italian food tour after dark, this Palermo Night Street Food Tour ticks all the right boxes. 

A tour just for small groups, your expert guide will show you the real Palermo and the tastiest street food. One of the best Italy food tours in Palermo, you’ll also learn about the city’s history, art and culture. 

Palermo Street Food and History Walking Tour 

Combine Sicilian street food and history and you have the Palermo Street Food and History Walking Tour .  

Let your local guide introduce you to 5 typical Sicilian street foods while telling you about Palermo’s most important sites. It’s a fun way to learn about Palermo’s history as well as its unique food scene. 

Taormina Food and Wine Tour 

Stroll through the pretty Sicilian hilltop town before trying some local dishes on this Taormina Food and Wine Tour .  

Alongside a walking tour with a local guide, you’ll also enjoy food and wine tasting from 3 different places. 

Mount Etna Food and Wine Tasting Tour 

There’s no better way to enjoy a traditional Sicilian meal than in the backdrop of the island’s largest resident.   

On this Mount Etna Food and Wine Tasting Tour , you’ll learn, and taste products made on Etna’s lava terrain. Some tour highlights include a visit to a local winery followed by lunch on the open-air terrace overlooking the vineyards. 

Please note that the pickup for this tour is from Taormina. 

Godfather Tour with Sicilian Lunch 

An island synonymous with the famous movie franchise, discover The Godfather filming locations on this Godfather Tour with Sicilian Lunch .  

Explore the charming borghi of Savoca and Forza d’Agro before sitting down to a traditional Sicilian lunch with wine. A unique look at the movie and mafia’s history, it’s one of the best Italy food tours to book. 

Catania Street Food Tour 

From one big Sicilian city to another, joining this Catania Street Food Tour provides a good introduction for first-time visitors. 

Lasting 3 hours, you’ll get to experience and eat your way through Catania like a local. Also including some of Catania’s best attractions , this 3-hour tour will leave you feeling full and more knowledgeable about Catania. 

Milan food tours 

Head to the north to chow down on some Lombardy classics in Milan. With plenty of aperitivo on hand, you can be sure to see a few glasses included on these food tours. 

Milan Street Food Walking Tour 

Let a local expert introduce you to the tastiest eats on this Milan Street Food Walking Tour with Food Tasting .

The tour also includes a visit to some of Milan’s top attractions like its magnificent Duomo and Piazza Mercanti. Lasting around 2.5 hours, it’s a fantastic way to get to know Milan like a local .  

Milan Gourmet Food Tour 

For a more refined Italian food experience, this Milan Gourmet Food Tour may be what you’re looking for.  

Including at least 5 food stops, you’ll get to sample traditional Milanese dishes along with gourmet plates. A personal tour with a local, it’s one of the best Italy food tours to book in Milan. 

Venice best food tours

The capital city of the region where I live in Italy, I never miss a chance to visit Venice.  

The island city’s home to Piazza San Marco, the incredible basilica plus tons of chances to eat and drink well. Here are some of the best Italy food tours in Venice to book with the people that know it best. 

Venice Street Food with a Local Guide 

Fill your tummy with the best eats around the city on this Venice Street Food with a Local Guide tour. Experience the Venetian culture of cicchetti, visit the Rialto Market and sample some of Venice’s tastiest traditional foods.  

Venice Private Food Tour with 10 Tastings 

Enjoy a more personal food tasting experience on this Venice Private Food Tour with 10 Tastings . An ideal tour for a couple or a small group, you’ll visit 10 of the best tastings in Venice. Each tasting reflects the local cuisine and is handpicked by a local guide that’s passionate about food. 

Jewish Ghetto and Cannaregio Food Tour 

Explore another side to Venice and learn about its history and food on this Jewish Ghetto and Cannaregio Food Tour . Your expert guide will take you to 6 of the top places while also introducing you to Jewish-Venetian dishes. 

Where movies are made

Most interestingly, the area was used as a filming location in the movie, the Merchant of Venice . A tour that takes you off the beaten track, it’s one of the best Italy food tours to book. 

Turin food tours

An Italian food culture that seamlessly combines refined dining with its rustic roots, prepare to eat very well in Turin. 

Turin Gourmet Food Tour 

Save plenty of room if you plan to book this Turin Gourmet Food Tour . This 3-hour culinary tour takes you to 5 different restaurants in Turin where you’ll sample some of the finest dishes. 

One of the best Italy food tours to book in Turin, a full and satisfied belly is guaranteed. 

Turin Street Food Walking Tour with Aperitivo 

Get an introduction to traditional Piedmontese cuisine on this 3-hour Turin Street Food Walking Tour with Aperitivo . Including at least 4 stops, your local guide will take you to some of Turin’s best eating and drinking spots. 

As the title suggests, the tour also includes a delicious aperitivo. Your cocktail of choice will be accompanied by a cutting board of typical products from Piedmont. 

Turin Sweet and Chocolate Tour 

The capital of chocolate in Italy, anyone with a sweet tooth needs to join this Turin Sweet and Chocolate Tour .  

Indulge in freshly made desserts made by experienced pastry chefs as well as specialty chocolates from Turin. An Italy food tour made for dessert lovers, this tour will have you eating like a local in Turin. 

Bari best food tours

The beating heart of the Puglia region, Bari has plenty of history, scenery and food to attract foodie travelers. Here are some of the best Italy food tours to book in Bari and Puglia. 

Bari Street Food Tour by Bike 

Why walk when you can bike? A great way to explore Bari while trying its mouthwatering food is on this Bari Street Food Tour by Bike . The 3-hour food tour by bike includes several tasting stops plus a visit to several of Bari’s main attractions. 

Touring by bike is also an ideal way to stay cool in Bari’s usually high temperatures. If the sound of biking sounds like too much work, consider touring — and eating — through Bari by rickshaw . 

Lecce Walking Street Food Tour 

One of the most beautiful towns in Puglia , discover the sights and bites on this Lecce Walking Street Food Tour . 

A local guide will introduce you to Lecce’s most delicious foods and take you to see its top attractions. This includes walking through Lecce’s whitewashed streets and visiting the Piazza del Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Croce. 

What do you think about this list of the best Italy food tours? Are there any food tours in Italy that you’d like to try? Let me know in the comments below. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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Which Italian city is best for a food tour?

1. Rome 2. Naples 3. Bologna 4. Florence 5. Parma

46 thoughts on “ 30+ best Italy food tours ”

It is true that Italian food is always a good choice! Italian cuisine is undoubtedly a favorite among both children and adults. I would like to try making pizza in Naples. My interest was further piqued by the Parma Food Tour. Given my love of sweets, I’ll most definitely think about going on a chocolate and confections tour in Turin. I’m excited to do one of these fantastic culinary trips when I visit Italy.

You will really enjoy any of these tours. And you will definitely eat well too!

I am planning a short trip to Italy this summer so this was perfect! One of the things I have loved about the Italy the most is the food. It is just amazing! I love the idea of drunken cook class. It is always a good idea to marinate the chef first and then the food… ha ha.

Yes, it definitely is a good class to do. Enjoy your trip this summer.

This post has got my taste buds doing a happy dance! Italy, the land of pasta, pizza, and gelato—need I say more? From savoring authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples to indulging in heavenly gelato in Florence, these food tours are a culinary adventure like no other. I can already imagine eating all the delicious food, sampling cheeses, and sipping on a glass of fine Italian wine. Thanks for sharing these mouthwatering experiences. Reminds me it’s been a while since we traveled to Italy and we’re literally just next door! 🍕🍝🍦

Hehe I’m happy to make your tastebuds dance! Really a food tour is a fun way to learn and taste all the delicious foods according to region. I hope you return soon!

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Food Tours in Rome Italy: 11 Top-Rated Options for Authentic Italian

What are the best food tours in Rome Italy? Is it worth doing a food tour in Rome?

Now, if you don’t have the luxury of being related to an off-the-boat set of Italian grandparents who hand-crank pasta as the perfect pairing to the wine they made in their basement every time they see you like I do, then an authentic food tour in Rome is the next best thing!

On your next trip to Italy, chances are you’ll be stopping in Rome whether it be just for a quick stopover or for a few days to check out the Colosseum and the Vatican. Either way, it wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the delicious cuisine that Rome has to offer.

When it comes to food tours in Rome, there are plenty of options available. Actually, some would even say that there are too many options available to travelers. There are literally dozens of local companies to choose from making it overwhelming for people to find the tour that’s right for their group!

Don’t have enough time to read the whole post? Not a problem!

The Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe is unquestionably the #1 tour on this list!

⭐ 1,700+ 5-Star Reviews ⭐ 13 Food Tastings Across 7 Locations ⭐ Exclusive Access to the Oldest Wine Cellar in Rome!

From luxury food tours to private food tours with wine tastings, there are hundreds of options visitors can choose from. Fortunately, I know exactly how frustrating it can be to spend hours behind a computer screen scouring for the right tour, which is precisely why I created this list of only the top-rated Rome food tours… and there are only 11 of them!

In this post, in addition to the 11 best food tour options, I’ve also provided ample information on whether or not booking a food tour in Rome is worthwhile, how much you can expect to spend on a food tour, if you should bring cash for tipping, and more. Let’s get started!

11 Best Food Tours in Rome Italy

1. rome twilight trastevere food tour with eating europe.

Arguably the #1 food tour in the city, the Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe offers a guided gastronomic journey that takes you through the historic Trastevere district, a neighborhood known for its bustling eateries and traditional Roman fare!

Savor hand-picked regional specialties, from mouth-watering supplì (fried rice balls) to organic, artisan gelato. You’ll also make your way to the oldest wine cellar in Rome, which just so happens to be over 2,000 years old .

This 4-hour food tour is perfect for those looking to explore traditional Roman cuisine in a fun and intimate setting. With a maximum group size of only 12 people, you’ll get plenty of personalized attention from your guide as they take you through hidden streets and alleyways that are often overlooked by tourists.

2. The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere with Free-Flowing Fine Wine

With over 1,200 5-star reviews, it’s easy to see why The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere is a popular choice for many travelers! This tour offers a unique blend of history and gastronomy, guiding you through one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods while indulging in an array of traditional Roman dishes.

Enjoy a relaxed evening strolling the charming streets as you stop at select local haunts to sample a variety of authentic foods – from the finest charcuterie, cheeses, and pasta to sweet gelato and of course… plenty of local wine!

On this 4-hour tour, your knowledgeable guide will provide inside knowledge on the history and culture of each dish while also sharing insights into the local food scene. Perfect for food enthusiasts and wine lovers, this tour promises a delightful experience for the senses and a deeper appreciation for Italian cuisine.

3. Rome Food Tour – Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo)

Those seeking a top-rated food and wine tour in Rome should look no further than this Rome Food Tour – Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo) , where you can feast to your heart’s content!

Venturing through the elegant Prati district, this tour is a foodie’s dream come to life, featuring an array of amazing tastings across 5 different locations.

You’ll be treated to fine Italian wines, including the prestigious Barolo, known for its depth and complexity, to complement a carefully selected range of Italian dishes including pasta, pizza, charcuterie, and even 30-year-age balsamic vinegar!

Definitely one of the most unique food tours in Rome Italy, this tour is easily one of the best.

4. The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings

When it comes to the best private food tours in Rome, this Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Rome is hard to beat! Suitable for smaller groups who prefer an intimate atmosphere, the tour gives you the option to indulge in either 6 or 10 tastings of authentic Roman delicacies.

Crafted for connoisseurs of fine food, guests will be led by a local epicurean guide through some of the top food regions in Rome including the Jewish Quarter and Campo de’ Fiori.

With either 6 or 10 tastings included, guests will be treated to the famed buffalo mozzarella, freshly churned gelato, and everything in between. In just 3 hours, this phenomenal food tour provides visitors to Rome the chance to experience Italy’s iconic food scene!

5. Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

For those a little short on time, the Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tour is the perfect choice! In just 2.5 hours, you’ll get to experience some of Rome’s most iconic dishes, from pizza and pasta to supplì (fried rice balls) and creamy gelato.

Led by a local guide with a passion for food and knowledge of the city’s best culinary spots, this tour offers a great balance between sightseeing and sampling delicious Roman fare.

Not only will you enjoy tasty bites along the way, but your guide will also surprise you with a special dish, that will only be revealed on the day of your tour! Possibly the best food tour in Rome for those who don’t have 4+ hours to spare, be sure to keep this option in the back of your mind.

6. Rome Testaccio Food Tour with Eating Europe

Discover the authentic flavors of Rome in the Testaccio neighborhood with the Rome Testaccio Food Tour !

Testaccio, known as the birthplace of Roman cuisine, is easily one of the best parts of the city to indulge in a food tour. This tour is extra special because it also includes a visit to the bustling Testaccio Market, which no other tour has yet to include on this list, and even offers 15 tastings across 8 different locations!

For those seeking 4 hours of pure culinary bliss, this tour is not to be missed. You’ll enjoy everything from fresh pasta and pizza to authentic Roman street food, all while learning about the rich history of the Testaccio neighborhood and its food culture!

7. Rome Trastevere Food Tour By Night with Wine Tasting and Guided Sightseeing

Explore the historic heart of Roman nightlife with the Rome Trastevere Food Tour By Night ! This enchanting, 4-hour evening tour takes you through the cobbled alleys of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most vibrant and picturesque neighborhoods.

Kicking off at 5:30PM, you’ll get to see the streets come alive with locals and tourists alike, while indulging in exclusive wine tastings, paired expertly with a selection of regional dishes. Your guide will lead you through a sensory journey that includes not only delectable food and wine but also fascinating stories illuminating the area’s rich history and culture.

This unbeatable tour promises a memorable night of gastronomic delight and finishes off with something sweet!

8. Jewish Ghetto and Campo Dè Fiori By Night Food, Wine and Sightseeing Tour

There’s something special about when the sun sets in Rome, offering a beautiful golden hue over the city. What better way to enjoy it than with a Jewish Ghetto and Campo Dè Fiori By Night Food, Wine, and Sightseeing Tour ?

Starting off just a bit later around 5:45PM, this tour navigates you to the best family-run eateries in Rome! Enjoy 10 different samplings of pizza, pasta, and sweet pastries and gelato before strolling through Piazza Navona among other popular spots.

An ideal choice for those wanting to spend a full evening out on the town with a local foodie, this tour deserves its place on this list of the best food tours in Rome, Italy!

9. Rome Trastevere Food Tour with Dinner and Wine

Limited to just 10 people, the Rome Trastevere Food Tour is one of the best small group tours on this list. This 4-hour excursion takes you on a journey through the charming Trastevere neighborhood, sampling nearly two dozen different street foods and wines along the way!

A great option for foodies looking to indulge in the most samples they can (with a surprise main course at the end!), this is a fantastic option.

10. Hidden Rome Food Tour in Trastevere with Dinner and Wine

Anyone looking to be treated to a full-on sit-down meal at a Roman restaurant in addition to numerous other food and wine tastings, the Hidden Rome Food Tour in Trastevere with Dinner and Wine should be your #1 choice!

This 3-hour tour combines all the best aspects of a Trastevere food tour with an authentic Italian dinner, making for an unforgettable evening. Along with your local guide, you’ll get to explore hidden corners and alleyways of Trastevere while sampling traditional Italian dishes and wines along the way, earning its spot on this list!

11. Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide

Possibly one of the top 3 most popular tours in the city, the Rome Street Food Tour with a Local Guide invites you to sink your teeth into a variety of mouth-watering specialties like crisp pizza al taglio and dreamy gelato.

In a short 2.5 hours, you’ll cover a lot of ground in Rome stopping at popular and under-the-radar food spots, while learning about its history and the evolution of Italian cuisine. Your knowledgeable guide will also make sure to bring you to the best spots for unmissable street food delights!

FAQ: Food Tours in Rome Italy

In this last section, I’ve answered some popular questions regarding food tours in Rome and provided additional information on my number tour choice, what you should bring with you on a tour, how long Rome food tours typically last, and more!

If after reading through all of the tour options and nothing seems like a good fit, don’t forget that you also have the option of cooking your own food with one of these 11 Premier Cooking Classes in Rome Italy for Foodies too!

Is It Worth Doing a Food Tour in Rome?

A food tour in Rome is absolutely worth doing ! Not only does it allow you to try authentic Italian food with a local if you’re short on time, but it also gives you a better understanding of the culture and history behind each dish.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to explore different areas of the city that you may not have otherwise visited! These tours are curated to introduce you to a variety of flavors, from classic dishes to local secrets, and are well worth the time and cost investment!

What is Famous in Rome as Far as Food?

Perhaps the most celebrated is pasta carbonara, a simple yet indulgent dish featuring eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. Equally renowned are Roman pizzas, particularly Pizza Bianca—a focaccia-style pizza that’s crispy on the outside and soft in the center.

Not to be missed are the succulent Saltimbocca alla Romana, veal cutlets wrapped in prosciutto and sage, and the delectable supplì, fried rice balls oozing with mozzarella. These dishes, along with artichokes alla Romana and cacio e pepe, among others, comprise the essence of Rome’s storied gastronomy.

What are the Best Foods to Eat in Rome?

When dining in Rome, it’s essential to indulge in the city’s signature dishes to truly experience its culinary culture. Some must-eat foods include:

• Cacio e Pepe: A minimalist yet mouthwatering pasta dish that perfectly balances the sharpness of Pecorino Romano with the bite of freshly cracked black pepper.
• Roman Artichokes (Carciofi alla Romana): These artichokes are braised with herbs and olive oil until they are tender and packed with flavor.
• Maritozzi: Delicately sweet buns filled with whipped cream, a classic Roman breakfast treat.
• Gelato: No visit to Rome is complete without sampling the rich, creamy goodness of authentic Italian gelato in a myriad of flavors.
• Tiramisu: This iconic Italian dessert, made with layer upon layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, is a sweet ending to any meal.

These foods represent a small fraction of Rome’s amazing cuisine, which is exactly why a food tour that provides you the opportunity to sample a lot of dishes instead of having to pay for full plates everywhere you go is such a great deal!

What is the Best Rome Food Tour?

The best food tour in Rome is undoubtedly the Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe tour. This comprehensive 4-hour tour takes you through the charming Trastevere neighborhood where you’ll get to sample local foods like pizza, pasta, cured meats, and cheese while learning about the history of each dish and the city itself.

Rated as one of the top food tours in Rome by multiple travel websites, this tour offers an intimate experience with a small group size and provides 13 food samples across 7 local destinations!

Do You Tip on Meals in Rome?

Tipping is not mandatory in Rome, nor is it expected since the waitstaff do not rely on tips as a source of their wages . However, if you receive great service, you will notice that many people will round the bill up or leave a couple of euros on the table. It’s the polite thing to do, and we always do it.

Contrary to the United States where 15-20% gratuity is often expected since waitstaff are constantly waiting on you, Italians don’t typically leave a tip since their job is complete once they’ve delivered your beverage and meal.

It’s normal to have to wave down someone to pay your bill, so keep this in mind when dining in Rome.

What Should I Bring on a Roman Food Tour?

When attending a food tour, it’s a good idea to come prepared with the following items:

• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot and Rome’s streets are less-than-ideal for heels, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Sun protection: Rome can get very hot and is often sunny in the summer months, so bring along sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses.
• Water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial when exploring a new city, and many food tours will offer water, but it’s always best to bring your own refillable bottle (this LifeStraw Bottle is my favorite and always comes with me!)
• Cash for tipping: It’s not required to tip on food tours in Rome, but if your guide provides you with a great time then having some cash on hand to show your appreciation can be a kind gesture.
• An empty stomach: Make sure not to eat too much before the tour since you’ll want to leave room to try all the delicious dishes!

Do Rome Food Tours Include Wine Tastings?

Many food tours in Rome, Italy understand the importance of how a fine wine complements the culinary experience of Italian cuisine, and thus quite a few include tastings of select local wines.

However, not all tours include a wine tour as well, so if this is something you’re interested in then be sure to check out The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere with Free-Flowing Fine Wine !

How Long Are Food Tours in Rome Italy?

Most food tours in Rome last between 3-4 hours, depending on the tour you choose . Some may be longer or shorter, but this is generally enough time to experience a variety of dishes and explore different neighborhoods in the city.

Be prepared for plenty of walking and stopping at multiple restaurants, markets, and shops along the way! Overall, it’s a fun and delicious way to spend an afternoon or evening.

How Much Do Rome Food Tours Cost?

On average, Roman food tours can range from $50-$140 per person , although this varies depending on the type of tour, the number of tastings included, and any additional experiences or extras offered.

While it may seem expensive at first glance, keep in mind that a food tour typically includes multiple meals spread out over a few hours, so it’s actually a great value since you’ll get to taste between 5 to 10 different dishes that would otherwise cost between 15-30 euros each!

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A food tour in Rome is an excellent way to experience the city’s rich culinary culture, sample delicious traditional dishes, and learn about the history of each dish and neighborhood.

With a variety of options available, from street food tours to wine tastings, these are the top-rated food tours in Rome Italy for every type of traveler!

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

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USA TODAY 10Best

Eat up at the 10 best specialty food festivals in the US

Best Specialty Food Festival (2024) March 27, 2024

These food festivals — selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best across the United States — celebrate specific foods, often local specialties grown or produced in the region. And these themed events promise attendees good food, good times, and plenty of opportunities to indulge. 

No. 10: Windy City Smokeout - Chicago, Illinois

This four-day event in Chicago combines two beloved things: live music and great BBQ. Over 20 of the world’s best pitmasters serve up their smoked morsels, while top country music talent takes the stage. Bands, beer, BBQ — what could be better?

No. 9: Kauai Poke Festival - Koloa, Hawaii

With easy access to fresh fish along its miles of unspoiled coastline, poke has deep roots across the Hawaiian Islands. Poke means "cut into pieces," which is how this raw fish dish is served. The Kauai Poke Festival features some 20 amazing chefs and cooks creating poke dishes for attendees to enjoy. A highlight of the event is a poke demonstration with celebrity chef and godfather of poke, Sam Choy.

No. 8: Easton Garlic Fest - Easton, Pennsylvania

Easton proudly markets their Garlic Fest with the tagline "Eat, Drink, Stink," and this fun-tastic tribute to garlic is truly an event-packed festival. There's a best garlic dish contest, a garlic dessert contest, a garlic cook-off between local mayors, several stages of live music, and there's even a "Little Stinkers' Row" with a train and an obstacle course for kids, plus clowns, jugglers, and more. Local businesses all get supported as well, as there is plenty of festival merchandise and gift baskets from Easton vendors, as well as bags and bulbs of garlic from local farms to go with all the entertainment.

No. 7: Waikiki Spam Jam - Honolulu, Hawaii

Spam is as ingrained in Hawaii's food culture as pineapples and poi. This tinned luncheon meat was first brought to Hawaii by GIs during World War II and was quickly embraced. Shelf-stable and inexpensive, residents of the Hawaiian Islands consume millions of tins annually. The Waikiki Spam Jam is a one-day festival that acknowledges the state's love story with this porky product, where attendees can sample inventive Spam recipes for a good cause, as proceeds benefit a local food bank. 

No. 6: National Fried Chicken Festival - New Orleans, Louisiana

Fried chicken is an iconic Southern staple, and New Orleans is the perfect venue for a festival to honor it, with its annual National Fried Chicken Festival. Over 50 restaurants from a selection of states showcase their most unique fried chicken dishes, and there are four stages of nonstop entertainment, ranging from live music to cooking demonstrations with top celebrity chefs. This is a great place to sample diversity in cooking, as you'll find dishes like Korean chicken baos, chicken birria tacos, jambalaya, and even ice cream chicken legs. With over 120,000 attendees, it's one of the Big Easy's best parties.

No. 5: Maine Lobster Festival - Rockland, Maine

Rockland is the self-proclaimed lobster capital of the world, and its annual Maine Lobster Festival salutes the state’s favorite crustacean. It takes place over five days each summer and includes feasting on fresh seafood, a parade, and live music. The Maine Lobster Festival Delegate Coronation and the International Great Crate Race, where contestants jump from crate to crate and risk falling into the chilly Atlantic Ocean, are must-see events. 

No. 4: National Buffalo Wing Festival - Buffalo, New York

The National Buffalo Wing Festival celebrates the chicken wing, America's number one appetizer. This Labor Day weekend event lets you get out on an NFL field, with the festivities being held at Highmark Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills. There's nonstop live music, wing-eating championships, bobbing for wings in a pool of blue cheese dressing, and even a buffet bowl where contestants have 10 minutes to eat as many wings, pizza, and roast beef as possible. 

No. 3: Cheese Curd Festival - Ellsworth, Wisconsin

They don't call Wisconsin the Dairy State for nothing. It's the number one cheese-making state in America, producing everything from Muenster to prized farmhouse cheeses. Cheese curds are a byproduct of the cheesemaking process, and these springy, squeaky little bites are the stars of the show at the Cheese Curd Festival. Thousands of pounds of curds made by the local Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery are served at the occasion each June. Events include a craft beer and curd pairing, live music, and a craft market. It's a celebration of all dairy products, with ice cream tastings being especially popular.

No. 2: Picklesburgh - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Picklesburgh bills itself as “the destination for all things pickled.” For one weekend each July, downtown Pittsburgh transforms into Picklesburgh, complete with a giant flying Heinz pickle balloon. Attendees can expect an assortment of foods and cocktails that feature pickled ingredients, as well as a pickle juice drinking contest, live entertainment, pickle merchandise, and a "Li’l Gherkins" play area for the kids.

No. 1: Delta Hot Tamale Festival - Greenville, Mississippi

Greenville, Mississippi, has an actual U.S. Patent and Trademark certificate for being the hot tamale capital of the world, with historians claiming that the Delta hot tamale dates back hundreds of years or more. At this festive ode to the tamale, you can take part in tamale eating contests, cooking contests, art and T-shirt design contests, and even a Miss Hot Tamale pageant. The weekend starts with a welcome dinner and dance party, and the following day sees panel discussions, food trucks, and live entertainment on the main stage, making for one big party.

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Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Allison levine.

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate,...   Read More

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and event planning, Allison is passionate about the world around her and the diverse people in it. Allison holds a master’s degree in international communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service and holds a WSET Level 3 Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). As an industry expert, she has worked with wine regions around the world.  She has traveled extensively and has lived abroad in Italy, Spain, and Mexico where she developed her passion for food and wine. Her work allows her to live life to the fullest and, as a freelance writer, Allison communicates her experiences in articles, as well as in her blog. Allison is the US Host for the international podcast Wine Soundtrack where she interviews winemakers and gets to know them in 30 questions, and she is co-host of the YouTube wine series Crush On This. Her website is  www.pleasethepalate.com   and you can follow her on Instagram @plsthepalate .

Carly Caramanna

Carly Caramanna has a passion for covering the...   Read More

Carly Caramanna has a passion for covering the latest in unique food, travel, and theme park trends. Growing up in the carb-filled land of bagels and pizza by the slice (aka New Jersey), her parents instilled a love of all things adventure and food. Featured on CNN Business, BBC, NPR, MSN, Huffington Post, and host of the Attractions Magazine podcast, she uses her expertise as a contributor to Travel + Leisure, Business Insider, Delish, and many more. www.adventuresbycarly.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresbycarly/ X: https://twitter.com/CarlyCaramanna

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jacob and Esther of Local Adventurer

Esther JuLee and Jacob Fu run one of the largest...   Read More

Esther JuLee and Jacob Fu run one of the largest travel blogs in the world, Local Adventurer , where they hope to encourage everyone to find adventure in their everyday lives. They spent 7 years moving to a new city every year and are now based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kimmie Conner

Kimmie is a natural-born content creator who has...   Read More

Kimmie is a natural-born content creator who has been living, working, traveling, blogging, photographing, and attending festivals around the world for over 8.5 years. She is a full-time blogger at  Adventures & Sunsets blog  and lives a digital nomad lifestyle. Her platforms help others travel in the most value-packed way and recommend adventurous, unique & boutique travel experiences and stays, products, and comprehensive guides. Her  festival 'review-guides'  are the most comprehensive on the internet and have helped thousands of festival-goers plan their trips to festivals on 6 continents. She loves to inspire people to plan their dream trips and to think up new ideas for brands, festivals, and destinations. She shares all of her adventures on her  Instagram  and  Tiktok  pages.

Kristin Luna

Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer...   Read More

Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to  Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living  and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog  Camels & Chocolate  or on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .

Lori Sorrentino

"Lori Sorrentino is an award-winning photographer...   Read More

"Lori Sorrentino is an award-winning photographer and freelance travel writer and blogger, who writes about slow food and slow travel on her blog  Travlinmad  with a mission to  Eat Local, Travel Slow . She also publishes  Italy Foodies , about food travel in Italy, and the  Naples Florida Travel Guide  an insider's guide for travelers heading to sunny SWFL. A former destination marketing manager, her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Tages-Anzeiger, and The Huffington Post among others. Originally from New Jersey, when she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Florida writing about the Paradise Coast and the Everglades."

Marilyn Johnson

Marilyn Johnson is an award-winning Philadelphia...   Read More

Marilyn Johnson is an award-winning Philadelphia area-based food and travel writer focusing on the greater Mid-Atlantic region. Marilyn founded Philly Grub in 2008 and South Jersey Food Scene in 2019. Her work has appeared on MSN, NewsBreak, Philadelphia Today, Cherry Hill Neighbors, New Jersey Monthly, and other online publications. She is a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier Philadelphia, a society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, beverage, and hospitality.

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Roberto Serrini

Roberto Serrini is an award winning Filmmaker and...   Read More

Roberto Serrini is an award winning Filmmaker and Travel Journalist who has lent his vision to such global brands as Nike, Google and Apple. He has produced hundreds of short subject documentaries about travel and culture, and is extremely active in the film festival community earning over 100 wins and nominations globally. His commercial work can be seen at  www.robertoserrini.com  and you can connect with him socially @serrini on all social media platforms. 

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional writer and full-time...   Read More

Sky Ariella is a professional writer and full-time traveler originally from New York. After graduating from Hunter College in 2018, she took a solo trip around six Southeast Asian countries. Since then, Sky has traveled to 13+ countries from South America to Europe and she’s written for major travel publications like Travel Lemming , Explore , Booking, and In The Know Traveler , along with publishing on her own blog . She’s written for other types of publications like Zippia , FashionCast , and Inspired Momentum Magazine, and currently writes documentary scripts for a major YouTube channel. Follow Sky on Instagram @skyariella , check out her blog on Medium , and learn more about her work on skyariella.com .

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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I've lived in Italy for a decade. Here are the hidden-gem locations you've been missing

• As a child, I traveled around Italy on family vacations and now live in the northern Veneto region.
• Over the years, I've made a conscious effort to explore the less-crowded areas of the country.
• Some of my favorite hidden gems include places like Lake Iseo, Urbino, and Alba.

In recent years, over-tourism has forced Venice to introduce a daytripper fee to combat congestion on some of the city's busiest days, and Sardinia has introduced a reservation system for some of its most popular beaches.

That said, there's never been a better time to scratch off the obvious destinations from your Italy itinerary and take a chance on a place that isn't in the guidebooks.

I've been traveling the country since childhood, initially with my parents on family vacations , and then as a resident of the northern Veneto region as a journalist.

Over the past few years, I've made a conscious effort to go where the crowds don't. Here are my recommendations if you're looking to experience Italy's culture, nature, and food without the hassle of large crowds.

The Basilicata region is filled with unique treasures.

Occupying the arch of Italy's boot, Basilicata has never been a region of prosperity or fame. However, one place you may have seen on standard tourist itineraries is Matera.

Matera is filled with caves where inhabitants lived in poverty until the 1950s . Now, however, visitors can duck into rock-hewn churches and sleep in five-star cave hotels. You may have even spotted the city in the James Bond movie "No Time to Die."

The rest of the Basilicata region shouldn't be overlooked either. It's peppered with treasures from the village of Castelmezzano — which clings to jagged rock face — to the Maratea coastline with black beaches and summery villages.

Although it's known as the region that "doesn't exist," Molise has a lot to offer.

Ironically, Molise is best known as the region that " doesn't exist " — an phrase stemming from the fact that even Italians struggle to pinpoint it on a map or name more than one of its cities.

The region lies on Italy's eastern coastline just north of Puglia. Its capital, Campobasso, is crowned by the mountaintop Monforte Castle.

My favorite city in the region, however, is coastal Termoli, with pastel-painted houses inside ancient walls, a honey-hued cathedral, and a Belvedere Tower with pretty views of the harbor.

Don't miss out on the restaurants serving the famed brodetto alla termolese, a rich tomato and pepper-based seafood soup that originated in Termoli .

Skip crowded Lake Como and check out Lake Iseo instead.

With flashy Lake Como to one side and sun-drenched Lake Garda to the other, it's not surprising that Lake Iseo gets overlooked. However, the over 15-mile-long body of water has its fair share of elegant, flower-adorned villages and waterside promenades.

I recommend taking a ferry to car-free Monte Isola, which is known as the biggest lake island in Europe .

Once there, visitors can rent bikes and peddle around the nature-rich perimeter of the island, or hike up the path to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola on the island's mountain summit.

Urbino was a center for art and learning in the Renaissance Era.

Urbino is a walled city in the central Marche region of Italy. The city was a hotbed of learning and art during the Renaissance Era under the rule of Federico da Montefeltro.

A highlight of Urbino is the monumental 15th-century building called Palazzo Ducale, which is now known as the National Gallery of the Marche.

Travelers can visit the complex and wander the cavernous rooms displaying paintings by artists like Raphael, who was born in the city.

Alba is known for great food, wine, and shopping.

Alba is the elegant, upscale capital of Piedmont's Le Langhe , a hilly zone draped with vineyards and wineries.

Before slipping into a post-lunch food coma at one of the many restaurants, wander the pristine city, and window shop at its high-end stores.

Then, head to stylish bars that offer a range of stellar local wines, including potent reds like Barolo and Barbaresco.

Alba is also known for producing the white truffle , which is hunted by experts and their sharp-nosed dogs. Each year, Alba's International White Truffle Fair showcases and celebrates the prized tuber.

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