Savour Italy: 7 Best Foodie Cities in Italy

What city has the best food in Italy?

Italy is synonymous with delicious food, and when it comes to pizza and pasta, the country sets the gold standard. From the traditional wood-fired pizzas of Naples to the hand-rolled pasta of Bologna, Italy offers a culinary journey like no other.

Whether you’re a casual traveller or a dedicated foodie, discovering Italy’s top spots for pizza and pasta is an essential part of any visit.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the must-visit destinations for these Italian delights, and how to easily reach them by train, making your culinary adventure as seamless as possible.

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What city in Italy has the best food?

1 | Naples: The Birthplace of Pizza

When it comes to pizza, there’s no place quite like Naples.

As the birthplace of the iconic Neapolitan pizza, this southern city takes pride in its simple, yet flavour-packed pizzas. With its soft, chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella, authentic pizza in Naples is a must-try for any visitor.

Pizzerias like L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele and Pizzeria Sorbillo have achieved legendary status, often attracting long queues of both locals and tourists.

Make sure to save room for dessert in Naples too — sfogliatella, a sweet, shell-shaped pastry filled with ricotta, is the perfect way to end a meal.

1 | Rome: The Eternal City of Pasta

Rome, Italy’s bustling capital, offers a rich variety of traditional pasta dishes that are beloved around the world.

Roman cuisine is hearty and simple, with classics such as cacio e pepe (pasta with Pecorino cheese and black pepper) and carbonara (pasta with eggs, guanciale, and Pecorino) topping the list of must-tries.

The city’s trattorias, such as Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 and Felice a Testaccio, serve some of the finest examples of these Roman staples, often using recipes passed down through generations.

While in Rome, be sure to explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Trastevere and Testaccio, both brimming with cosy restaurants and lively markets. Whether you’re a fan of the classic spaghetti or prefer hand-made fettuccine, Rome is a paradise for pasta lovers.

After your unforgettable pizza experience in Rome, you can head to Naples. The Rome to Naples train takes just over an hour, whisking you from one culinary hotspot to another. 

3 | Bologna: The Heart of Pasta

Known as Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna is the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about pasta.

Home to tagliatelle al ragù (often misnamed as spaghetti Bolognese abroad) and tortellini, Bologna’s pasta dishes are crafted with precision and care.

The city’s traditional trattorias, such as Trattoria Anna Maria and Osteria dell’Orsa, serve some of the best pasta in the country, offering dishes that are rich in flavour and steeped in history.

In Bologna, pasta isn’t just food—it’s an art form.

The handmade tagliatelle, often served with a slow-cooked ragù, is a local favourite, while the small, stuffed tortellini served in broth offer a lighter, yet equally delicious, alternative. Bologna’s central location makes it easy to reach from other major cities by train, and it’s well worth a stop on any Italian food tour.

4 | Milan: A Taste of Lombardy

Milan, the cosmopolitan capital of Italy’s Lombardy region, is not only known for its fashion but also for its food.

One of the most iconic dishes here is risotto alla Milanese, a saffron-infused rice dish that’s often paired with osso buco, a slow-cooked veal shank. Pasta dishes in Milan often feature rich and creamy sauces, and restaurants such as Trattoria Milaneseand Nabucco offer elegant settings to savour these local delicacies.

If you’re planning to continue your journey from Milan, the Milan to Venice train is a great option, connecting you to one of Italy’s most picturesque cities in just a few hours.

It’s a perfect route for those looking to combine a foodie trip with some sightseeing in Venice’s stunning canals.

5 | Venice: Traditional Pasta in a Dreamy Setting

Venice, with its winding canals and romantic gondolas, is a destination that needs no introduction.

However, what many visitors overlook is Venice’s unique contribution to Italy’s culinary heritage, especially when it comes to pasta. Traditional Venetian pasta dishes often feature fresh seafood, with bigoli in salsa (a thick spaghetti-like pasta served with a rich anchovy and onion sauce) being a regional favourite.

Restaurants such as Trattoria da Fiore and Antiche Carampaneserve classic Venetian dishes with fresh, local ingredients, making them a must-visit for anyone interested in authentic Italian cuisine.

While Venice is better known for its scenic beauty, its culinary offerings are equally impressive. After indulging in the city’s seafood-inspired pasta, don’t miss the chance to sample Venetian sweets like tiramisu, which also originated in the region. 

6. Florence: The Renaissance of Pizza and Pasta

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is also a great destination for pizza and pasta enthusiasts.

Although more famous for its art and architecture, Florence offers fantastic regional dishes like pappardelle al cinghiale (wide ribbon pasta with wild boar) and bistecca alla Fiorentina (a large T-bone steak).

The city’s rich culinary traditions are reflected in its vibrant food scene, with trattorias such as Il Latini and Trattoria Mario offering authentic Tuscan flavours in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Florentine pizza, while distinct from the Neapolitan style, still holds its own, with thin, crispy crusts and a variety of toppings.

After a day spent exploring Florence’s art galleries and museums, there’s nothing better than unwinding at a local pizzeria or pasta restaurant, enjoying a glass of Tuscan wine as the sun sets over the Arno River.

7. Palermo: Sicilian Pizza with a Twist

Palermo, the bustling capital of Sicily, offers a unique take on Italian pizza that is distinct from the classic Neapolitan style.

Sicilian pizza, known locally as sfincione, is characterised by its thick, spongy crust and generous toppings of tomatoes, onions, anchovies, and strong cheeses. It’s often served in square slices, making it a heartier option than its thin-crust counterparts.

For an authentic taste, head to local favourites like Pizzeria Frida or Pizzeria Bellini, where you can indulge in traditional Sicilian flavours with a modern twist. The city’s street food scene also offers a variety of quick pizza bites that capture the essence of Sicily’s bold culinary identity.

Palermo’s lively markets and vibrant streets make it the perfect destination for food lovers, combining rich history with unforgettable flavours.

Whether enjoyed as a snack or a full meal, Sicilian pizza offers a delightful and unique addition to any Italian food experience.

Conclusion

Italy’s culinary landscape is as varied and rich as its history, and for first-time visitors, sampling the local pizza and pasta is a quintessential experience.

From the rustic, hearty flavours of Naples to the sophisticated pasta dishes of Bologna and Florence, each region brings its own special twist to Italy’s culinary traditions.

So, grab your appetite and get ready to savour Italy’s best pizza and pasta hotspots, where every bite is a celebration of the country’s rich gastronomic heritage.