Traditional Italian cuisine is a real treasure, and each meal is a kind of ritual and a sacred time for socializing with friends and family.
Italian national dishes are considered some of the healthiest and lightest, so do not worry about your figure while traveling. Italian dishes in any restaurant in the country are always served fresh, in this country it is considered bad form to cook, for example, frozen fish, or serve stale bread.
One of the gastronomic symbols of Italy is Gelato ice cream. It is made by special craftsmen from fresh cow's milk and contains no artificial additives. Genuine Gelato is sold in special institutions - gelaterias, of which, however, there are many all over the country. It costs from 1.50 EUR to 5 EUR.
Top 5 Italian Dishes You Must Try
Lasagna - a classic dish of Italian cuisine made with Parmesan cheese, ham, mozzarella, ricotta, and beef.
Pasta is the famous Italian pasta, served in different sauces and with different additives.
Ravioli are small dumplings with a meat filling.
Pizza - only in Italy you can taste real pizza, especially the famous Neapolitan and margarita.
Chicken "Parmesan" is an Italian dish that has become popular all over the world. The softest chicken under cheese with a special sauce.
Alcoholic Beverages
The food and drinks of Italy are known worldwide. Just the wines alone are worth mentioning! The most popular wines in Italy are Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Among alcoholic beverages, it is worth highlighting the famous liqueurs limoncello and amaretto. And of course, the most popular non-alcoholic beverage in Italy is coffee.
Tips for tourists
The majority of restaurants in Italy operate on a strict schedule: breakfast (8:00-10:00), lunch (12:30-14:00), and dinner (18:30/19:00-22:00). Outside of these times, establishments are closed. The average bill in a local restaurant is around 20-30 EUR: appetizers cost around 5-6 EUR, first courses 5-10 EUR, main courses up to 20 EUR, desserts up to EUR, and drinks around 2-3 EUR.
When choosing a hotel, familiarize yourself with the menu, which is usually displayed at the entrance of the restaurant. In tourist areas, prices can be exorbitant, and a single dish in a "touristy" establishment can cost around 100 EUR. This is a common tourist trap, so simply look for places where locals dine. There, a set lunch can cost around 15 EUR.
