Italy Country Guide - Food & Drink In Italy

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Italians live to eat. From the Northern metropolis of Milan to the sun-baked beaches of Sicily, food is as fundamental to the national fabric as football and fashion. The cooking throughout Italy also shares a common philosophy - that of simple preparation making the most of superb quality, fresh local ingredients.

Yet the differences in Italian regional food and cooking remain much more pronounced than in the UK. In the North, there are the creamy risottos of Lombardy and the rich sauces of Emilia-Romagna, where butter is favoured for cooking. Romans love their offal, while in the South olive oil dominates and tomatoes, lemons and even chillis are at their most prevalent. Each region has its own specialities. Perhaps this is in part due to Italy's history of division into autonomous city states, but Italians remain proud of their local food traditions.

One traditional product that has become renowned far beyond Italy's borders is balsamic vinegar. The finest balsamic vinegar is unique to Modena, home of the Ferrari, and a bottle of the good stuff can easily set you back £50.

Olive oil is one local product that is produced throughout Italy, from Liguria in the north to Sicily at the foot of the nation.

The region of Abruzzo has stunning scenery and some of Italy's most unspoilt wilderness. The local food is delicious, abundant with fresh cheeses such as pecorino and ricotta, succulent lamb, saffron and truffles.

Lunch (pranzo) is traditionally the main meal of the day. Starters can include soup, pasta or antipasti, a plate of mixed cold meats or salads. The main course is usually meat or fish with a side dish of vegetables or a salad, followed by fruit, dessert or cheese and coffee.

Dinner (cena) is usually a lighter meal than lunch, many Italians may just enjoy some pasta or a pizza.

Restaurants

There is a variety of restaurants in Italy. The ones you are most likely to come across include:

Tavola Calda - literally 'hot table' - serving meat, pasta and vegetable dishes in a self service-style buffet.
Pizzeria - obviously serving pizza, but there's usually a full menu of other dishes too
Osteria - a wine bar or small trattoria
Trattoria - a cheaper restaurant
Ristorante - a restaurant with a wider menu and generally better quality cuisine
Gelateria - an ice cream parlour

When you get your bill (conto) remember to take your receipt with you. By law you have to have it, just in case the tax police ask for it.

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