National cuisine of Italy for gourmets. Authentic recipes, delicacies and specialties

Italian cuisine is one of the most popular in the whole world. Pizza, salad "Caesar", lasagna, pasta, ravioli, spaghetti - these dishes brought her the status of almost "legendary". However, the cuisine of Italy has a much greater depth; it is distinguished by the universal use of fresh Mediterranean products, which in other countries are often replaced by analogues. Among the frequently used products in the local cuisine are vegetables, wheat flour, fruits, cheeses, butter and olive oil, seafood, condiments, beef and poultry. The local chefs pay much attention to the quality of products and seasonings when preparing dishes, which creates a uniqueness and inimitable style of Italian cuisine.

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Each Italian province has its own cooking features. Roman cuisine is known for simple recipes, many dishes are based on the use of peas, artichokes, lamb and ricotta. The kitchens of Calabria, Sardinia, Liguria, and Marche are a classic example of Italian Mediterranean cuisine. Local chefs prepare virtuosic dishes from fresh seafood. In Lazio, many cafes and restaurants specialize in selling ice cream. The cuisine of Sicily absorbed the atypical for Italy, Arab, Spanish, Greek features. The cuisine of the peninsula is famous for its variety and deep taste. The country is famous for a huge variety of cheeses - Parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, sconces are of Italian origin.

One of the most popular dishes not only in Italy, but all over the world, is pizza. Traditional Italian pizza is cooked on round thin dough using tomatoes and mozzarella. There are numerous different types of pizza - neopolitan, marinara, four cheeses, four seasons, diabola. In Sicily, pizza has a square shape and thicker dough. Another famous Italian dish is the Carbonara pasta, which is cooked in a creamy sauce with the addition of pork cheek (guanciale) and Parmesan cheese. Lasagna is a layered pastry with stuffing from stew and sauce «béchamel », served with a parmesan dish. Another famous Italian dish is risotto, rice fried in olive oil with the addition of broth and seafood or mushrooms. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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Italian ravioli have analogues in the kitchens of various countries around the world. Ravioli differs in dough structure and in fillings. They have a square or semi-circular shape and beautiful, carved edges. It was in Italy that they invented spaghetti and other types of pasta, which gained popularity throughout the world. While in Italy, you should definitely try carpaccio - thinly sliced raw beef seasoned with spices and olive oil. Those who do not like raw meat can try brezaola, which is jerky beef meat. Polenta is a fairly common side dish to substantial meat dishes with a rich taste. It is cooked on the basis of water and corn flour.

As an appetizer before the main meal, Italians often eat smoked meat, pickled vegetables, capers, seafood. Another popular dish, served as a snack - fried bread "antipasto" with tomatoes, spices and olive oil. The choice of the first dishes in the country is huge, except for the world famous, and in the local restaurants you can find a variety of steaks, seafood dishes, and chicken. An unusual taste is "carne cruda" - a dish made from minced hand-ground beef. Bollito misto is a stew made from different types of meat. Italy is home to the world's most popular desserts: tiramisu and panna-cotta. Tiramisu is cooked from the most delicate cream based on mascarpone, and panna cotta is an airy cream with berries or fruits.

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It is Italy that is home to cappuccino and espresso, the most popular beverage prepared from coffee. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the country. Among the alcohol is worth noting amaretto, grappa, and lemochella. Sambuca, one of the strongest alcoholic beverages in the world, is also traditionally Italian. Among the most famous Italian cheeses is parmesan, gorgonzola, belonging to blue cheeses, castelmagno, and taleggio. Italian wine is very much appreciated; the traditions of winemaking were laid by the ancient Romans. Each region has its own varieties and specialties, the most popular are the red wines of Taurasi, Brunello di Montalcino, the white Orvieto wine and the sparkling wine of Lambrusco.

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Italy guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Italy

Reference information

Map of all Michelin restaurants

Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy
♥ Restaurant '’59 Restaurant' PESARO. Type - Classic cuisine|Mediterranean cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant '’A Paranza' Atrani. Type - Seafood. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant '’L Chimpl' Tamiòn. Type - Creative. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant '’l Gran Bouc' CLAVIERE. Type - Traditional cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant '...La Terra di Nello' Castiglione della Pescaia. Type - Regional cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant '12 Ristorante' Cesenatico. Type - Seafood. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant '13 Comuni' VELO VERONESE. Type - Regional cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant '13 Giugno' MILANO. Type - Sicilian. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant '13 Salumeria & Cucina' Salerno. Type - Mediterranean cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant '1495 Restaurant' SCANDIANO. Type - Classic cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant '2 Camini' BASELGA DI PINÈ. Type - Regional cuisine. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Restaurant '21.9' Pióbesi d’Alba. Type - Creative. On the map Show on the map

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Cuisine and restaurants in popular cities of Italy

Rome

There are also restaurants for vegetarians in the city. Among them is the famous Margutta Vegetariano-RistorArte. On Sundays the restaurant hosts various music concerts. Seafood lovers surely will like La Rosetta restaurant, in which visitors should definitely order fish mix dish gran misto di antipasti. Vicolo delle Grotte restaurant is a perfect destination for family rest. Dishes from European cuisine make up the basis of the menu of the restaurant. La Taverna del Ghetto is one of the best … Read more

Florence

Pasta here is usually served with wide choice of garnishes and sauces. It is often mixed with various additional ingredients like steamed vegetables, seafood or cheese. It should be noted that seafood occupies an honorable place in the gastronomy of the country. Guests will be offered to try fragrant fish with spices in each restaurant. More elite facilities offer rare delicacies and snacks made of seafood. Meat dishes can make a good alternative to seafood. Fish and meat dishes are usually … Read more

Milan

Lunch is the most important meal for local residents. That’s why the day menu of Italian restaurants is particularly attractive. Guests will be offered to order rice or pasta as the first dish. You can also choose a vegetable soup. We suggest ordering a meat dish as the second course. Seafood fans can praise themselves with delicious fish. It should be noted that Friday is considered a “Fish" day in many restaurants in Milan, so some dining facilities offer special menus on this day. The … Read more

Venice

The restaurant named Madonna is located not far from the fish market Rialto. This well-known restaurant serves delicious Venetian dishes. You will surely need to book a table beforehand if you want to visit this place. Continue tasting national dishes in a restaurant named Locanda Montin. This place is distinguished by original interior and diverse menu. Autoespresso is considered the most expensive and prestigious restaurant in the city. Its menu contains only rare delicacies and chef … Read more

Rimini

Even the most sophisticated gourmands will estimate the Guido restaurant specializing in ethnic cuisine. Its visitors will be greatly impressed with every dish on the menu being a genuine gastronomy masterpiece. Seafood dishes are the prime treats of the menu of the eating house. Other popular treats much appreciated by regular customers of the restaurant are ravioli with chef’s speciality sauce and original dishes with genuine Italian pasta. Vegetarian diet followers will like the Guido … Read more

Naples

The Da Donato restaurant will also treat its guests with speciality pizza and will offer a great choice of traditional Italian dishes as well. If necessary its guests can order to-go dishes. Among budgetary eating houses the Antico Forno delle Sfogliatelle Calde Fratelli Attanasio restaurant is best worth noticing. Its ambient hall decorated in modern style can comfortably set up to a hundred guests at once. In the daytime the restaurant is filled with visitors with kids who love speciality … Read more

Sorrento

On the scenic coast there is the Bagni Delfino restaurant offering the most popular dishes of Italian, European and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant features special sauces that the chef prepares following original recipes; they are perfect complements to fine dining. Bagni Delfino is a great place for a romantic dinner. In the evening, there is often live music and performances of well-known actors. Continue tasting local food in the restaurant Re Foods, which in addition to the … Read more

Turin

The city has its unique drink, bicerin; it is a coffee with milk, cream and chocolate. It’s necessary to mix ingredients in strictly defined proportions. Sweet tooth should definitely try a special kind of local gianduiotto chocolates, which many travelers purchase as souvenirs. The perfect place for a night stay is the Obelix restaurant, which is located on Piazza Savoia. Ordering a drink at the bar customers get unlimited access to a rich buffet; the bar is very popular among visitors. … Read more

National cuisine of Italy for gourmets. Authentic recipes, delicacies and specialties

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Italy

Sights of Italy - photostream

Cuisine and restaurants in popular cities of Italy

Map of Italy cities with popular restaurants