What to Eat in Italy: A City-by-City Guide to Pizza, Pasta, Gelato & Coffee 🇮🇹🍝🍕🍨

🇮🇹Italy isn’t just a destination — it’s a feast. Whether you're wandering the cobbled streets of Florence, soaking up the history in Rome, or basking in the southern sun, every region offers its own flavor of culinary magic. Here's your ultimate guide to what to eat across Milan, Florence, Rome, and South of Italy.

🍕 Pizza: From Milan to Naples

Milan

• Pizza AM – Neapolitan-style with a cult following.

• Pizzeria Capuano's - Londonio – Light dough, bold flavors.

• Gino Sorbillo – Naples legend with a Milan twist.

• Maruzzella – Cozy spot with classic pies.

Florence

• Giovanni Santarpia – Neapolitan excellence in Tuscany.

• Berberè – Sourdough pizzas with seasonal toppings.

• Il Pizzaiuolo – Wood-fired and wildly popular.

• Gustarium – Gourmet slices, perfect for wandering.

Rome

• Pizzarium by Gabriele Bonci – Inventive toppings, cult status.

• La Gatta Mangiona – Roman-style with flair.

• Emma Pizzeria – Thin crust, high-quality ingredients.

• Tonda – Crisp base, creative combos.

Southern Italy

• 50 Kalò (Naples) – Dough perfection.

• Pepe in Grani (Caiazzo) – Franco Pepe’s masterpiece.

• L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Naples) – The Margherita standard.

• Starita (Naples) – Try the Montanara (fried then baked pizza).

🍝 Pasta: Handmade, Hearty, and Heavenly

Milan

• Pasta d’Autore – Handmade and hearty.

• I Sapori della Pasta – Cozy and authentic.

• miscusi Colonne – Modern pasta bar.

• Pane & Vino – Rustic charm.

Florence

• Trattoria Sabatino – Pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar).

• Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori – Tagliatelle dreams.

• La Giostra – Pear-stuffed ravioli.

• Trattoria da Mario – Ribollita and fresh pasta.

Rome

• Felice a Testaccio – Cacio e pepe tossed tableside.

• Roscioli – Carbonara heaven.

• Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 – Roman classics.

• Armando al Pantheon – Elegant and timeless.

Southern Italy

• La Cantina del Gallo (Naples) – Spaghetti alle vongole.

• Trattoria da Nennella (Naples) – Lively and flavorful.

• Ristorante Il Ritrovo (Positano) – Lemon-infused pasta.

• Casa Tua (Puglia) – Orecchiette with broccoli rabe.

🥪 Florence’s Iconic Sandwich Stop

• All'Antico Vinaio – The undisputed king of panini. Expect generous fillings like porchetta, truffle cream, and pecorino packed into schiacciata bread. Go early or be ready to queue — it’s worth every bite.

🍨 Gelato & Desserts: Sweet Stops Across Italy

Top Gelato Spots

• Venchi – Famous for its luxurious chocolate-infused gelato and fountains of melted chocolate. Found in Milan, Florence, Rome, and beyond — it’s a must for chocoholics.

• Gelateria della Musica (Milan) – Music-themed flavors and creamy texture.

• La Carraia (Florence) – Rich, silky gelato near the Arno.

• Gelateria dei Neri (Florence) – Local favorite with bold flavors.

• Fatamorgana (Rome) – Inventive, natural ingredients.

• Giolitti (Rome) – Historic gelateria near the Pantheon.

• Casa Infante (Naples) – Gelato meets pastry heaven.

Must-Try Desserts

• Tiramisu – Best in Rome at Bar Pompi, the “King of Tiramisu.”

• Cannoli – Head to Sicily or Pasticceria Savia (Catania) for the real deal.

• Sfogliatella – Flaky pastry filled with ricotta and citrus, iconic in Naples.

• Babà al Rum – Boozy sponge cake, another Neapolitan classic.

• Panna Cotta – Silky and creamy, often topped with berries or caramel.

• Cantucci with Vin Santo – Tuscan almond biscuits dipped in sweet wine.

☕ Coffee Culture: Sip Like a Local

Coffee in Italy isn’t just a beverage — it’s a ritual. Almost every coffee shop, from the tiniest corner bar to the grandest café, serves elite-level espresso. Locals rarely linger; they stand at the counter, sip quickly, and carry on. It’s fast, strong, and always satisfying.

Also worth noting: most cafés and restaurants don’t open early. Life in Italy moves at a slower, more relaxed pace, and many places won’t open until after 9 AM. So sleep in, stroll slowly, and let the day unfold.

Milan

• Caffè Napoli – Espresso with Neapolitan soul.

• Orsonero Coffee – Specialty brews in a minimalist setting.

Florence

• Ditta Artigianale – Third-wave coffee meets Italian tradition.

• La Ménagère – Café, concept store, and brunch haven.

Rome

• Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè – Legendary espresso near the Pantheon.

• Tazza d’Oro – Bold blends and a view of the Trevi Fountain.

Naples

• Gran Caffè Gambrinus – Historic café with velvet seats and velvet espresso.

• Mexico Caffè – Home of the “passalacqua” blend — intense and unforgettable.

Final Bite

Italy is a country best explored one bite at a time. Whether you're chasing the perfect pizza crust, twirling handmade pasta, or sipping espresso in a sunlit piazza, every meal tells a story. Bookmark this guide, pack your appetite, and buon viaggio!