Food you have to try in Italy

By:

Today’s blog post is written by Mia Saracusa. Mia is a senior at The Ohio State University and an STA Travel Student Ambassador. She studied abroad her sophomore year and is a lover of European adventures. Here are some of her recommendations on foods you have to try while in Italy.

Food to try in Florence

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

At the end of a long day of sight-seeing, you’re going to want to sit down and eat everything in sight. Obviously you’re in no better place to do this when you’re in Italy. You have to get the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the entrée that put Florence on the foodie map. The dish is a massive steak, one that could easily be shared between multiple people (or just you, I get it I wouldn’t want to share my food either).

Wine

The region of Tuscany is home to some of the best wine in the world, so it’s a no-brainer that you’ve got to try the wine when you get to Florence (I know… if we insist!). Most hotels and tour groups offer wine tours where you can travel to a vineyard and learn about the different types made in the region. Try all of the wine – you deserve it.

Gelato

Here’s one of the things you’re probably most excited to try – gelato. Florence has the best, and some of the most unique gelato flavors in all of Italy. Gelato originated in Florence so while you can find it all over Italy, here you will find the best, most authentic options. For a truly Italian taste, try stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate chips -my personal favorite) paired with something a like pistachio. It’s killing me just thinking about it.

Food to try in Naples

Pizza

Pizza originated in Naples so naturally you have to get pizza while you’re here (if you need an excuse). The pizza is cooked in a wood oven making sure the crust is absolutely perfect. There are a variety of toppings you can get, but to get a taste of the classic try the Margherita pizza. If you’re looking to spice things up get a pizza with prosciutto, a classic Italian meat. Your stomach will thank you.

Pasta ai fagioli

Another dish that originated in Naples is Pasta ai fagioli, or pasta with beans for us non-Italians. It’s a simple but tasty dish. The dish was once eaten by peasants as it’s composed of a few affordable ingredients, but has become an all-time fav for everyone. Peasant or not.

Coffee

Calling all coffee lovers! Italians travel to Naples from all over the country just to try a cup of Neapolitan coffee. Traditional Neapolitan coffee is an espresso made with a flip coffee pot that works when you flip it upside down to drip hot water through the coffee beans. Smooth, delicious, authentic, one-of-a-kind – what more do you want from a coffee?!

Food to try in Sorrento

Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina

Of course you will be eating TONS of pasta while in Italy, but if you are in Sorrento you have to get the local dish. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a pasta dish that’s to-die-for, and you can’t try anywhere else. Freshly made gnocchi tossed with tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella. My foodie heart was in heaven!

Treccia Cheese

Treccia cheese is a version of mozzarella native to the Campania region where Sorrento is located. Not only is the cheese tasty, but it is super cute! It is braided and often served with breads and meats as a side-snack. How could you resist? Look at it!

Limoncello

Sorrento is known for its lemons, so it only makes sense that its most famous alcohol is Limoncello. Limoncello is made by steeping lemon zest and peels in alcohol, and adding
in simple syrup. It’s a sweet and citrusy treat all lemon lovers will be obsessed with.

Ready for an Italian foodie adventure? Head to STA Travel’s Italy Travel Guide for loads of handy hints, tips and deals that’ll give you some serious inspo!

The original content (article & images) is owned by . Visit the site here for other interesting stories.