What and where is your best food experience in Italy?

[slidergirl]

I'll agree with Flatbush. I don't like too may generalizations…

 

My thoughts on Pizza: Neapolitan: thin crust. I judge all Neapolitan by just one type - the Margherita. It's so simple, it's easy to screw up. Rome: thin crust "single round pie" AND a thicker al taglio (by the piece). If you go to Bonci's Pizzarium, the pizzas are loaded with all sorts of esoteric toppings and the "slices" are cut according to how big/little a slice you want. Emma Pizzeria in the Campo di Fiori area is a good place for an excellent sit-down pizza - the place also has a good wine list (I had a glass of Brunello with my Margherita made with fresh mozzarella bufalo crudo!!)

 

I always try to "go local" when I eat. It has two meanings: try to eat off the tourist track when possible and to order what looks good, not what I'm used ordering at home.

 

My two favorite websites for finding about food in Italy are those by Katie Parla and Elizabeth Minchilli. I have yet to be steered wrong by them. They both were willing to give me options via email (I am an older woman, traveling solo and like places which will treat me well). And, both have apps that you can load and take with you for last-minute foodie finds...

[scher]

More than "fabulous," the above poster's comments are a bit over generalized across a country with vast culinary differences.

 

With the exception, perhaps, of no cappuccino after 10 AM, one cannot make across-the board comments about things like pizza. Tuscan versions may have mostly thin crusts with Roman even thinner and crispier. Neapolitan pizza usually has a somewhat thin though flexible/foldable crust. True that you will not find a "salad bowl" of ingredients on that pizza. Most popular in the south will be Margherita, Salciccia (e funghi), and Blanco (w/clams). Round pizzas come in the slices Americans are used to. Square versions are cut into rectangles and usually sold by weight depending on size desired.

 

There's actually a term for using bread to sop up sauce, a very common practice throughout homes across towns and villages throughout the country. It's called "di fare la scarpetta"

 

As for Alfredo, some versions of Cacio e Pepe will have some cream added. Cacio e Pepe is found everywhere.

 

And, with a few very traditional recipes, no cheese on fish dishes is nothing more than a wives' tale other than maybe in inland towns where fish dishes may be fewer and more expensive. Seafood risotto for me please!

 

Most popular pastas for Bolognese: tagliatelle along with rigatoni or pappardelle. Bottom line is that the pasta needs to be sturdy.

 

In Sicily, do eat tuna, swordfish, Arancini and anything "fra diavola". Enjoy some Nero D'avola and Etna Rosso for vino there.

such great info!! thank you.

[scher]

I'll agree with Flatbush. I don't like too may generalizations…

 

My thoughts on Pizza: Neapolitan: thin crust. I judge all Neapolitan by just one type - the Margherita. It's so simple, it's easy to screw up. Rome: thin crust "single round pie" AND a thicker al taglio (by the piece). If you go to Bonci's Pizzarium, the pizzas are loaded with all sorts of esoteric toppings and the "slices" are cut according to how big/little a slice you want. Emma Pizzeria in the Campo di Fiori area is a good place for an excellent sit-down pizza - the place also has a good wine list (I had a glass of Brunello with my Margherita made with fresh mozzarella bufalo crudo!!)

 

I always try to "go local" when I eat. It has two meanings: try to eat off the tourist track when possible and to order what looks good, not what I'm used ordering at home.

 

My two favorite websites for finding about food in Italy are those by Katie Parla and Elizabeth Minchilli. I have yet to be steered wrong by them. They both were willing to give me options via email (I am an older woman, traveling solo and like places which will treat me well). And, both have apps that you can load and take with you for last-minute foodie finds...

Also great information....I really appreciate all of it.

[slidergirl]

I love to share!!!

 

I cannot offer much in the way of suggestions for good meat dishes; I try not to eat red meat unless it's the only thing on the table. But, I'll offer these suggestions for things you may want to try…

 

carciofi, aka artichokes! If you are there "in season", you have to try artichokes. The ones at Armando, cardiofi alla Romana were seemingly "poached" in oil and were amazingly melt-in-my-mouth tasty. Cruisemom will rave about the carciofi alla guidia - the "jewish" deep-fried chokes.

 

Do not overlook the contorni at restaurants - the veggie side dishes. I fell in love with the Italian way of doing their chicory. I have always loved dandelion and endive greens cooked - a childhood thing. If you see "ciccoria" on the menu, give it a try. Usually, sautéed with garlic in olive oil, with a little salt. So simple, but so good. I've been known to order one or two contorni to be my post-pasta course.

 

I ditched my red meat thing twice - for the meatballs at Roscioli and the simple involtini at da Cesare al Caseletto. Both definitely worth the "sacrifice." For some good descriptions of them, I suggest visiting Katie Parla's parlafood website and search for these. She also has good food porn on the site to get your appetite going!

 

My opinion on pasta: Part of the deal is that the pasta type has to be paired with the correct sauce, unlike here in the US where just about any sauce is dumped on spaghetti. Do NOT expect the pasta to be doused in sauce - there will be just enough to coat the pasta, not swim in the sauce. I'll go for just about any pasta dish, but I do love cacio e pepe and amatriciana. Oh, there is pig cheek, guanciale, in good quality amatriciana - but, since pork is "the other white meat", I have no problem eating anything pig ;-)

[lisiamc]

Good points, Slidergirl, especially about the carciofi, which are yummy.

 

I love to scout through menus to find dishes that I've never had before. It took me more than a year to get around to baccalà (salt cod), but now I love it. Every region seems to have a different way to prepare it, and Venice has some of my favourites so far.

[Gracie115]

I also appreciate all the information here and will make good use of it during our visit next April!:)

[George C]

we will be in Naples and Sicily and recommendations there? I believe I will be doing some sort of touring along the Amalfi Coast

 

We loved Brandi in Naples

 

 

Pizzaria Brandi

Pizzaria Brandi was first opened in 1780 under the ownership of Pietro Coliccio, who earned the nickname Pietro il pizzaiuolo (Peter the Pizza maker). Eventually, this little shop fell into the hands of Raffaele Esposito, husband to Maria Brandi. Esposito was asked to cater a banquet for the queen, Margherita di Savoia, for which he made three kinds of pizza for her to taste. Her favorite was the one made with tomato, basil, olive oil, and mozzarella — the colors of the newly united Italian Flag. The pizza was then named after her, and thus the Pizza Margherita was born. Today you can still have wonderful pizzas here, starting around 7000L. (081-416-928)

[cruisemom42]

As for Alfredo, some versions of Cacio e Pepe will have some cream added. Cacio e Pepe is found everywhere.

 

 

I'll have to disagree on the cream in cacio e pepe. Cream shouldn't be used in this traditional Roman dish (or butter). If it is, you're not getting the real McCoy.

 

http://talesofambrosia.com/2013/03/04/how-to-make-spaghetti-cacio-e-pepe-like-a-roman/

[marazul]

we will be in Naples and Sicily and recommendations there? I believe I will be doing some sort of touring along the Amalfi Coast

 

Don't miss the octopus (pulpo) salad in Sicily.

[rayandjean]

Spend the day in Bologna with Alessandro and the Italian Food Experience. Check them out on trip advisor. It was so wonderful there are not words to adequately express what an amazing day we had!

[scher]

Don't miss the octopus (pulpo) salad in Sicily.

 

octopus is one of my favorite things....any particular place in Sicily that comes to mind for some great Octopus?

[scher]

Spend the day in Bologna with Alessandro and the Italian Food Experience. Check them out on trip advisor. It was so wonderful there are not words to adequately express what an amazing day we had!

 

I don't think we will have the opportunity to stop there this trip. Although next year in Rome....or somewhere in Italy.

[scher]

We loved Brandi in Naples

 

 

Pizzaria Brandi

Pizzaria Brandi was first opened in 1780 under the ownership of Pietro Coliccio, who earned the nickname Pietro il pizzaiuolo (Peter the Pizza maker). Eventually, this little shop fell into the hands of Raffaele Esposito, husband to Maria Brandi. Esposito was asked to cater a banquet for the queen, Margherita di Savoia, for which he made three kinds of pizza for her to taste. Her favorite was the one made with tomato, basil, olive oil, and mozzarella — the colors of the newly united Italian Flag. The pizza was then named after her, and thus the Pizza Margherita was born. Today you can still have wonderful pizzas here, starting around 7000L. (081-416-928)

 

Brandi It is....awesome! thanks!

[scher]

I love to share!!!

 

I cannot offer much in the way of suggestions for good meat dishes; I try not to eat red meat unless it's the only thing on the table. But, I'll offer these suggestions for things you may want to try…

 

carciofi, aka artichokes! If you are there "in season", you have to try artichokes. The ones at Armando, cardiofi alla Romana were seemingly "poached" in oil and were amazingly melt-in-my-mouth tasty. Cruisemom will rave about the carciofi alla guidia - the "jewish" deep-fried chokes.

 

Do not overlook the contorni at restaurants - the veggie side dishes. I fell in love with the Italian way of doing their chicory. I have always loved dandelion and endive greens cooked - a childhood thing. If you see "ciccoria" on the menu, give it a try. Usually, sautéed with garlic in olive oil, with a little salt. So simple, but so good. I've been known to order one or two contorni to be my post-pasta course.

 

I ditched my red meat thing twice - for the meatballs at Roscioli and the simple involtini at da Cesare al Caseletto. Both definitely worth the "sacrifice." For some good descriptions of them, I suggest visiting Katie Parla's parlafood website and search for these. She also has good food porn on the site to get your appetite going!

 

My opinion on pasta: Part of the deal is that the pasta type has to be paired with the correct sauce, unlike here in the US where just about any sauce is dumped on spaghetti. Do NOT expect the pasta to be doused in sauce - there will be just enough to coat the pasta, not swim in the sauce. I'll go for just about any pasta dish, but I do love cacio e pepe and amatriciana. Oh, there is pig cheek, guanciale, in good quality amatriciana - but, since pork is "the other white meat", I have no problem eating anything pig ;-)

I love artichokes....I actually make a pretty good Stuffed artichoke but would love to try a great one the way you said it was prepared.....Meatballs at Roscioli sounds good ....have to see where that might be.

[scher]

I love artichokes....I actually make a pretty good Stuffed artichoke but would love to try a great one the way you said it was prepared.....Meatballs at Roscioli sounds good ....have to see where that might be.

Actually one of the food tours I was looking at takes you to Roscioli. Maybe I should do the food tour. Or maybe im better off going on my own.

[slidergirl]

Actually one of the food tours I was looking at takes you to Roscioli. Maybe I should do the food tour. Or maybe im better off going on my own.

 

Roscioli is in the Campo di Fiore section of Rome. Good stuff around there. The meatballs had several different meats in them. Seasoned nicely. They were served with some rounds of polenta and a little bit of sauce and pecorino on the top. Yummy.

As for food tour or on your own: that is your decision. I haven't yet done an organized food tour. I tend to make my meals a highlight of a day on vacation, so I like to research and find a few places I really want to hit. I don't do one every day, so I have room to "freestyle" and just find something that calls to me spontaneously.

[Keroppi2011]

Our wine tasting experience at Fattoria Montecchio in Tuscany was so exceptional that we repeated it on our next trip to Italy. The setting - a beautiful complex overlooking rolling hills and vineyards. The event - sampling 5 delicious Chianti Classico wines with a substantial country lunch of local produce (several ham and sausage meats, honey, bread, tomatoes, cheese and biscotti). We toured the grounds, admired the black roosters, viewed the wine making process and spent more than 2 hours "at table". Rolled out of there well replete and very tipsy - all for the grand sum of $20 US each.

Have you read any "foodie" books by Marlena De Blasi. My favourites are "A Thousand Days in Venice" and "A Thousand Days in Tuscany". Quick reads, in the style of memoirs/cookbooks. You will want to eat at her table, meet her friends and possibly move to her village when you turn the last page.

[texancruzer]

Well, I may not be the foodie that some are here but I do like good food. My Mom was a gourmet cook and I love to cook also. I get lazy at home sometimes and then we go out :o

 

But at the same time I know something that tastes good - that said we had a wonderful pizza in Venice - well not exactly Venice but Murano. Little hole in the wall place.

 

We have eaten at some smaller out of the way family owned places and enjoyed our meal. But also had a bad experience at one. Food was pretty much inedible. We have also had some stupendous local food served from those dreaded "tourist traps on the large piazzas" LOL The ones that aren't supposed to have "real" Italian food.

 

And last but not least we ate at La Tagliata ….. big disappointment. The food was so-so but the service was horrible. They were so busy serving the large tour groups (yes it has become a tourist trap restaurant) that the two of us sat at a back table didn't get served very well. Even our guide came in to see what was taking so long and ended up in the kitchen telling them we weren't happy.

 

We had a really good meal at Granduca in Taormina - awesome views too.

 

So I agree that generalizations such as "only eat in family owned where the locals go places" and "stay away from the tourist traps on the large piazzas" type of suggestions aren't always best.

 

Just my opinion.

 

We love Italy, the people, the food and everything about it….. can't stay away ;)

[texancruzer]

Have you read any "foodie" books by Marlena De Blasi. My favourites are "A Thousand Days in Venice" and "A Thousand Days in Tuscany". Quick reads, in the style of memoirs/cookbooks. You will want to eat at her table, meet her friends and possibly move to her village when you turn the last page.

 

I have read them…… loved them.

[slidergirl]

Well, I may not be the foodie that some are here but I do like good food. My Mom was a gourmet cook and I love to cook also. I get lazy at home sometimes and then we go out :o

 

But at the same time I know something that tastes good - that said we had a wonderful pizza in Venice - well not exactly Venice but Murano. Little hole in the wall place.

 

We have eaten at some smaller out of the way family owned places and enjoyed our meal. But also had a bad experience at one. Food was pretty much inedible. We have also had some stupendous local food served from those dreaded "tourist traps on the large piazzas" LOL The ones that aren't supposed to have "real" Italian food.

 

And last but not least we ate at La Tagliata ….. big disappointment. The food was so-so but the service was horrible. They were so busy serving the large tour groups (yes it has become a tourist trap restaurant) that the two of us sat at a back table didn't get served very well. Even our guide came in to see what was taking so long and ended up in the kitchen telling them we weren't happy.

 

We had a really good meal at Granduca in Taormina - awesome views too.

 

So I agree that generalizations such as "only eat in family owned where the locals go places" and "stay away from the tourist traps on the large piazzas" type of suggestions aren't always best.

 

Just my opinion.

 

We love Italy, the people, the food and everything about it….. can't stay away ;)

 

I'll say I'm a minor foodie. Now that I'm solo and work evenings, I go out for dinner rarely at home. When I travel, I like to find restaurants/food stands that have been talked about and try them out.

I don't keep away from those places on the large piazzas (someone mentioned one on Piazza Navonna that I tried this Spring), but I know that I'm paying for usually mediocre food (as was the case with that place) but I'm getting a good seat for an few hours' people watching.

You never really know what you're going to get, but you do need to dive in and experience!

[marazul]

octopus is one of my favorite things....any particular place in Sicily that comes to mind for some great Octopus?

 

Just about everywhere. Fish is expensive and octopus is cheap.

[scher]

I have to say not being able to get to Tuscany this trip is really bothering me. It was the one place and thing I wanted to do. Was to go to a vineyard in the countryside and drink wine and eat lunch. I would have to cut my venice visit by a day to do that and it would just be one extra stop. ..will have to do it next year. Have to make sure I throw the money in the trevi fountain

[Keroppi2011]

But you will never regret the time you have in Venice. Every time you turn a corner you will come across something amazing. Don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path and discover some gems for yourself.

[scher]

Roscioli is in the Campo di Fiore section of Rome. Good stuff around there. The meatballs had several different meats in them. Seasoned nicely. They were served with some rounds of polenta and a little bit of sauce and pecorino on the top. Yummy.

As for food tour or on your own: that is your decision. I haven't yet done an organized food tour. I tend to make my meals a highlight of a day on vacation, so I like to research and find a few places I really want to hit. I don't do one every day, so I have room to "freestyle" and just find something that calls to me spontaneously.

 

I think I may forgo the food tour after getting so many good recommendations on here. My mouth is already watering. I do keep hearing that the food in Rome is not as good as in Florence or Tuscany...I hope I am hearing wrong.

[scher]

Our wine tasting experience at Fattoria Montecchio in Tuscany was so exceptional that we repeated it on our next trip to Italy. The setting - a beautiful complex overlooking rolling hills and vineyards. The event - sampling 5 delicious Chianti Classico wines with a substantial country lunch of local produce (several ham and sausage meats, honey, bread, tomatoes, cheese and biscotti). We toured the grounds, admired the black roosters, viewed the wine making process and spent more than 2 hours "at table". Rolled out of there well replete and very tipsy - all for the grand sum of $20 US each.

Have you read any "foodie" books by Marlena De Blasi. My favourites are "A Thousand Days in Venice" and "A Thousand Days in Tuscany". Quick reads, in the style of memoirs/cookbooks. You will want to eat at her table, meet her friends and possibly move to her village when you turn the last page.

 

I am very sad I am not going to be able to get to Tuscany on this trip. I will be taking the train from Venice to Rome and would have to cut my Venice trip short by a day to stop along the way which would only leave me 2 days in Venice with one of them being the day we arrive after a red eye flight. I think the first day we will be very tired.