11 Best Food Cities in Italy in 2025

The best food cities in Italy are living, breathing testaments to centuries of history, migration and creativity. From saffron-scented Milanese risottos to the rustic pizza of Naples, every city tells a different story through its dishes. 

These delicious dishes and rich culinary traditions are a major draw for tourists. According to ItaliAbsolutely, as of 2023, at least 58% of visitors to the country plan a trip due to “their passion for gastronomy.” 

But if you’re one of those people traveling to the European country for the amazing food and drink, how do you choose which of the best food cities in Italy to stop at during your travels?

As you explore the best food cities in Italy, you’ll soon realize how starkly different they all are from each other, uniquely defined by generations of conflict, resiliency and tradition. Some cities are renowned for their handmade pasta and centuries-old cheese-making, while others thrive on seafood caught just hours before it hits your plate. 

No matter what food you’re craving, the best food cities in Italy will leave you with unforgettable experiences — and a deeper appreciation for one of the world’s greatest cuisines, so keep reading to see what our top picks are. 

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• How We Choose the Best Cities in Italy for Food
• The 11 Best Foodie Cities in Italy
• What City in Italy Has the Best Food?
• Learn To Cook Italian Food

How We Choose the Best Cities in Italy for Food

It’s been over 10 years since the Cozymeal team began pulling together chefs and food experts from around the world to curate trusted recommendations for foodie travelers.

When creating this guide of the best food cities in Italy, our process involved in-depth research into online reviews and recommendations, consultations with team members who are locals or deeply familiar with the Italian food scene, and historical deep-dives into each city’s signature flavors to find out how centuries of migration, trade and innovation influenced these dishes.

We also analyzed factors like the diversity of dining options, from street food to Michelin-starred establishments, the historical and cultural significance of a city’s cuisine, and its accessibility for travelers. By weighing both expert opinion and on-the-ground research, this multi-layered approach allows us to confidently showcase the best food cities in Italy while celebrating all the culinary identities that have come to define the flavors of Italy. 

Whether you’re seeking world-famous pasta in Bologna, fresh seafood in Naples or refined Venetian cicchetti, you can trust that every destination on this list of the best food cities in Italy has been chosen with care. 

The 11 Best Foodie Cities in Italy

1. Milan 

According to WorldData, Milan has the second-largest airport in the whole of Italy, so it’s an easy-to-access destination if you’re planning to visit some of the best food cities in Italy. Known mostly for being a hub of fashion and finance, the area’s culinary culture is just as exciting, having been shaped by the fertile Lombard plains, harsh winters contrasted against blisteringly hot summers and centuries of cultural exchange. 

Above all, Milan food reflects a duality: the noble cuisine of saffron-laced luxury and the hearty “cucina povera,” aka “the kitchen of the poor,” where many dishes were born out of necessity. 

With refinement and rusticity at the heart of all restaurants in Milan, this is one of the best cities in Italy for food when you want to experience both sides of the coin. Whether you’re after fine-dining excellence or you’d prefer a more comforting fare, you get the best of both worlds in Milan, which easily earns it a spot among the best food cities in Italy. 

The city’s culinary history dates back to the Middle Ages under the Visconti and Sforza families, later influenced by Austrian rule, which introduced the michetta roll and inspired debates over the origins of breaded veal cutlets.

Today, much like in the other best food cities in Italy, you’ll find the traditional trattorie standing alongside the Michelin-starred restaurants in Milan, with equal emphasis on preserving historical dishes from risotto alla Milanese, a silky saffron risotto often paired with ossobuco, to cassoeula, a robust winter stew of pork and cabbage.

And we can’t forget the panettone, Milan’s famed Christmas bread, which remains not only one of the city’s most popular desserts but also one of the most loved Christmas foods around the world. Milan truly delivers on every level, firmly securing its place as one of the best food cities in Italy with a culinary legacy that continues to evolve.

Must-Try Dishes in Milan

• Risotto alla Milanese (saffron-infused risotto)
• Cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet)
• Ossobuco (braised veal shanks with gremolata)
• Cassoeula (pork and cabbage stew)
• Panettone (traditional sweet bread)
• Minestrone alla Milanese (hearty vegetable soup with rice)
• Michetta (crusty hollow bread roll)

2. Genoa 

Genoa, the capital of Liguria, stands proudly as one of the best food cities in Italy, with a heritage reflecting a balance of land and sea. Shaped by centuries of maritime trade, which brought exotic spices and global influences to a region already rich in fresh herbs, olive oil and vegetables, Genoa’s diverse history makes it a strong contender for the best food city in Italy.

At the heart of Genoa food is simplicity with an emphasis on depth of flavor. As one of the best food cities in Italy that still engages in traditional cooking preparation methods, pesto Genovese — arguably the city’s most famous creation — is still made traditionally by hand in marble mortars, using intensely aromatic Basilico Genovese DOP (a specific type of basil only grown in this region of Italy). You’ll find it simply paired with local trofie or trenette pasta, proving that sometimes the best things in life are the simple things. 

Every dish that lands on your table in Genoa has a history; the city’s famous focaccia Genovese was once a sailor’s staple, while the chickpea-based farinata offers a satisfying and endlessly customizable street food experience. 

Genoa is one of the best food cities in Italy to visit if you want something humble, followed by something more elaborate, like pansoti with walnut sauce, which highlights the local foraged greens. The colorful cappon magro, a layered seafood salad showcasing Genoa’s coastal bounty, is also a must-try. 

What sets Genoa apart among the best food cities in Italy is its historical context. As a former maritime republic, its cuisine absorbed ingredients and techniques from afar, yet remained grounded in Ligurian traditions. Many restaurants in Genoa still honor these centuries-old practices, offering travelers an authentic taste straight from the history books.

Must-Try Dishes in Genoa

• Pesto Genovese (with trofie or trenette pasta)
• Focaccia Genovese (plain or with toppings)
• Farinata (chickpea pancake)
• Cima alla Genovese (stuffed veal breast)
• Torta Pasqualina (Easter pie)
• Frittura di Pesce (fried seafood)
• Stoccafisso Accomodato (creamed stockfish)
• Pandolce Genovese (fruit cake)

3. Parma 

Parma may be smaller and less flashy than other Italian destinations, but it holds a firm place among the best food cities in Italy, showcasing a culinary history that dates back to Roman times. The city’s name is inseparable from international Parma food icons like Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham) and Parmigiano Reggiano, both of which carry PDO status to safeguard their centuries-old traditions. 

Often referred to as Italy's “Food Valley,” Parma combines two key things that make it one of the best food cities in Italy: an unmatched dedication to artisanal production and the perfect conditions for cultivating exceptional ingredients. Prosciutto di Parma is painstakingly salted and aged for over 400 days to achieve its silky, nuanced flavor and Parmigiano Reggiano — the so-called “King of Cheeses” — is aged for at least 12 months and often far longer, developing its signature complex, umami-rich taste. 

Local pasta plates like tortelli d’erbetta (pasta stuffed with ricotta and herbs), cappelletti and anolini reflect the region’s love for comforting, handmade fare, while rustic dishes like stracotto (slow-braised beef) and Parma-style tripe reveal the city’s ability to take humble ingredients and make them into something showstopping. Even desserts, like the indulgent torta Duchessa, tie into Parma’s aristocratic past.

From prosciutto factories to Parmigiano dairies, plus food markets and festivals, Parma is one of the best food cities in Italy to visit if you like interactive lessons in culinary history. Add Parma to your foodie bucket list and get ready to explore its Renaissance landmarks while chowing down on incredible food, because Parma — like all the best food cities in Italy — proves that tradition and locally-sourced ingredients are all you need to make some of the best food on the map.  

Must-Try Dishes in Parma

• Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham)
• Tortelli d’erbetta (ricotta and herb-filled pasta)
• Cappelletti and Anolini (meat or cheese-filled pasta)
• Stracotto (slow-cooked beef stew)
• Torta Fritta (fried bread pockets)
• Tripe Parma-style (tripe with tomato and Parmigiano)
• Torta Duchessa (hazelnut, zabaione and chocolate dessert)

4. Modena

Modena, in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, is one of the best food cities in Italy if you’re looking for a foodie hotspot where centuries of tradition and artisanal expertise have shaped a truly remarkable culinary identity. The region is another top producer of Parmigiano Reggiano while also being the birthplace of cured meats like Prosciutto di Modena and traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena (often considered to be the best balsamic vinegar).

In addition, the city has long been devoted to preserving authentic flavors through time-honored methods. Its food culture reflects a combination of simplicity and sophistication, where family recipes and locally sourced ingredients remain at the forefront.

For food lovers, Modena is one of the best food cities in Italy you can visit. Tortellini in brodo, filled with pork, prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano, is a perfect example of slow, careful cooking, while zampone di Modena and cotechino Modena — pork dishes with Protected Geographical Indication status — showcase the city’s dedication to curing and preserving meats. 

Traditional breads like tigelle (also known as crescentine) and gnocco fritto are best enjoyed with cured meats and soft cheeses and the meal pairs perfectly with a glass of sparkling Lambrusco wine, the region’s signature red.

What truly puts Modena apart among the best foodie cities is its deep connection to culinary heritage. The aging of balsamic vinegar in wooden barrels, the meticulous production of Parmigiano Reggiano and the careful crafting of sweets and liqueurs like Amarene Brusche preserves and Nocino walnut liqueur all tell a story of local tradition. Modena isn’t just one of the best food cities in Italy — it’s a place where every dish reflects a legacy of care and attention. 

Must-Try Dishes in Modena

• Prosciutto di Modena (cured ham)
• Tortellini in brodo (pasta in capon broth)
• Zampone di Modena (stuffed pig’s trotter)
• Cotechino Modena (spiced pork sausage)
• Tigelle (crescentine) with salami or squacquerone cheese
• Gnocco Fritto (fried dough)
• Bensone (traditional home-made cake)
• Zuppa Inglese (Italian trifle dessert)

5. Bologna

At the foot of the Apennine Mountains in the Emilia-Romagna region lies Bologna, one of the best food cities in Italy and nicknamed La Grassa — “The Fat One” — for its indulgent culinary traditions. You won’t find traditional pizzas or seafood platters here; instead, Bologna food is all about rich pastas, cured meats and slow-cooked sauces made with exceptional local ingredients from the fertile Po River Valley. 

At the heart of all the best food cities in Italy is centuries of preserved history, which is certainly the case with Bologna. Tagliatelle al ragù — known as “Bolognese” abroad — is a slow-simmered meat sauce designed to coat silky ribbons of hand-cut egg pasta. Additionally, lasagna alla Bolognese, which is beloved around the world, is an emblem of comfort here. Then there’s tortellini in brodo, which is made from tiny pasta parcels stuffed with Parmigiano and meat like pork and mortadella that are served in a clear, fragrant broth. 

But Bologna isn’t just about what’s on the plate. Its food culture thrives in bustling markets like the Quadrilatero, in convivial trattorias and in the city’s lively social scene. Dining in Bologna, similarly to all the best food cities in Italy, is unhurried, communal and packed full of respect for tradition. Ultimately, restaurants in Bologna are all about showcasing a living culinary heritage. 

For anyone wanting the ultimate Italian gastronomic experience, Bologna is a fantastic stop to add to your tour of the best food cities in Italy. 

Must-Try Dishes in Bologna

• Tagliatelle al ragù (fresh pasta and ragù alla Bolognese)
• Lasagna alla Bolognese (layered pasta with ragù, béchamel sauce and Parmigiano)
• Tortellini in brodo (meat-filled pasta in rich broth)
• Mortadella (classic Bolognese cold cut)
• Gramigna alla salsiccia (short curly pasta with sausage sauce)
• Gelato (from Bologna’s renowned artisan gelaterias)

6. Venice 

Venice is one of the best food cities in Italy if you enjoy eating dishes that have been influenced by other culinary cultures from across the globe. As a historic maritime powerhouse, the city absorbed spices and ingredients from Asia, the Middle East and Northern Europe, shaping a culinary identity that draws from centuries of trade, migration and ingenuity while still staying true to the rich bounty of ingredients available on Italian soil. 

This global influence created restaurants in Venice that are unlike anywhere else, making this destination an essential stop for food lovers exploring the best food cities in Italy. The city’s vibrant food culture is anchored by fresh seafood from the Rialto Market and the casual charm of its bàcari, which are local wine bars that serve cicchetti, a Venetian version of Spanish tapas. 

These small plates capture the spirit of Venice food; from the sweet-and-sour sarde in saor, a dish devised to preserve fish for long journeys, to baccalà mantecato, a creamy salt cod mousse that reflects the city’s ancient trade routes, every bite carries a story. 

Risotto al nero di seppia, a jet-black risotto made with cuttlefish ink, showcases Venetian resourcefulness, while bigoli in salsa, a thick pasta with onion and anchovy sauce, reveals the humble origins of many beloved classics. 

A running theme with the culinary identities of the best food cities in Italy is that they are always a reflection of how simple ingredients can become incredible comfort food, and dishes like fegato alla veneziana — calf’s liver with onions served over soft polenta — demonstrate this perfectly. With its origins in the Veneto region (although from Treviso instead of Venice), you can likely find excellent Italian tiramisù here as well, as long as you avoid the overly touristy spots (a recommendation from a local is a must!) 

Like all the best food cities in Italy, Venetian cuisine is both distinctive and historical. This unique fusion of local and imported flavors is why so many ask, What city in Italy has the best food? And for many, the answer only lies with Venice. For travelers wanting to experience authentic flavors and a diverse culinary history, Venice easily ranks among the best food cities in Italy.

Must-Try Dishes in Venice

• Sarde in Saor (sweet-and-sour marinated sardines)
• Baccalà Mantecato (creamed salted cod)
• Risotto al Nero di Seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink)
• Bigoli in Salsa (thick pasta with anchovy and onion sauce)
• Fegato alla Veneziana (Venetian-style liver with onions)
• Cicchetti (traditional Venetian small plates)

7. Florence

Florence is a cornerstone of Tuscan cuisine, making it one of the best food cities in Italy for travelers who crave a comprehensive introduction to Tuscan food. At the heart of Florence food is cucina povera, also known as “peasant cooking,” which is a tradition that turns inexpensive and seasonal ingredients into dishes of remarkable depth. 

Ribollita, a hearty bread and vegetable stew and pappa al pomodoro, a rich tomato and bread soup, are two great examples of delicious and resourceful cucina povera that also speak to Florence’s agricultural heritage.

The best food cities in Italy always have a standout dish they’re known for and bistecca alla fiorentina is Florence’s meat-shaped masterpiece. This massive T-bone steak, sourced from the prized Chianina cattle of the Valdichiana plains, is seared over olive wood and oak embers, seasoned with only salt and pepper and served rare to highlight the meat’s natural tenderness. 

You’ll also find appetizers like crostini toscani, with chicken liver pâté enhanced by anchovies and white wine, along with street food icons like lampredotto, a tender tripe sandwich, that all reflect the city’s working-class roots in a mouth-watering way. Schiacciata — a flatbread sandwich— is a Tuscan food that showcases local cured meats and cheeses like Pecorino Toscano. Pasta lovers can savor pici or pappardelle al cinghiale, which are rich with wild boar ragù. 

No tour of the best food cities in Italy is complete without some gelato, and there are plenty of restaurants in Florence that will serve it, alongside other locally beloved desserts like cantucci biscuits dipped in vin santo wine.

Pairing these dishes with Chianti Classico and other wines from the surrounding Italian wine regions enhances the experience, cementing Florence’s status among the best food cities in Italy. From streetside fare to legendary steaks, Florence remains one of the best food cities in Italy, where history, simplicity and flavor converge.

Must-Try Dishes in Florence

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Chianina beef steak)
• Crostini Toscani (toasted bread with chicken liver pâté)
• Ribollita (bread and vegetable soup)
• Pappa al Pomodoro (tomato and bread stew)
• Lampredotto (Florentine tripe sandwich)
• Pici Pasta (hand-rolled pasta, often with wild boar ragù)
• Schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread sandwich)

8. Rome

If you’re looking for the best food cities in Italy that are easy to get to, Rome is your top choice. According to WeBuildValue, Rome Fiumicino Airport is the biggest airport in Italy, with no less than 40.5 million passengers travelling through it in 2023. Not only is Rome easy to get to, but it’s also one of the best food cities in Italy, where centuries of history, humble ingredients and diverse cultural influences meet on your plate. 

At the heart of Rome food is the cucina povera tradition — which is also central to many of the other options on this list of the best food cities in Italy — and this approach birthed the famed “quinto quarto” (fifth quarter) cooking. It references the cut of meat the everyday citizen in Rome would receive to cook with, after the primo quarto (consisting of the very best cuts) went to the nobility, the secondo quarto went to the clergy, the terzo quarto went to the bourgeois and the quarto quarto went to the army. 

These off-cuts would be transformed into incredible meals that showcased their best flavors and textures, in dishes like trippa alla Romana (or Roman-style tripe) and coda alla vaccinara (Roman oxtail stew). 

Much like the other places on this list of the best food cities in Italy, Rome celebrates its agricultural roots with vegetables — especially artichokes — being carefully prepared in dishes like carciofi alla Romana, where they are braised gently with mint and garlic. The Jewish ghetto also had a hand in shaping many traditional Roman flavors, introducing fried delicacies like carciofi alla giudia, where oil replaced butter under kosher laws.

What makes Rome truly irresistible to food lovers looking for authentic places to eat in Italy is its quartet of legendary pasta dishes: traditional carbonara, authentic cacio e pepe, gricia and amatriciana. Each showcases the city’s devotion to bold yet minimal flavors, using ingredients like guanciale, Pecorino Romano, black pepper and fresh pasta to create perfect harmony with very little waste. 

The trattorias of Trastevere and the historic Testaccio district still house some of the best restaurants in Rome, offering a taste of this tradition today. In every dish, Rome proves why it belongs among the best food cities in Italy with stories of resilience and community. 

Must-Try Dishes in Rome

• Spaghetti alla Carbonara (eggs, guanciale, Pecorino Romano, black pepper)
• Trippa alla Romana (tripe stewed with tomato, mint, Pecorino)
• Coda alla Vaccinara (slow-cooked oxtail in tomato sauce)
• Saltimbocca alla Romana (veal, prosciutto, sage)
• Carciofi alla Giudia (deep-fried Jewish-style artichokes)
• Supplì (fried rice balls with mozzarella)
• Maritozzo (sweet cream-filled bun)
• Crostata di Ricotta (ricotta cheesecake tart)

9. Naples

Naples is undeniably one of the best food cities in Italy, renowned as the birthplace of pizza, but Naples food is so much more than just pizza. This historic port city benefits from Campania’s fertile lands and the rich bounty of the Tyrrhenian Sea, creating a cuisine rooted in simple, high-quality ingredients from both the land and sea. 

What makes Naples one of the best food cities in Italy is its ability to combine humble ingredients with centuries of culinary evolution, producing dishes both deeply traditional and universally loved. For example, the city’s most celebrated dish began as a poor man’s flatbread topped with newly introduced fruits like tomatoes. 

It wasn’t until the 17th century that pizza evolved into the dish we recognize today, and in 1889, Queen Margherita’s visit inspired a baker to create the patriotic tricolor topping of tomato, mozzarella and basil. 

But the best restaurants in Naples aren’t just the pizza spots; the city excels in seafood specialties like spaghetti alle vongole — a dish highlighting the city’s maritime heritage — and hearty cucina povera classics like pasta e fagioli and soffritto napoletano, a slow-cooked offal stew. 

Similar to the other destinations on this list of the best food cities in Italy, street food culture thrives here, too. You can get golden crocchè di patate (fried potato croquettes) and even fried versions of famous pizzas. 

For travelers visiting the best food cities in Italy, Naples offers a taste of the cucina povera tradition that is present all over Italy, but it also has its own unique culinary identity born from generations of trade and migration, proving time and again why Naples is counted among the best food cities in Italy for any passionate foodie.

Must-Try Dishes in Naples

• Pizza Napoletana (notably, Margherita and marinara)
• Spaghetti alle Vongole (spaghetti with clams)
• Pasta e Fagioli (bean and pasta soup)
• Crocchè di Patate (potato croquettes)
• Sfogliatelle (layered ricotta-filled pastries)
• Babà Napoletano (rum-soaked sponge cake)

10. Lecce

Lecce, cheekily known as the Florence of the South, earns its place among the best food cities in Italy thanks to a culinary tradition shaped by geography, history and resourcefulness.

Between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Lecce enjoys an endless bounty of fresh seafood, while olive groves and vineyards produce the region’s famed extra-virgin olive oil and robust negroamaro wines. This abundance, combined with the philosophy of cucina povera, defines this destination's identity as one of the best food cities in Italy when you want a taste of it all. 

Each dish presented to you reflects centuries of cultural exchange. The ancient Greeks introduced plants like cereals, olives and grapes as well as bread-making traditions, while Benedictine and Greek-Orthodox monasteries preserved olive pressing and baking techniques. 

Spanish rule in the 17th century inspired the beloved rustico, a puff pastry filled with béchamel, tomato and mozzarella. In 1745, the pastry chef Andrea Ascalone accidentally created Lecce’s iconic pasticciotto by repurposing leftover dough and custard. All these layers of influence make Lecce stand out among the best food cities in Italy, where even the humblest dishes tell stories of trade, faith and resilience.

Markets are filled to the brim with chickpeas, dried ricotta, all types of pasta and seasonal greens. Signature plates range from pasticciotto, an Italian pastry best eaten warm, to ciceri e tria, a dish that combines boiled and fried ribbon pasta in a velvety chickpea sauce. 

Lecce proves that the best food cities in Italy don’t have one staple dish but rather a diverse range of dishes spanning from rustic peasant staples to contemporary reinterpretations. Whether enjoyed at a bustling sagra or in a Michelin-listed restaurant, Lecce’s cuisine remains deeply democratic, grounded in olive oil, durum wheat and the rhythms of the land, earning it a spot on this list of the best food cities in Italy. 

Must-Try Dishes in Lecce

• Pasticciotto Leccese (warm custard-filled pastry)
• Rustico Leccese (flaky puff pastry with béchamel and tomato)
• Ciceri e Tria (double-textured pasta with chickpeas)
• Puccia (stuffed hollow bread roll, often with pezzetti di cavallo)
• Fave e Cicorie (fava bean purée with wild chicory)
• Sagne ’ncannulate (twisted ribbon pasta in tomato sauce)
• Pitta di Patate (layered potato and onion casserole)

11. Palermo

Palermo is an essential stop for anyone exploring the best food cities in Italy, with an eclectic culinary history shaped by generations of cultural exchange. Known as “the most conquered city in the world,” Palermo absorbed the culinary traditions of Greeks, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards, resulting in one of Europe’s most diverse cuisines. 

From Ancient Greek introductions of olives and chickpeas to Arab innovations like citrus fruits, saffron and sugar, as well as Spanish contributions including chocolate and tomatoes, each wave of influence is reflected in the city’s signature flavors, easily earning it a spot among the best food cities in Italy.

The beating heart of Palermo food lies in its historic markets — Ballarò, Vucciria and Capo — where vendors sell everything from fresh seafood to hot-off-the-grill street snacks. These markets are like living museums of Sicilian gastronomy. As one of the world’s top destinations for Italian street food, it’s no wonder that Palermo has also made it onto this list of the best food cities in Italy, because there’s truly nothing like it anywhere else. 

Visitors will find no shortage of iconic dishes in the best food cities in Italy and Palermo’s dishes showcase this multicultural legacy. Arancina — rice balls stuffed with ragù and peas — crispy chickpea fritters known as panelle and sfincione, Palermo’s thick, spongy take on pizza that’s topped with anchovy oil, caramelized onions and breadcrumbs, are all available in the markets. For a dish you may have never tried before, be sure to grab pani câ meusa, a spleen sandwich rooted in medieval Jewish traditions. 

Beyond the markets, countless restaurants in Palermo uphold these traditions with seasonal and deeply satisfying local dishes. This living heritage of food cements Palermo’s reputation as one of the best food cities in Italy, where every bite tells the story of conquest, resilience and cultural fusion.

Must-Try Dishes in Palermo

• Arancina (golden rice balls)
• Panelle (crispy chickpea fritters)
• Sfincione (thick Sicilian pizza)
• Pani câ Meusa (spleen sandwich with ricotta or caciocavallo cheese)
• Cannoli (crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream)
• Cassata (layered sponge cake with ricotta, marzipan and candied fruit)
• Stigghiola (grilled lamb intestines)
• Sarde a beccafico (stuffed sardines)
• Caponata (dish of diced eggplant and other vegetables with tomato sauce)
• Pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant, tomato and ricotta salata)

What City in Italy Has the Best Food?

When people ask what the best food cities in Italy are, the answer is far from simple. Italy’s culinary culture is hyper-local, with each region fiercely proud of its specialties, which is why there isn’t just one “best food city in Italy,” but a collection of the best food cities in Italy that together define its gastronomic identity. 

In fact, 10 of the 11 cities on this list were featured in the Taste Atlas 2024 to 2025 100 Best Food Cities in the World awards, proving their global acclaim (we'll see you on that list next year, Lecce). Naples, Milan, Rome, Florence and Lecce also boast restaurants ranked among the 50 Top Pizza Guide’s best pizzerias in the world, while Florence and Milan continue to appear on Taste Atlas’ list of most recommended traditional pasta restaurants. 

If you crave seafood, Naples and Palermo serve the freshest catches prepared with recipes refined over centuries. For pizza lovers, Naples is unmatched, while Rome and Florence offer different yet still delicious variations. 

And for travelers seeking authentic food history, Parma and Modena stand out for their artisanal cheeses, cured meats and traditional balsamic vinegar. Simply put, the best food cities in Italy each excel in different ways, which means you’re spoiled for choice when planning where to indulge. Whichever destination on this list of the best food cities in Italy you choose, you are bound to discover a plethora of unforgettable places to eat in Italy.

And, don’t panic if you have a vacation booked to somewhere not featured on this list of the best food cities in Italy. Every part of Italy has a rich culinary culture and delicious dishes to try. From seafood-packed Amalfi Coast food to delightful Sicilian food and the unique tastes of Bari food, you really can’t go wrong no matter where you visit. 

Learn To Cook Italian Food

Visiting the best food cities in Italy is one thing, but learning to cook all your favorite dishes from your trip is another level. Taking cooking classes near you or signing up for online cooking classes can help you master the techniques behind fresh pasta, silky risottos and slow-cooked ragù. 

Many of the best food cities in Italy also offer immersive culinary experiences, where you can join chefs in their kitchens, stroll through markets and prepare regional dishes with local ingredients.

If you’re traveling, you can book food tours in Rome to sample the city’s four iconic pasta dishes or attend cooking classes in Naples to learn the secrets of Neapolitan pizza straight from the source. These hands-on experiences are a fantastic way to learn about the history and culture behind each dish, and your mentor might just be a descendant of the original pizzeria masters of the 17th century. 

So why settle for just tasting when you can truly immerse yourself in the flavors of the best food cities in Italy? After all, nothing connects you to the best food city in Italy quite like cooking its iconic dishes yourself or taking some of the best food tours in the world. 

Discovering the best food cities in Italy means diving into centuries of culinary tradition, shaped by each city’s geography, history and passion for flavor. Whether you’re dining in Michelin-starred restaurants, picking out street food in bustling markets or learning to cook alongside locals, the best food cities in Italy promise something unforgettable for every traveler. 

So don’t forget to pack your appetite and curiosity, because the best food cities in Italy have more than enough dishes to satisfy the hungriest of travelers. 

For even more ways to explore Italy and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.