My culinary adventures in Italy are fondly remembered by a single ingredient: cheese;  I had cheese with breakfast, cheese with lunch, and masses of cheese with dinner.  Although the Italians definitely love their meat and sometimes struggle with the concept of vegetarianism, it’s super easy to taste Italian classics.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to go to the South, so my taste buds got a taste of Northern specialties.  We stayed with a trucker who had picked up my boyfriend while hitchhiking a year ago, and were given an amazingly authentic experience in the kitchen and in restaurants.

Dishes to try

Baked egg and a mozzarella ball

Homemade Cappuccino-a must with breakfast.

Try a Spritz as an apertif before meals. It’s made with prosecco (sparkling wine), bitter liquer, and topped with sparkling mineral water and a slice of orange.

Fresh pasta with homemade pesto-basil, walnuts, olive oil, salt, and garlic.  

And of course, pizza.  Yes, it really is THAT much better.

As I’ve said with other countries, bigger cities are usually much more progressive and it will be easier to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants.  If all else fails, you have incredible Italian bakeries filled with goodies.