Eating Through Italy

There’s more to Italian cuisine than just pizza, spaghetti, and Italian salad dressing. A visit to Italy will not only expand your palate but also your cultural awareness.

Here are a few ideas to help you plan your next vacation to Italy that’s full of flavor!

House-made meat-filled tortellini is available at Trattoria Cammillo.

Florence
Known for its history, museums, and natural surroundings, Florence also offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a local way of life that is an envy to many, and the cuisine helps to reinforce this fact. Cantinetta Antinori is an elegant restaurant specializing in traditional Tuscan cuisine with some local Florentine influences. Perhaps start with the gnudi alla Fiorentina (florentine dumplings) which is an exceptional local appetizer that includes spinach, egg, fresh ricotta, fresh grana padano cheese, and freshly grated nutmeg. For your main, faraona al timo, fagiolini e patate croccanti (thyme infused guinea fowl) and for dessert, torta di pere calda (warm pear cake). A favorite for locals and visitors alike is Trattoria Cammillo. Founded in 1945, this popular family-owned eatery continues its tradition to provide homestyle Florentine cuisine with tasty wines at a fair price. Their variety of tortellini starters are delicious, but their beef and seafood mains courses are their biggest draw. And if you enjoy a good tiramisu, Trattoria Cammillo serves one of the most flavorful in the region.

Try the Milanese-style risotto at Pulejo.

Rome
As the capital of Italy, it should come as no surprise that Rome is chocked full of history and lore. From its vast number of ruins to the Trevi Fountain, to Vatican City, Rome has something for every traveler to enjoy, especially its amazing culinary offerings! Eggs is a perfect example of its culinary culture being well-represented. This 6-year-old establishment specializes in Italian dishes, many of which include eggs playing a key role in the offerings of this restaurant (not just those sourced from hens either) and this is very apparent with its popular carbonara dishes. After a visit to The Vatican, a short walk to Pulejo will yield one of the best meals which can be experienced in Italy. The refined atmosphere of this Michelin Star restaurant sets the tone for the elegant culinary presentations which are prepared with careful attention, and the wine offerings are just as mindful. In addition to its general menu offerings, Pulejo offers tasting menus where you can sample several offerings. Whether you choose the mi-ro (which is Milanese-style risotto with stewed oxtail and cocoa powder), the fresh catch of the day, or another one of the delicious dishes, you are certain to walk away with a satisfied appetite.

Begin your meal with homemade cheese and jam at Ai Mercanti.

Venice
Gondolas, canals, & St. Mark’s Square are the destination elements synonymous with Venice , but there’s so much more to this very unique city in Southern Italy. This is a city of art and culture, and the convergence of the two are apparent when it comes to dining in Venice. The Michelin Star Ristorante Alle Carone serves up innovative Venetian and Mediterranean haute cuisine with a canal view. The restaurant is focused on seasonal ingredients, so the menu changes quarterly based on local sourcing and regional availability. You can be certain that a restaurant of this caliber is certain to impress as it will need to innovate every three months to provide memorable and flavorful meals. Another Michelin Star restaurant, Ai Mercanti, focuses on a fresh and avant-garde approach to its menu. This family-run restaurant offers items such as crispy egg with potato foam and anchovy, homemade mint fettuccine with stracciatella cream and caramel panna cotta with peanut ice cream and meringue. The fun and delicious menu speaks to the originality of this popular, yet intimate, eatery.
Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
Sign Up for Costco.ca Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.ca values are sent directly to your inbox.
About the Author: The above piece was written by Jason Gordon, a guest travel blogger, and Costco enthusiast. Jason Gordon is compensated by Costco Travel to share his travel experiences.