Authentic Food in Italia

I chose Southern Italy and Sicily for a good reason.  It is almost impossible not to find an authentic Italian meal here.

Although Italia offers the world's best food in ristoranti, la trattoria and l'osteria, it can be challenge to find authentic food in Northern talian cities that are "must sees" for visitors to Italy. 

La Venezia comes to mind. You can still find excellent food there, but poor little Venezia has become a bit worn out by the ever increasing amount of tourist groups who visit it 365 days per year with no break.

After years of traveling and tasting, here are my suggestions for finding authentic food in Italia:

• Seek out lesser-known Trattoria or Osteria (wine bars that pairs food with local wines).

• Do not rely upon guidebook recommendations when planning your culinary itinerary .  Even guidebooks written by the best food writers can become outdated in just months these days.  Unfortunately, many places get great reviews, and then begin to change their menu and philosopy to cater to the tastes of tourists.  I once visited a world-famous five-star Venetian restaurant (that I read was a once-in-a-lifetime experience everyone says you must try).  I spent more money on that meal than any other in Italy, and was very disappointed with the meal.  A couple across from me ordered truffle gnocchi and could not even taste or smell the aroma of truffles. Not a good sign!

• Look carefully to see where Italian locals are eating.  If you hear lots of Italian spoken, and tables are filled with locals instead of groups of tourists and foreigners, chances are you've found a goldmine and the food will be excellent.

• For inexpensive restaurants, choose those that are far from the main piazza and tourist sights. Unless you are choosing a restaurant for the view and not for how the food tastes, seek out more off-the-beaten-path restaurants. I am not suggesting that all restaurants in the best piazzas and by the most beautiful fountains of Italy are bad.  Many times, very expensive restaurants can offer both the world's best view and food.

I hope you enjoy searching for Italy's most authentic foods. If you had a fabulous dining experience in Italy, feel free to post a description of your meal here. I'd prefer if you post something about the regional flavors and wines you tasted that day.