Italy, a land renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and its extraordinary culinary heritage, is a gourmand’s delight. A recent poll found that Italian cuisine is the world’s most popular ethnic food and it’s not hard to see why. However, there’s more to explore than pizza and pasta, despite how popular those iconic dishes are, with plenty more hidden culinary gems in Italy to try.

While cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence capture the spotlight with their iconic Italian dishes, the true essence of Italian cuisine lies in its diverse regions, each boasting unique flavors and specialties. 

This guide invites you to venture off the beaten path to uncover Italy’s hidden culinary gems, with a special focus on the unspoiled treasures of Umbria.

Northern Italy

The northern regions of Italy are a treat for food lovers, offering a variety of exquisite dishes that reflect the area’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage.

The mountainous north has a more temperate climate than the sunnier south. Wild mushrooms, polenta and game meat like wild boar are specialties.

Piedmont

Known for its sophisticated cuisine, Piedmont is the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, focusing on local ingredients and resisting the lure of fast food. One must-try specialty is Bagna Cauda, a warm dip made from garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and butter, typically served with fresh vegetables.

Barolo, from the Langhe area, is a classic Piedmont wine variety, celebrated for its rich, oaky flavor and distinctive aroma.

Lombardy

Lombardy offers numerous culinary delights, with Risotto alla Milanese being a standout. This creamy risotto, infused with saffron, is Milan’s most celebrated dish with its velvety texture and simple ingredients. The inclusion of saffron is thought to have been an experiment by glassmakers, who used the coloring agent in the windows of Milan’s Duomo cathedral.

Another must-try is Polenta Taragna, a hearty dish made from a mix of buckwheat and cornmeal, often enriched with cheese and butter.

Friuli

This fascinating northeastern region, which has its own unique character and lively ethnic identity, boasts some unique dishes.

One well-worth trying is Capriolo (venison) Stew with Polenta. Venison marinated in wine is paired with creamy polenta and tasty porcini mushrooms. Beef or lamb can also be substituted.

Central Italy

Central Italy is home to some of the country’s most iconic dishes, characterized by bold flavors and simple, high-quality ingredients. Local specialties include salami and prosciutto and there are more tomato-based sauces due to the longer, hotter summers.

Unique ingredients include black lacinato (kale), chestnuts and farro, a type of grain cultivated since Roman times in the region. Local wine varieties include Montepulciano, Primitivo, and Chianti.

Tuscany

Famed for its rustic cuisine, Tuscany’s culinary highlights include Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a large, succulent steak grilled to perfection. The best Bistecca is usually derived from Chianina cattle, an ancient Tuscan breed.

Another Tuscan favorite is Pappa al Pomodoro, a thick tomato and bread soup with basil and garlic that epitomizes the region’s love for fresh, local produce.

Lazio

The region of Lazio, home to the capital, Rome, boasts a plethora of famous dishes. 

Carbonara, made with eggs, cheese, guanciale, and pepper, is a classic Roman dish that needs no introduction. For a less well-known pasta meal, try Cacio e Pepe, a delicious dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

More adventurous gourmands might try Anguilla all Bisentina, from Northern Lazio. This is a dish of braised eel with tomato, hot pepper, herbs, and garlic. 

Southern Italy

The southern regions offer bold, vibrant flavors, often influenced by the area’s warm climate and historical connections to the Mediterranean. The balmy temperatures produce excellent olive oils and fresh herbs, and there are more seafood choices than in other regions.

Campania

Campania is synonymous with pizza, particularly the world-renowned Pizza Margherita from Naples. Another regional specialty is Spaghetti alle Vongole, a delightful dish featuring fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and parsley.

Sicily

Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, with Arancini (fried rice balls) and Caponata (a sweet and sour eggplant dish) being classic examples. The island’s sweet pastries, such as Cannoli, are also not to be missed.

Off the Beaten Path: Exploring Umbria’s Culinary Delights

Nestling in the heart of Italy, Umbria is sometimes overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. 

However, its culinary offerings are well worth exploring, particularly its truffles, pork products and game. Umbrian cuisine is characterized by its use of simple, high-quality wild ingredients, sourced from the region’s lush landscapes and fertile soils.

Torta al Testo

A traditional Umbrian flatbread (like focaccia), Torta al Testo is cooked on a stone slab and typically served with an array of delicious fillings, such as prosciutto, cheese, and greens. A staple of Umbrian street food, this rustic dish will fuel visitors’ exploration of Umbria’s celebrated mountain villages, such as Perugia or Assisi.

Porchetta Umbra

Porchetta Umbra is a succulent, herb-infused roast pork cooked until extremely tender. This dish showcases the region’s love for robust flavors and is often enjoyed during festive occasions. It is best paired with an acidic Sangiovese red wine.

Strangozzi al Tartufo Nero

Umbria is famous for its black truffles. Strangozzi al Tartufo Nero is a dish that beautifully highlights this prized ingredient. Strangozzi, a thinner form of tagliatelle, served with a rich, aromatic black truffle sauce, is a staple of Umbrian Sunday lunches.

Hidden Culinary Gems in Umbria

Exploring Umbria’s culinary scene reveals a plethora of hidden gems. Local markets are brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats. Small, family-run trattorias offer an authentic taste of Umbrian hospitality and cuisine. And since Italians love food more than almost any other people, do ask for local recommendations.

Look out especially for local cheeses such as Pecorino di Norcia, Caciotta, and Raviggiolo, and pick up a bottle of Umbria PDO olive oil for a perfect souvenir.

Our top recommendation: take a detour from the usual tourist spots and uncover the hidden culinary gems in Italy of the world’s most loved cuisine. Buon viaggio e buon appetito!

Image credits: Eating Europe