Italian food is much more than just pizza and pasta. Every region takes pride in its specialties:
- North: Risotto, polenta, cheeses like Gorgonzola and Parmigiano Reggiano, dry-cured ham (Prosciutto di Parma).
- Central Italy (Tuscany, Umbria): Florentine steak, truffle-based dishes, hearty rustic soups.
- South: Seafood, vegetable-based dishes, pizza (originating from Naples), mozzarella and burrata cheeses.
- Overall: Don’t miss local olive oil, wines, artichokes, fresh tomatoes, and of course, gelato.
Italy has a wide range of supermarket chains for every budget.
- Major chains and hypermarkets: Esselunga (considered one of the best in quality), Coop, Conad, Carrefour, Auchan (often under the names IperSimply or Simply Market).
- Discount stores: Eurospin, Lidl, MD — best prices for basic groceries.
- Selection: Wide variety of pasta, sauces, cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Opening hours: Usually from 8:00/9:00 to 20:00/21:00.
Important: Many supermarkets are closed on Sundays (especially in small towns) or open only in the morning. Midday breaks (called pausa pranzo or riposo) from around 13:00 to 16:00 are also common, especially in small southern shops.
Visiting a local market is a great way to buy the freshest, highest-quality products: vegetables, fruits, fish, seafood, cheeses, olives. Markets usually operate in the morning. They’re also a great place to observe local life.