Within Europe, several cities are frequently cited as top contenders of ‘culinary capitals’ worldwide. Cities such as Paris, Madrid, Rome and Lisbon are recognised for their strong food scenes. Italy, one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, boasts several culinary destinations. This is due to the country being regionally diverse, with distinct culinary traditions and specialties.

Many Italian dishes rely on simple combinations of high-quality ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to shine. This focus on simplicity is a hallmark of Italian cuisine, appealing to those who appreciate fresh, authentic tastes. With this in mind, the experts at luggage storage network Bounce.com wanted to reveal the must-visit cities for any Italian food enthusiast.

The best Italian cities for foodies, with their overall ratings (/10) and signature dishes, are:

1. Florence: 9.79 – Signature dish is Lampredotto
2. Venice: 8.76 – Signature dish is Baccalà Mantecato
3. Verona: 8.07 – Signature dish is Pandoro
4. Bologna: 7.52 – Signature dish is Mortadella
5. Cagliari: 7.17 – Signature dish is Culurgiones
6. Rimini: 6.83 – Signature dish is Piadina
7. Rome: 6.35 – Signature dish is Spaghetti Carbonara
8. Milan: 6.35 – Signature dish is Ossobuco
9. Perugia: 6.21 – Signature dish is Cacciatore
10. Naples: 6.07 – Signature dish is Pizza Margherita

Worth an estimated £272.5 million in 2023, the Italian food tourism industry is set to grow dramatically in the coming years, potentially passing £850 million by 2030.

People visit this beautiful destination for a number of reasons – its rich history, stunning art and architecture, beautiful landscapes,vibrant culture, but also their delicious food and wine.

Eating in Italy is more than just consuming food; it’s a social experience. Meals are often leisurely affairs, enjoyed with family and friends, and the focus is on savoring each course.