Savoring Italy: An Italian Foodie Culinary Journey with Max Travel Tours

by Cindi H. Fries, Max Travel Abroad

Embark on a tasting tour off the beaten path in Italy with me, where each city serves up unique and delicious flavors. Whether you’re an adventurous eater or prefer sticking to familiar classics our Max Travel Abroad tours will introduce you to regional flavors that go beyond the tourist traps.

From the savory delights of Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy, to the quirky yet delicious seafood of Venice, I will guide you through the must-try dishes —plus, I’ll sprinkle in a few of my personal favorites and tips for ordering like a local.

So, grab your fork—and maybe a pair of stretchy pants—and let’s dig into the highlights of Bologna, Venice, Lerici, Lake Garda, Florence, and Verona! If you are looking for some descriptions of classic Italian cheeses, look for that as a separate post!

Bologna: Tagliatelle, Mortadella, and Gelato Masters

What to Eat in Bologna

Bologna, Italy’s food capital, will satisfy your every craving:

Tagliatelle al ragù (Primo Course)

Bologna is famous for its tagliatelle al ragù, a flat pasta served with a savory meat sauce that’s simmered for hours. Unlike the spaghetti Bolognese we know in the States, this authentic dish is a flat pasta served with rich, slow-cooked meat sauce, this primo dish is an absolute must. Forget the spaghetti and meatballs—this is the real deal! Look for it under the “primi piatti” section on the menu.

Mortadella

The Italian origin of the humble “boloney” Americans grew up with. Mortadella is spiced, aromatic, and nothing like what you slapped between slices of white bread as a kid. Now you can enjoy it without the mystery ingredients!

Tortelloni di Zucca – Soft tortelloni pasta stuffed with roasted butter nut squash or pumpkin, gently flavored with nutmeg and sage, a seasonal Bolognese treat.

What to Drink in Bologna

Pair your meal with a sparkling glass of Lambrusco, the refreshing red wine that’s light and effervescent—perfect for the hearty local dishes.

Extra Experience

On our Max Travel Abroad Tours, we’ll visit the Carpigiani Gelato University, where you’ll not only learn to make authentic gelato but also earn a certificate. Nothing screams accomplishment like becoming a certified gelato graduate!

Venice: Risotto, Cicchetti, and Bacari Culture

What to Eat in Venice Venetian cuisine shines with its seafood dishes and small bites:

Risotto al nero di seppia (Primo Course) This dramatic black risotto, colored with squid ink, is a Venetian favorite. But as someone who was once trapped in a cloud of black ink while swimming in the ocean as a child, I’ll admit it freaks me out. (That’s probably why I’ve never tried it, but don’t let my childhood trauma stop you!)
Risi e Bisi – A simple yet elegant Venetian dish of creamy rice and sweet peas, offering a delicate balance of earthy and fresh flavors.

Baccalà mantecato (Cicchetti) A creamy salt cod spread served on crostini, this is one of my personal favorites among the many cicchetti (Venetian small bites). Think of it as Venice’s answer to your favorite snack spread, but way more flavorful.

Sarde in saor (Antipasto) Sardines marinated in vinegar and onions, this sweet-and-sour dish packs an intense punch of flavor. It’s a Venetian nonna’s delicacy, but not everyone’s cup of tea. If you like bold flavors, it’s a must-try.

What to Drink in Venice?

The Venetian Spritz is the drink of choice in Venice— however order like the locals, ask for it made with Venetian Select, and prosecco, a splash of soda, and topped with a large green olive. This cocktail is light, refreshing, and perfect for an aperitivo by the canals.

What is a Bacaro?

A bacaro is a small, cozy wine bar in Venice, known for serving cicchetti alongside glasses of local wine or spritzes. Max Travel Abroad guided tours always include a bacari walking tour, where we hop from one local bacaro to the next, sampling bites and trading travel stories. It’s Venice at its finest—no fancy restaurants, just authentic, tasty snacks and drinks.

Ordering Tip

Stop into a bacaro, order a Spritz with Select, and pair it with a few cicchetti for a true Venetian aperitivo experience. You’ll be living like a local in no time.

Lake Garda: Taste of Tranquility

Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, Lake Garda is a culinary paradise that showcases the region's rich traditions. Spanning three regions—Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino—this area offers a kaleidoscope of flavors and dishes that highlight local ingredients.

Must-Try Dishes

Bigoi con le Sardele This traditional dish features bigoi, a thicker type of fresh pasta similar to spaghetti, paired with sardele (sardines from Lake Garda). The dish is brought to life with a flavorful sauce made of olive oil, pine nuts, sultanas, and onions that harmoniously bind the pasta and fish together. Order it as your primo course for a taste of local authenticity.
Risotto al Parmigiano – Creamy risotto blended with Parmigiano, offering a rich, velvety texture, perfect for a gluten-free indulgence.
Yota A hearty stew that reflects the region's northern influences, Yota is made with beans, sauerkraut, potatoes, ham, and sometimes smoked ribs. This robust dish is seasoned generously with garlic, making it a standout choice for a satisfying secondo.
Tinca Fish Known as the tench, this freshwater fish thrives in Lake Garda’s clear waters. Whether grilled or pan-fried, it's a dish that showcases the local passion for fresh, lake-sourced ingredients.

What to Drink

Pair your meal with a glass of Lugana, a crisp white wine that complements the light flavors of the local dishes perfectly. The wine reflects the region's terroir and adds a refreshing touch to your culinary experience.

Lerici: Hidden Gem of the Italian Riviera

What to Eat in Lerici

Lerici may not be as famous as the Cinque Terre, but it’s a hidden gem with plenty to offer:

Fresh Seafood (Secondo Course) Being a coastal town, seafood is the star of the menu. You’ll find the freshest catch of the day served simply grilled or as part of a seafood pasta. Perfect for seafood lovers looking for affordable eats without the Cinque Terre price tags.
Ligurian Pesto (Primo Course) This culinary treasure, Pesto Genovese, made with fresh locally grown basilico (basil), pine nuts, aged cheese, garlic, and the finest extra virgin olive oil is made the traditional way, with a mortar and pestle (never a food processor!). Pesto originated in this region of Italy. It is typically served as a first, primo, course, tossed with the local handmade trofie pasta, short thin twisted pasta, or Mandilli de sea pasta, square pasta shaped to resemble thin almost transparent silk handkerchiefs.

What to Drink in Lerici Pair your seafood with a crisp local Vermentino, the perfect wine to sip while overlooking the sparkling waters of the Italian Riviera.

Extra Experience Lerici is all about relaxation—on Max Travel tours, we’ll take time to enjoy the actual sandy beach (unlike the rocky ones in Cinque Terre) and savor the coastal views. It’s a laid-back destination, ideal for those who want to soak in the Italian Riviera without the crowds.

Verona: Horse Meat Stew, Valpolicella, and Romance

What to Eat in Verona

Verona may be known for its classical romance of Romeo & Juliet, but it’s also known for some unique culinary traditions:

Pastissada de caval (Secondo Course)This hearty stew made with horse meat is a traditional secondo in Verona. As someone who grew up around horses, I usually skip this one. But if you’re feeling adventurous (and don’t mind dining on what was once your childhood riding buddy), it’s a bold and unique dish that’s steeped in local history.
Polenta – Smooth and buttery, this naturally gluten-free cornmeal dish pairs perfectly with mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

What to Drink in Verona

Pair your meal with a glass of Valpolicella, a bold red wine that complements the richness of the secondo courses. For those with a sweet tooth, Verona also serves up Recioto, a dessert wine that’s as sweet as the love stories that originated here.

Ready to Eat Your Way Through Northern Italy?

From the hidden gem of Lerici to the sophisticated flavors of Florence and the bold traditions of Verona, Northern Italy offers a true culinary adventure.

Whether you're interested in trying Mortadella in Bologna, savoring pear ravioli in Florence, or embarking on a bacari walking tour in Venice, these tours are designed for curious travelers who want to experience Italy beyond the tourist menus. Join me, and let’s make every meal memorable!

On our Max Travel Abroad Italian tours, you’ll experience the best of each city, all while learning about the local culture, history, and of course—food!