Region
One of our favorite things about Italy’s food culture is its residents' local pride in their regional specialties. Long a group of independent kingdoms that was only unified in the 19th century, Italy has a rich culture of regional dialects, customs, and cuisines. Every small town or big city has a food they claim as their own, whether it’s a variety of fruit or vegetable, a recipe, or even a cooking method.
Just think of the popular Italian foods that wear their geography in their name! Parmigiano reggiano (from Parma and Reggio Emilia), pesto Genovese (from Genoa), ragù Bolognese (from Bologna)…the list goes on and on. We’ve traveled the country to bring you the best selection of Italian products from each of its unique regions, all hand-picked by Giada de Laurentiis.
In north Italy, around Venice, Milan, Venezia, and Emilia-Romagna, the cuisine is richer, with a focus on hearty meat dishes and dairy products. Polenta and rice are common carbs—nearly as popular as pasta!—thanks to their proximity to the rest of Europe. Centuries ago, these regions were on the exchange route as merchants brought goods from the Americas, Asia, and India.
In southern regions like Puglia, Calabria, and Campania, surrounded by the Mediterranean, the cuisine is more seafood-focused. Traditionally more rural, this is where Cucina Povera originated, the frugal philosophy of making the most of “poor” ingredients. Waste-free dishes like Panzanella and pasta e Fagioli turn simple beans, stale bread, and vegetables into soul-soothing dishes that are as delicious as they are accessible. The south of Italy is also where hot-weather crops thrive, like the delightfully spicy chile peppers of Calabria and the famously fragrant lemons of Sorrento.
Embark on a tour of Italy with these regional products from local artisans dedicated to spreading the love for their hometowns with each delicious bite.
