ITALIAN CUISINE, FRESH, FLAVORFUL, CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE. NOT JUST A MEAL, AN EXPERIENCE. PULL UP A CHAIR.
Italian cuisine is so much more than what’s on the plate — it’s about tradition, conversation, and connection. I seek out restaurants that serve incredible food and make you feel something: a trattoria where the owner remembers your name, a seaside osteria where the fish came in that morning, a hidden gem where locals go for a long lunch. Whether it’s your first time in Italy or your fifth, I’ll guide you to the kind of meals that become memories — full of flavor, soul, and a true sense of place.
One of the greatest joys of traveling through Italy? The food changes everywhere you go. In the north, you’ll find rich risottos, truffle butter, and velvety polenta. Head south and suddenly it’s spicy Calabrian salami, fresh seafood, and sun-ripened tomatoes that taste like summer. Every region has its own recipes, rituals, and flavors — and Italians are fiercelyproud of them. From the cicchetti bars of Venice to the wood-fired pizzas of Naples, eating your way across Italy isn’t just delicious… it’s cultural immersion, one bite at a time.
That’s why I take food seriously when planning your trip. I don’t just send you to places with good reviews — I connect you with the kinds of spots locals actually love. Cozy trattorias where nonna is still in the kitchen, buzzing wine bars with perfect small plates, and seasonal menus that change depending on what’s fresh that morning. Whether you want a long lunch in the countryside, a cooking class with a local chef, or just the best pasta in town, I’ll make sure you’re eating well — and eating like you belong there.
Dinner Among the Vines, Tuscany, France, Greece & Beyond
Pull up a chair between the rows — this is vineyard dining at its dreamiest. From Tuscany to the south of France, enjoy a seasonal, open-air meal surrounded by vines, often paired with a private cellar tour or winemaker chat. Expect house-made everything, paired with local wines and served with the kind of ease only found in the countryside. Perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who prefers their dinner with a golden hour view.
Trattorias, Tavernes & Tucked-Away Treasures
Across Italy, Spain, and beyond, you’ll find no-name restaurants where the nona, abuela, or yia-yia still rules the kitchen. These are the spots we look for: handwritten menus, fresh ingredients, and generations-old recipes served with pride. Sometimes there’s no sign. Sometimes it’s full of locals speaking only their dialect. Always, it’s unforgettable. And yes — you’ll need a reservation.
Seafood & Soul, Mediterranean Style
Whether it’s a dockside table in Sicily, a secret taverna in Greece, or a coastal hideaway in Portugal, the seafood is fresh, the grill is hot, and the service is pure joy. No fancy plating here — just perfectly cooked catch-of-the-day, local wine, and the kind of simple, soulful cooking that reminds you why you came to Europe in the first place.
Private Dining, Local Style
Looking for something a little more exclusive? I know a few hidden gems — from candlelit cellars in Chianti to moody wine bars in Barcelona. Think private rooms, perfect pairings, and charismatic hosts who treat you like family (if your family also had a world-class sommelier). Perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or just treating yourself — because why not?
(Images Courtesy of: Live Like a Local Italy | CNC | Leo Senzo | Villa Angarano Bianchi Michiel)