Any trip to the Apennine Peninsula is invariably accompanied by a visit to Italian cafes and restaurants. It is there that a whole layer of knowledge, culture, customs and peculiarities of the country is revealed to the guest under the generous Mediterranean sun. Cuisine is the soul of any nation, but it is in Italy that it is a special attraction for its inhabitants. Every evening, restaurants in Italy are filled to capacity, because for the local population a family dinner at a favorite establishment is both a tribute to traditions, and a way to communicate with each relative, and an opportunity to spend time with soul and benefit.
History in culinary
It may seem strange, but the concept of "Italian cuisine" does not exist in nature, and for the inhabitants of the Apennines and specialists in the field of restaurant business, this fact is not a discovery. In each region or province, they prepare their own dishes and keep their own little secrets, and therefore restaurants in Italy are diverse both in terms of menus, and in terms of interiors, and in matters of pricing policy.
And each dish here has its own history, learning which you can learn a lot about the country itself, which gave the world not only spaghetti, pizza and bolognese sauce.
Star level
The influential culinary Red Guide ranks Italy second behind France for the number of Michelin stars assigned to its restaurants, with seven of the 307 star establishments having Colonel's shoulder straps in the hierarchy. Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, the most famous restaurants in Italy are not always located in Rome or the major cities. For example, La Calandre, which pampers regulars with saffron risotto and licorice, is hiding in the small town of Sarmeolo di Rubano, just outside Padua. The average bill here is about 150 euros per person, but the chef of this establishment bears the honorary title of "Mozart of Culinary" for a reason.
For mere mortals
Not everyone can afford to be a regular customer of Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy, but the average traveler also has something to enjoy while touring the country. Every street in any city offers dozens of establishments, where, firstly, you can take out a slice of delicious pizza, or dine with feeling, really, in order and not undermine your budget. The main recommendations are to observe where the Italians themselves are going and carefully study the prices in the menu exposed for everyone to see. The first moment will help you find the most "delicious" establishment in the area with hearty portions and quality cuisine, and a preliminary acquaintance with the prices will help you avoid unplanned expenses and disappointment.
