Italy in the summer is a gastronomic paradise, with each region offering its own unique culinary delights. From the vibrant flavors of Sicily to the fresh tastes of the Amalfi Coast, here’s a deep dive into the best summer foods and drinks you need to try from Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia, Liguria, and the Amalfi Coast.
Sicily: Sweet and Savory
Foods
Arancini – Golden, fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, and peas.
Caponata – A sweet and sour eggplant dish with tomatoes, capers, and olives. I learned how to make this in Taormina at Villa Britannia and it is one of my favorite summer dishes, no matter where I am!
Pasta alla Norma – Pasta with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata.
Cannoli – Crisp pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream.
Pane e Panelle – Chickpea fritters served in a sesame bun.
Parmigiana di Melanzane – Layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Drinks
Marsala Wine – A fortified wine from the town of Marsala, perfect as an aperitif.
Granita – A semi-frozen dessert in flavors like almond, lemon, and coffee. It is also served inside a brioche which is heavenly on a hot summer day. Or for breakfast.
Sardinia: Rustic and Rich Flavors
Foods
Porceddu – Succulent roast suckling pig. You will see pigs on the spit everywhere when driving through Sardinia.
Fregola with Clams – Sardinian pasta with clams in a tomato and white wine sauce.
Pane Carasau – Thin, crispy flatbread, perfect for accompanying meals.
Culurgiones – Sardinian ravioli filled with potatoes, pecorino cheese, and mint.
Malloreddus – Sardinian gnocchi in a rich tomato sauce with sausage.
Seadas – Deep-fried pastries filled with cheese and drizzled with honey.
Drinks
Mirto – A liqueur made from myrtle berries.
Cannonau Wine – A robust red wine typical of Sardinia.
Puglia: Fresh and Flavorful
Foods
Orecchiette with Cime di Rapa – Pasta with broccoli rabe, garlic, and anchovies.
Burrata – Creamy cheese served with fresh tomatoes and olive oil. This is the best cheese I have ever had.
Focaccia Barese – Focaccia bread topped with tomatoes, olives, and oregano.
Tiella – A layered casserole of mussels, potatoes, and rice.
Taralli – Crunchy, ring-shaped breadsticks flavored with fennel or black pepper.
Panzerotti – Fried dough pockets filled with tomato and mozzarella. Like a little calzone.
Pasta Assassina – A spicy dish originating from Bari. The recipe involves cooking pasta, typically spaghetti, in a skillet with garlic, olive oil, and a generous amount of red chili pepper flakes. The pasta is then fried until it achieves a slightly crispy texture. The name “assassina” hints at the intense heat of the dish, making it a bold and fiery choice for those who love spicy food. We had this for the first time in Matera and was in love. But we were all sweating it was so spicy, but we couldn’t stop eating it. My all time favorite!
Drinks
Primitivo Wine – A rich red wine from the Primitivo grape.
Negroamaro Wine – Another robust red wine, typical of Puglia.
Liguria: Coastal and Herbaceous
Foods
Trofie al Pesto – Twisted pasta with pesto sauce made from basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan.
Focaccia di Recco – Thin focaccia filled with creamy stracchino cheese.
Farinata – A savory chickpea pancake.
Pansotti with Walnut Sauce – Pasta filled with wild herbs in a creamy walnut sauce.
Acciughe Ripiene – Stuffed anchovies, a coastal delicacy. I am not a fan of anchovies, but people love them.
Drinks
Vermentino Wine – A crisp white wine typical of Liguria.
Sciacchetrà – A sweet dessert wine from the Cinque Terre region.
Amalfi Coast: Fresh and Zesty
Foods
Insalata Caprese – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.
Spaghetti alle Vongole – Spaghetti with clams, garlic, and white wine.
Delizia al Limone – Lemon sponge cake filled with lemon cream.
Sfogliatella – A layered pastry filled with sweet ricotta.
Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare – Thick pasta with mixed seafood.
Totani e Patate – Squid and potato stew.
Drinks
Limoncello – A bright, zesty liqueur made from local lemons.
Amalfi Coast White Wine – Crisp and refreshing, perfect for summer.
This list captures the essence of summer dining in these beautiful Italian regions, each dish and drink a reflection of local traditions and ingredients. However, you can get most of these dishes in most regions of Italy. Buon appetito!
