Italy’s first impression wouldn’t be complete without talking about pasta. Italian pasta is more than just food; it’s a cultural icon and a way of life here. From the moment you sit down in a restaurant, the aroma of freshly cooked pasta dishes fills the air, promising a culinary adventure.
Eating pasta was one of the first things I did while being in Rome, Italy. It’s about enjoying a meal with friends or alone, savoring each bite, and appreciating the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Whether you’re dining in a high-end restaurant or a cozy neighborhood eatery, pasta in Italy is always an invitation to sit back, relax, and enjoy life.
Italian pasta isn’t just about the sauce. The pasta itself, whether it’s spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or farfalle, can be made in many different ways. In many places, you can find handmade pasta, crafted with simple ingredients like durum wheat and water, yet delivering a taste and texture that’s incomparable to anything store-bought.
Each region of Italy has its own unique pasta traditions. In Rome, you’ll find classic dishes like Carbonara, made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Heading north to Bologna, you can’t miss the famous Tagliatelle al Ragù, commonly known outside Italy as Bolognese. The slow-cooked meat sauce, combined with perfectly cooked tagliatelle, is a comfort food like no other. Carbonara has been a go-to dish while I have been here, it is a good and safe option.
I made a deal with myself that I would try out a different restaurant on most days that I am here, so I could see different places and taste various foods. My favorite place so far has been a place called Mammo’s Street Food, which serves wraps and sandwiches. I know that this is a bit of a curve ball, considering I have talked so passionately about the pasta but nothing can beat that American food. The more pasta and pizza I ate the more I longed for food back home. Seeking out restaurants that served a plethora of foods besides pizza and pasta was a must since I had it for days at a time.
-Greg Watson