Where to Taste the Best Street Food in Italy

From the iconic pizza al taglio in Rome to the delectable arancini in Sicily, savor Italy’s vibrant street food culture that offers a delicious glimpse into its culinary traditions. Italy is known for its rich culinary history, therefore street food on Italian streets looks and occasionally tastes like the rest of their cuisine. From the bustling markets of Palermo to the historic streets of Naples, Italy’s street food scene is both diverse and tasty. This book will take you on a culinary trip around Italy, highlighting the best spots to eat authentic street food and must-try foods in each province.

1. Palermo, Sicily: Arancini and Pane con la Milza

Must-Try Street Foods

Arancini: A delicious ball of rice filled with ragù, mozzarella and peas coated in breadcrumbs before being fried until golden. They are Sicilian classics and you must try them when in Palermo!

Pane con la Milza: Also known as “vastedda,” constructed with veal spleen, ricotta and caciocavallo cheese on a sesame roll. Such is the unique but delightful experience that mirrors a tradition deeply rooted in this city.

Best Places to Taste

Ballarò Market: This historic market in Palermo serves up a variety of street foods including arancini (rice balls) and pane con la milza. The lively ambiance and range of stalls also makes this an ideal place to enjoy some street food from Sicily.

Vucciria Market: Another classic Palermo market, Vucciria is appreciated for its warm atmosphere and diversity of stalls. It is a great place to try out a mixed variety of Sicilian dishes and experience the vibes there.

2. Naples, Campania: Pizza al Portafoglio and Sfogliatella

Must-Try Street Foods

Pizza al Portafoglio: This “folded pizza” is a smaller, more portable version of the traditional Neapolitan pizza, ideal for eating on the go. It is often folded into quarters and served hot and fresh from the oven.

Sfogliatella: A Neapolitan pastry having a crispy shell with sweet, ricotta-filled. It comes in two types: riccia (curly) and frolla (smooth).

Best Places to Taste

Via dei Tribunali: This historical street in Naples houses some of the best pizzerias that can be tasted across town. One can find pizza al portafoglio being sold by many of the street vendors in this function area, so grab a slice to go and take it with you as you explore the busy streets.

Antico Forno delle Sfogliatelle Calde Fratelli Attanasio: This bakery, located near the central train station, is well-known for its freshly baked sfogliatella. The perfume alone will entice you, and the flavor will keep you going back for more.

3. Rome, Lazio: Supplì and Trapizzino

Must-Try Street Foods

Supplì: Roman rice balls similar to Sicilian arancini, filled with a melting core of mozzarella. These are breadcrumbed and fried to get a great crust on the outside, but keep that gorgeous cheesy middle.

Trapizzino: A modern street food invention, the trapizzino is a triangle of pizza dough with its pocket filled with Roman slow-cooked stews and sauces like braised oxtail or pollo alla cacciatore (chicken). You might also find eggplant parmigiana.

Best Places to Taste

Trastevere: An adorable street food neighborhood in Rome Stroll around the narrow alleys of Rome, where you will find lots places to taste its supplì and many other Roman treats.

Testaccio Market: Known for its fresh produce and vibrant food scene, Testaccio Market is a fantastic place to try trapizzino and other Roman delights. The market’s food stalls offer a variety of options for every palate.

4. Florence, Tuscany: Lampredotto and Schiacciata

Must-Try Street Foods

Lampredotto: A Florentine specialty which is a sandwich made from the fourth stomach of a cow, slowly cooked with tomatoes and herbs then served in bread. Usually it is prepared with both green salsa and red-hot sauce.

Schiacciata: Sort of a Tuscan focaccia, schiacciata is usually filled with cured meats and cheeses as well any number of produce. Rather it is a simple street food and very tasty as well.

Best Places to Taste

Mercato Centrale: A food lover’s heaven hosts in the center of Florence. On the ground floor, don’t miss excellent lampredotto sandwiches and other Tuscan treats.

All’Antico Vinaio: This casual sandwich shop is located near the Piazza della Signoria and it is known for its schiacciata sandwiches. The wait is a bit arduous sometimes, but the amazing and overstuffed sandwiches make it more bearable.

5. Bologna, Emilia-Romagna: Piadina and Tigelle

Must-Try Street Foods

Piadina: A type of flatbread that is the quintessential street food from Emilia-Romagna – each one will be filled with a medley of prosciutto, cheese, arugula and tomatoes.

Tigelle: Also known as crescentine, tigelle are small, round flatbreads traditionally served with cured meats, cheese, and pesto Modenese (a mixture of lard, garlic, and rosemary).

Best Places to Taste

Quadrilatero District: This historic market area in Bologna is a dream for food-lovers. Take a stroll among the different stands and shops selling piadina, tigelle and other local specialties.

Mercato di Mezzo: If you want to try the authentic street foods of Bologna, its dynamic food scene, then travel directly to Mercato di Mezzo in the heart of the city.

Conclusion

Italy is a country steeped in history and tradition, marrying together an array of flavors from years gone by to some very tasty treats eaten on the go with its street food scene. With every crispy arancini in Palermo, sweet sfogliatella in Naples and flavorful lampredotto sandwich from Florence each bite tells a different tale of the fantastically diverse world that is Italian food. Not only does tasting street food open up a culinary adventure, but also an understanding of the peoples and traditions that make Italy so popular to visit.