Verona is a foodie paradise. With so much excellent food on offer, here’s a complete guide to what to eat when you’re in Verona.

Pasta

Ok, this is an obvious one given that we’re in Italy. But the standard pasta dishes in Verona are uniformly excellent. This also makes it a great choice for a trip with kids. Bolognese, arrabiata, pomodoro sauces with your choice of freshly made pasta. You can’t go wrong.

For something a little more local head for La Bottega della Gina where tortellini and gnocchi is the speciality. The pasta is displayed fresh for you to choose, and they cook it to order for you. Try the mixed tortellini for a selection of everything and thank me later. There is seating upstairs, or you can grab and go. A great spot for lunch.

Pistachio, Pistachio, Pistachio

Pistachio seems to be the flavour of choice in this part of the world. And boy is it good. Do not leave Verona until you have consumed at least a pistachio croissant and pistachio gelato. In fact do both on your first day as you will want to go back for more every day for the rest of your trip.

Pastries

While not traditionally renowned for their breakfast food, Italians sure do know how to make good pastries. Start your day with a pistachio or crema croissant and espresso from one of the many pasticcerias such as Pasticceria Flego or Barini.

Delis

There are wine shops and delis dotted all over the city and you won’t have to walk far to stumble upon one. These delis will have a delicious selection of meats, cheeses, wines and other goodies. Try an antipasto or cheese platter with a bottle of chianti for a quick and easy meal.

Sweet Treats

Make a beeline for the Confetteria Giulietta e Romeo near Juliet’s Balcony. This little shop has a wide variety of chocolate and other sweet treats. It’s a beautiful little shop even if you don’t buy anything (but you should). Everything is brightly coloured and beautifully packaged. We opted for a pick and mix selection of the coloured confectionary. They looked like sugared almonds but they turned out to be perfect little morsels of sugar-coated chocolate and nuts. Needless to say they disappeared very quickly!

I also wanted to give another honorable mention to Flego for their macaron selection. These are a little pricey but would make a beautiful gift (if you can resist eating them yourself).

Gelato

You cannot go to Italy and not eat gelato, I’m pretty sure it’s the law. The mounds of creamy ice cream will be irresistable so don’t even try. Pistachio gelato is a must. Our favourite was the Gelateria Verona, conveniently located right next to the ruins of an ancient Roman street. So you can check these out while eating your ice cream. Winner!

Have An Aperitivo In The Piazza

I want to caveat this by saying that the piazzas in general are not good places to have dinner as they tend to be touristy and overpriced. But you should have an aperitivo there. An aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink – aperol spritz or a glass of prosecco is just the ticket – which comes with a few nibbles like crisps and olives. And this is best enjoyed on an outdoor table in the piazza where you can sip on your drink and enjoy a spot of people-watching before dinner.

For my full guide on what to see and do in Verona click here.