Adam Richman’s ultimate Italy food guide: From ‘tag bol’ to chocolate fountains

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Listening to Adam Richman talk about food is guaranteed to make you hungry. As the host of shows like Man v. Food, Adam Richman Eats Britain, and Adam Richman Eats Football, he’s clearly an expert – he’s been working in New York restaurant kitchens since he was a teenager.

ROME – Porchetta sandwiches at Er Buchetto

Er Buchetto, a tiny restaurant that opened in 1890, is famous for its porchetta sandwiches. Porchetta is a flavorful, slow-roasted pork dish – they use a deboned suckling pig seasoned with rosemary, spices, and olive oil, and cook it for three to four hours until the skin is crispy and the inside is incredibly juicy. It’s traditionally served cold on Roman bread, although you can also add cheese or other toppings.

Alessandro Fioravanti currently runs the family business, making him the fifth generation to do so. His son represents the sixth generation. It’s a popular spot, so it’s best to arrive early – they often sell out of everything by afternoon.

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FLORENCE – Bistecca alla Fiorentina and Brunello at FrancescoVini

I always do my best to be prepared, but let’s be honest, I’m not always right! I remember once, while at FrancescoVini, a chef gently corrected me. It was an incredible setting – their wine cellar is actually built into the ruins of a massive Roman amphitheater. I was chatting with the owner, Fabio La Brusco, about Super Tuscan wines, and he had a great point. He explained that while they make those bolder wines for American palates, when you’re enjoying a classic Florentine steak, a Brunello is the perfect pairing. It really highlighted how wine and food are so intrinsically linked, and how regional traditions still hold strong.

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He apologized and offered to edit out the segment, but I refused. I learned from the showrunner of Man v Food that the biggest mistake a host can make is pretending to be an expert – acting like you already know everything. How could I possibly know Florence better than someone who actually lives there?

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BOLOGNA – Tortellini en brodo at Ristorante Biagi

You won’t find spaghetti bolognese in Bologna! The authentic dish is actually tagliatelle bolognese. However, when you’re in Bologna, the must-try dish is tortellini en brodo – tortellini served in a clear broth. It’s traditionally filled with a mix of pork, mortadella, prosciutto, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, seasoned with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. At Ristorante Biagi, a single grandmother comes in each day and hand-makes around 5,000 tortellini – no machines are used!

I expected Italian food to be full of vibrant tomato sauces and lots of mozzarella, like we have in the States. But Italian dishes often look surprisingly simple. This one, right here, is actually quite plain looking, but the taste is incredible – it’s comforting and warm, like a hug from your grandmother. It’s absolutely delicious.

VENICE – Bigoli in salsa at Osteria al Cicheto

Bigoli in salsa is a remarkably simple dish. It’s made with a basic, hearty pasta – flour and water – tossed with just a few ingredients: Chioggia onions, olive oil, garlic, and salted anchovies, perhaps with a splash of wine. This is truly ‘cucina povera’ – the cuisine of the poor – and it’s become a favorite recipe for me, my crew, and people around the world. The story goes that Venetian peasants historically only had access to onions, flour, and salted fish, and this dish grew from that simplicity. It’s incredibly delicious and satisfying.

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FLORENCE – Lampredotto at Da Nerbone

Lampredotto is a cut of beef – specifically, a cow’s fourth stomach – and it’s known for containing the enzymes used to make cheese. This traditional Tuscan street food is famously served at Da Nerbone, a stand that’s been operating since 1872. I tried a lampredotto sandwich made by the current owner, Fabio Giolli, and it was incredible. The sandwich featured two flavorful sauces – a green sauce and a spicy pepper sauce – and the bread was deliciously soaked in the broth it was cooked in.

I spent the morning making silly, insensitive jokes – things like, ‘Ugh, starting my day with a stomach sandwich.’ I found the idea disgusting before even trying it, and I realize now how disrespectful that was. I understand people ate it when they had to, but it’s become popular because it actually tastes amazing. In fact, it was one of the best things I ate at the entire event.

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The gelato shop has constantly flowing chocolate fountains and makes its waffle cones fresh. They dip the cone in chocolate before adding the gelato, then add another layer of chocolate and top it with a small cookie. It was a delightfully nostalgic experience – it felt like being a kid again.

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Adam Richman Eats Italy airs Monday at 9pm and 9:30pm on Food Network.

Authors

Laura Rutkowski

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2026-02-09 15:35