Liguria

Another coastal region in the Italian peninsula, Liguria boasts an array of scrumptious traditional seafood and fish dishes in its repertoire. As a matter of fact, several of the region’s popular dishes were first created by fishermen on board ships. But more than a coastal region, its cuisine is also influenced by its mountainous areas and neighboring towns.

Surrounded by Italian regions Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, and Tuscany, as well as sharing a small stretch of border with France, it’s safe to say that Ligurian cuisine has had many influences. Despite this, however, Liguria still has its own unique culinary traditions.

Up on the hills, one can easily find pine trees, chestnuts, and mushrooms. The area also has favorable soil and weather conditions for growing grapes, olives, corn, artichokes, onions, potatoes, garlic, chickpeas, and herbs. This is why, aside from seafood, Liguria is also famous for a variety of other fresh produce in the region.

Common Ligurian products that can be found in the region are olive oil, dried herbs and spices, porcini mushrooms, pine nuts, and wine. But the most popular food associated with the region, however, is the pesto sauce.