In Sorrento, you’ll find a lot of good local restaurants, many of them multigenerational family-run trattorias with history and recipes that are attached to stories. You’ll also find some with excellent sea views! Italian cuisine emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. You’ll find this in the menus, but also take advantage of local markets to pick up fruits and veggies to munch on throughout the day.
As in other parts of Europe, dinner is typically eaten later, around 8-10pm or even later and is very much a social event. Dinner is often followed by a coffee to aid digestion. Before dinner, many Italians enjoy aperitivo—a drink and a snack before dinner—usually between 6-8pm. Tipping is not expected, but 10% is acceptable if you would like to acknowledge exceptional service.
If you study abroad in the summer, note that you’ll be there in time for the annual Taste Sorrento festival!
Don’t miss these top foods to try while you’re studying abroad in Sorrento:
1. SPAGHETTI AL LIMONE. Lemons are popular in Sorrento. You find lemon trees and lemon souvenirs everywhere. Be sure to try plenty of lemon flavors! Start with this local specialty where the zest and juice of a lemon are combined with garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs to create a unique taste.
2. PESCE ALLA SORRENTINA. Living at the edge of the sea, fresh fish and seafood is a must. This is a classic, usually made with white fish like sea bream. It’s cooked in tomato sauce with other Mediterranean flavors like garlic, olive oil, basil, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The fish and sauce are layered before baking.
3. GNOCCHI ALLA SORRENTINA. Another recipe made with the Mediterranean ingredients of tomato, basil and mozzarella, this one is based on soft potato dumplings made from mashed potatoes, flour, and egg. It’s a great comfort food, baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. SPAGHETTI NERANO. This is a typical dish in the region, created just 30 minutes away in the little coastal village of Nerano. It’s pasta, of course, but this time with a zucchini sauce, parmesan cheese, and basil. Melts in your mouth!
5. SFOGLIATELLA. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try one of these Italian pastries. They’re shaped like shells, filled with ricotta, and have an orange zest flavor. There are two types, depending on the kind of pastry used to make them – the flakier “riccia” and the smoother “frolla” made with shortcrust pastry instead.
There are many other delicious, interesting, and unusual foods to try when you study abroad in Sorrento: Spaghetti with clams, pizza, parmigiana di melanzane (vegetarian dish featuring eggplant), caprese salad, la treccia di sorrento (braided local mozzarella cheese), all the pastas, tiramisu, cannoli, limoncello, delizia al limone (lemon desserts), and all the lemon desserts you find to name a few.
Have pics of something you’ve eaten abroad that you can’t easily find at home? Tag us on Instagram at @ASAStudyAbroad or #AwayWithASA. We’d love to see! Bon appetit!