The history of Italian cooking actually stems all the back to the traditions of the Romans and Greeks. There are still dishes today, such as polenta, which are practically identical to the meals that were prepared for the Roman soldiers over 2000 years ago. The next time you dig into a plate of pasta, imagine that Caesar himself may have enjoyed the same dish so many years ago.

Italian cuisine has been influenced and modified throughout its history by many other cultures who ventured to their peninsula. The Germans, Austrians and French have made their influence to the cuisines of the northern regions of Italy, while the Arabs made their contributions to Sicily. We also cannot forget what the Renaissance did for the food of Italy. While art and science were being revived, so was the way Italian food was prepared. Refined taste poured into different regions in Italy with the travels of Marco Polo and others. Famous Italian travelers ventured to the Far East and brought back to Italy exotic food and spices which intrigued their senses. The most famous, a Genoan known as Christopher Columbus, brought back tomatoes, peppers, chilies, corn and potatoes which changed the course of Italian cuisine forever.

The history of Italian cooking has been shaped by the climate and influences of the many regions of Italy. Italy is known as a political union of many different regional groups and each region has their own distinct dialect, custom and cuisine. If you travel through Italy, you will quickly realize that the way food is prepared, and what is commonly eaten, varies considerably among the different regions.

Take a tour of northern Italy and the cooking will reflect influences of France, Germany and Austria. The climate is to cold to grow olive and cooking with cream and butter are quite common. Travel to the southern part of Italy and you will find olive oils, tomato based sauces and garlic in many dishes.

Milano is famous for its very strong cheese known as Gorgonzola, which is quite similar to the French bleu cheese. Bologna is famous for its pasta sauce of meat, tomato and vegetables; known as Bolognese sauce. Venture to the southern regions of Naples and you will discover the origins of pizza – still popular today. Pork is used along the south central regions of Italy, whereas seafood is the favorite along the coast.

Many Italians today still eat in the traditional manner popular throughout its history. Although the pace of modern life has hastened quite a bit, most Italians still go home for their midday meal, and many even find time for a nap. Italians take time to savor their meal of many courses and enjoy a glass of wine, just as they did so many years ago.

The history of Italian cooking is as rich as your favorite Alfredo sauce. Depending on where you visit in Italy will dictate how history has influenced the cuisine that will tickle your palate.