When planning a culinary tour of Italy, most travelers dream of indulging in Tuscan wines, a bowl of Emilia-Romagna’s bolognese, or Naples’ famous pizza.
But there’s one region that you’ve probably never heard of before that remains an underrated gem for food and wine lovers: Le Marche, Italy! Located between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, this breathtaking region offers the perfect fusion of countryside and coastal flavors, making it a must-visit for any foodies seeking the authentic Italian experience. A region that locals say is “All of Italy Wrapped up into One Region”.
While neighboring regions like Abruzzo are well known for its hearty mountain cuisine, Le Marche boasts a rich culinary heritage that masterfully blends land and sea. From the indulgent layers of vincisgrassi, a local take on the classic lasagna, to the crisp taste of a glass of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi paired with savory seafood delights, you’ll quickly wonder why you never see Le Marche on the travel food blogs you read!
Many say it is because locals want to keep Le Marche all to themselves. While this may have some truth, you’ll feel nothing but a genuine Italian welcome when you enter this untouched region.
Which is why, as Italian locals and travel experts who have lived in Le Marche, we’re so excited to share with you all the reasons why Le Marche belongs on any foodie’s travel bucket list. To ensure you get the most of Italy’s Best Underrated Culinary Wine destination we’re showcasing its signature dishes, exceptional award-winning wines, and immersive culinary experiences that make Le Marche the ultimate culinary hidden treasure of Italy.
Why Le Marche is a Must-Visit for Culinary Tours
Even the food in Italy’s most popular regions isn’t immune to the effects of overtourism. If you want to join the small percentage of travelers who get to taste the real Italy, visiting the underrated regions you’ve never heard of before is the way to go—and Le Marche is the perfect choice for doing just that.
A Region of Hidden Culinary Treasures
Unlike other more famous regions like Tuscany or Amalfi Coast, Le Marche still remains largely under the radar amongst international tourists. Meaning that many of the local food producers here are carrying on traditions that have been in their families for generations and are not influenced by what tourists deem to be Italian flavors. When the focus isn’t on mass tourism or pumping out Michelin stars, food producers and restaurateurs can focus on authenticity, ensuring every dish is crafted with the best local ingredients while honoring the culinary traditions of their territory.
The diverse geography of Le Marche also plays a role in its unique food culture. The rolling hills provide fertile ground for olive groves, vineyards, and wheat fields, while the Adriatic Sea supplies an abundance of fresh seafood and the Apennine mountains are plentiful with prestigious truffles.
Small, family-owned farms and artisanal producers take pride in maintaining traditional methods, from hand-rolling pasta to curing meats using age-old techniques. This dedication to preserving local flavors makes Le Marche a prime destination for those seeking an unfiltered, undeniably Italian culinary experience!
Authenticity at Its Best
In a world where mass production and fusion cuisine are becoming the norm, Le Marche stands out as a true, untarnished representation of Italian culinary heritage.
Food is a way of life here in Italy! Whether it’s a rustic trattoria in the hills of Urbino, like the one you’ll visit on tour with us, or a seaside fine dining restaurant on the Coast of Conero, you’ll find menus based on recipes that haven’t changed in decades, honoring time-honored recipes and locally sourced ingredients. Even the modern cuisine in Le Marche is inspired by tradition meaning in Le Marche you can enjoy the best of both worlds: fine dining fused with traditional flavors and the most authentic rustic comfort foods that draw tourists to Italy year after year.
Life in Italy is slow-paced and relaxed, meaning the meals are never rushed. Food is meant to be shared, savored, and celebrated, and you’ll get a sense of that the first time you sit down at a table to eat in Le Marche. You’ll be hard pressed to find the “turni” aka reservations that are time limited. Instead in Le Marche when you book for dinner it’s your table for the entire evening.
Signature Dishes of Le Marche You Must Try
A harmonious blend of land and sea, Le Marche’s cuisine reflects the diverse landscape and time-honored culinary traditions. From the handmade tagliatelle topped with truffles (featured on Italy’s Epicurean Journey, hearty, slow-cooked meat dishes of the inland hills to the fresh seafood delicacies of the Adriatic Sea, you’ll want to savor every bite. And wash it down with a glass of their local award-winning wines, known for the highest quality to price ratio in the country!
Whether it’s Le Marche’s own unique take on lasagna or the crispy, stuffed olives hailing from Giovanni’s hometown of Ascoli Piceno, these must-try dishes showcase the authentic flavors of Le Marche that make it Italy’s best kept culinary secret.
Pasta Dishes to Savor: Vincigrassi
Think you know lasagna? Think again! Le Marche’s signature baked pasta dish is a decadent and richly layered specialty that sets itself apart from its more famous cousin.
Unlike traditional lasagna which often features ricotta or mozzarella cheese, Vincisgrassi is made with silky sheets of fresh egg pasta, layered with a luxurious bechamel sauce and a slow-cooked meat ragu, typically made from a mix of veal, port, and sometimes chicken livers for added depth of flavor.
With roots dating all the way back to the 18th century, with some linking it to an Austrian general, what’s certain is that Vincisgrassi embodies the region’s love for hearty, slow-cooked dishes that showcase high-quality, local ingredients.
Appetizers to Delight In: Olive Ascolane
A true symbol of Le Marche’s culinary tradition, Olive Ascolane is a beloved appetizer that originated in our hometown of Ascoli Piceno and the homebase of our Le Marche-based tour, Italy’s Epicurean Journey!
But, these golden, crispy fried olives are far from ordinary—they’re carefully pitted and stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and Parmesan, then deep-fried to perfection. The result? A crunchy exterior with a rich, flavorful filling, making them completely unforgettable. In fact, we in Le Marche love these olives so much that there’s even an entire annual food festival dedicated to them!
Of course, the star ingredient of this dish is the Ascolana Tenera olive, a local variety known for its large size, firm texture, and slightly sweet flavor. These olives have been cultivated in the region for centuries, and their unique taste provides the perfect balance to the savory and aromatic meat filling.
Traditionally served as an antipasto or street food snack, Olive Ascolane are best enjoyed with a crisp glass of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, whose crispy acidity complements the richness of the fried coating.
The Best of the Sea: Brodetto di Pesce
Seafood is a staple of everyday life along Le Marche’s Adriatic coastline, and no dish represents this connection to the sea like Brodetto di Pesce. This hearty and flavorful fish stew has been a tradition for centuries, originally created by fishermen who used the catch of the day to prepare a nourishing and satisfying meal, even if it was less desirable fish.
What truly makes this dish stand out is the regional variations that exist across different coastal towns. Each has their own unique interpretation, varying in types of fish and seasoning choices. But, the foundation remains the same: a rich, tomato-based broth infused with garlic, white wine, and saffron, giving the stew a distinctive golden hue and a deep, aromatic flavor. Traditionally, at least seven types of fish and shellfish are used in the dish!
Flatbreads to Indulge In: Crescia
A staple of Le Marche’s rustic cuisine, Crescia is a delicious, golden flatbread that perfectly showcases the region’s love for simple, yet flavorful ingredients.
With deep historical roots dating all the way back to the Middle Ages, when it was commonly baked in wood-fired ovens and served with cured meats, cheese, and roasted vegetables, you’ll find many different variations today. In the hills of Urbino, it tends to be thicker and layered with lard, while coastal versions tend to be lighter and crispier.
Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to a hearty meal, Crescia is a must-try for anyone exploring Le Marche’s traditional cuisine. Pair it with a glass of one of Le Marche’s best wines, like Verdicchio or Rosso Conero, and you’ve got a perfect taste of Italy’s most underrated culinary region.
Truffle Treasures: The Black and White Gold of Le Marche
Le Marche is a truffle lover’s paradise, home to some of the finest black and white truffles in Italy. Located in the region’s rolling hills and dense woodlands, these prized fungi are foraged with the help of expert truffle hunters and their highly trained dogs, continuing a centuries-old tradition that defines the region’s culinary identity.
White truffles, the rarest and most aromatic, are found in the autumn months and prized for their intense, earthy aroma. Black truffles, available throughout the year, offer a more subtle yet deeply savory flavor, making them a versatile ingredient in many local dishes. Whether shaved over handmade tagliatelle, folded into creamy risottos, or infused into rich sauces, truffles elevate simple dishes into something extraordinary.
The town of Acqualagna is one of Italy’s truffle capitals, hosting renowned festivals where visitors can sample and purchase these culinary treasures at their freshest. For those looking to experience the magic firsthand, Le Marche offers unforgettable truffle-hunting excursions, where you can join local experts in the search for these hidden gems before indulging in a decadent, truffle-infused feast—including on Italy’s Epicurean Journey!
The Role of Wine in Le Marche’s Cuisine
When people think of Italian wine, regions like Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto typically come to mind. However, Le Marche remains one of Italy’s most underrated wine regions, quietly producing exceptional wines that often fly under the radar at an international level.
Le Marche’s Lesser Known Wine Production
The region’s small-scale production, lack of mass marketing, and proximity to its more famous wine counterparts mean that many wine lovers have yet to discover the hidden gems of Le Marche.
But for those seeking authentic, high-quality wines at affordable prices, Le Marche offers a unique and rewarding experience. Here, winemaking is deeply rooted in tradition, with several family-run wineries producing wines that reflect the region’s diverse landscapes. The result? An underrated wine region largely untouched by large-scale commercial influence.
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi
One of Le Marche’s flagship wines, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is a crisp, mineral-driven white wine that pairs beautifully with the region’s seafood-based cuisine.
Made from the Verdicchio grape, this wine is well-known for its fresh acidity, citrus notes, and subtle almond finish, making it a perfect match for classic Le Marche dishes like Brodetto di Pesce. While Verdicchio has been historically underrated, it’s now gaining recognition as one of Italy’s best white wines, with excellent aging potential and complexity — and you’ll get the chance to visit Verdicchio country for yourself when you join us on Italy Uncorked!
Rosso Conero
For red wine lovers, Rosso Conero is an absolute must-try for you. Made primarily from Montepulciano grapes, this bold, structured red hails from the hills surrounding Mount Conero, near Ancona. Known for its deep ruby color, rich dark fruit flavors, and notes of spice and earthiness, it’s an ideal match for hearty meat dishes.
Unlike the more famous Montepulciano-based counterparts from Abruzzo, Rosso Conero remains an affordable hidden treasure.
Pecorino
It’s not just a delicious aged cheese! You may not know that Pecorino is also the name of a crisp white wine that’s the perfect pairing for the cheese by the same name.
Produced near the Apennines mountain range in Le Marche and Abruzzo, Pecorino wine comes from a hardy and resistant white grape that thrives in the cooler weather inland of the Adriatic Coastline. With its fruity aroma and well-bodied structure, Pecorino is often called the “red dressed in white” with alcohol content up to 14%, rare for a white wine.
Offida Rosso
For those who appreciate bold and elegant reds, Offida Rosso is a gem worth discovering. This structured and velvety wine hails from the Offida region in southern Le Marche and is crafted primarily from Montepulciano and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. With its deep garnet hue, rich dark berry flavors, and hints of spice, tobacco, and vanilla, Offida Rosso offers a refined balance of power and finesse.
Unlike its more widely known Montepulciano-based counterparts, Offida Rosso benefits from strict quality regulations, ensuring a wine of exceptional depth and aging potential—yet it remains an underrated treasure waiting to be explored. Join us on Italy’s Epicurean Journey and you’ll get to visit one of the top producers of Offida Rosso in the world!
How Le Marche Compares to Neighboring Regions Like Abruzzo
Considering a trip to Italy’s underrated regions? You may wonder about the differences between Le Marche and its neighboring regions, like Abruzzo. Often nicknamed “Italy’s Wild Heart,” Abruzzo is a largely untouched and tourist crowd-free mountain region with the exception of Abruzzo’s Trabocchi coast during the summer months.
Similarities
As neighboring regions, Le Marche and Abruzzo share many culinary traditions, particularly their emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Both regions are known for their commitment to seasonal produce, high-quality meats, and artisanal products that reflect the richness of their landscapes.
From handcrafted cheeses to locally produced olive oil and an abundance of wild game, the two regions offer a deep connection between food and nature. Both are also home to a thriving wine culture, producing underrated yet outstanding wines that complement their respective cuisines.
Whether in Le Marche’s rolling hills or Abruzzo’s mountain valleys, you’ll find a dedication to authentic, time-honored recipes passed down through generations.
Differences
While they share many similarities, the biggest difference between Le Marche and Abruzzo lies in their geography—and, consequently, their cuisine. Abruzzo’s mountainous terrain has shaped a food culture centered around hearty, rustic dishes, with lamb, mutton, and wild game playing a dominant role in its cuisine.
Dishes like Arrosticini—grilled lamb skewers—are a signature specialty you’ll have the chance to try on Italy’s Epicurean Journey, where we’ll visit both Le Marche and Abruzzo. Rich stews, aged cheeses, and handmade pastas like Maccheroni alla Chitarra (a square-shaped pasta) are also key elements of Abruzzese cuisine.
By contrast, Le Marche balances its inland, agricultural traditions with strong coastal influences. Seafood plays a much larger role in daily cuisine, with dishes like Brodetto di Pesce, a rich Adriatic fish stew, showcasing the region’s maritime heritage. While Le Marche still enjoys meat dishes from its hilly, pastoral areas, its cuisine has a lighter, more Mediterranean feel due to its proximity to the sea and its diverse landscape.
Why Le Marche Stands Out
What makes Le Marche truly unique is its ability to seamlessly blend the best of both worlds—the freshness of the Adriatic coast and the hearty, comforting flavors of the mountains. Unlike Abruzzo, which is heavily influenced by its rugged, mountainous landscape, Le Marche offers a more balanced culinary experience, where visitors can enjoy delicate seafood one day and rich, meat-based dishes the next.
Additionally, Le Marche remains one of Italy’s least touristy regions, offering a more intimate and immersive experience compared to other parts of the country. Here, visitors can enjoy small, family-run wineries, traditional osterias, and seasonal food festivals, all while indulging in a culinary journey that captures the essence of both land and sea.
Whether you’re savoring a plate of Vincisgrassi or pairing Verdicchio wine with fresh seafood, Le Marche stands out as a diverse, authentic, and underrated food destination that deserves a place on your food bucket list.
How to Immerse Yourself in Le Marche’s Culinary Culture
Le Marche’s food culture is deeply rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and a connection to the land. The best way to experience it isn’t just by dining at restaurants—it’s by engaging with the people and places that bring the local flavors to life!
Whether you’re visiting local producers, attending seasonal food festivals, or taking a hands-on cooking class, there are countless ways to fully immerse yourself in the region’s rich culinary culture for a taste of the real Italy most will never get to see.
Visit Local Producers
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Le Marche’s culinary culture is by visiting its local producers. This region is home to generations-old olive oil mills, artisan cheese makers, and small family-run wineries, all of which play a crucial role in preserving the authenticity of Le Marche’s food traditions.
- Olive Oil Producers: Le Marche is known for its high-quality extra virgin olive oil, particularly from varieties like Raggiola and Ascolana Tenera. A visit to a local frantoio (olive mill) allows you to see the pressing process firsthand and taste the rich, peppery flavors of freshly made olive oil—just like the one you’ll see on tour with us!
- Organic Honey Makers: Le Marche’s honey is a true reflection of its unspoiled landscapes, crafted by passionate beekeepers using organic and biodynamic methods. On Italy Uncorked, you’ll visit a renowned honey producer whose exceptional varieties—loved by Michelin-starred chefs—capture the essence of wildflowers, acacia, and chestnut. For the perfect bite, pair this golden nectar with Le Marche’s artisanal cheeses, like Pecorino di Fossa or Casciotta d’Urbino!
- Family-Owned Wineries: While Le Marche’s wines may be less famous than those from Tuscany or Piedmont, its Verdicchio, Rosso Conero, and Lacrima di Morro d’Alba are true hidden gems. A visit to a family-run winery not only offers the chance to taste these exceptional wines but also provides a personal connection to the winemaking heritage of the region. You’ll visit the DOCG wine production area for the Top White Wine in the World on Italy Uncorked!
Seasonal Food Festivals
If you want to truly experience Le Marche’s food culture, plan your visit around one of the region’s many seasonal food festivals! These lively celebrations showcase the region’s most beloved ingredients and traditional dishes, often featuring street food, live music, and local artisans.
- Festa del Verdicchio: This annual event celebrates Verdicchio wine, one of Le Marche’s most prized white wines. Held in Castelli di Jesi, the festival includes wine tastings, food pairings, and vineyard tours, making it a must-visit for wine lovers. But, if you’re looking to become part of your very own Italiana Famiglia, join us on tour in Verdicchio wine country!
- Truffle Festivals: Le Marche is a top producer of prized black and white truffles, and towns like Acqualagna host multiple truffle fairs throughout the year. These festivals offer the chance to watch live truffle-hunting demonstrations, shop for fresh truffles, and enjoy truffle-infused dishes at local restaurants. But, as great as the experience may be, you won’t get to truffle hunt with Jamie Oliver’s personal truffle hunter at the Truffle Festivals!
- Olive Festivals: Le Marche takes its love for olives seriously, hosting two major festivals each year to honor this regional staple. The Ascoliva Festival in Ascoli Piceno is dedicated to the famed Olive all’Ascolana—golden, meat-stuffed fried olives that are a local delicacy. Meanwhile, the Fritto Misto Festival celebrates a variety of fried specialties, including these beloved olives, alongside other crispy delights from across Italy. Both festivals offer the perfect opportunity to savor authentic flavors, enjoy cooking demonstrations, and immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Le Marche.
Attending these festivals is a great way to sample regional specialties, meet local producers, and experience Le Marche’s food culture in a fun and immersive way, but it’s even better to have someone on the inside curating authentic experiences!
Learn Culinary Secrets from a Local Nonna or Two!
For those who love to cook, enjoying a traditional 100% made by hand (as in no mixer at all) pasta making demonstration in Le Marche is an unforgettable experience. Learning from local chefs and nonnas, you’ll get the opportunity to discover the history behind time-honored recipes and understand the deep cultural significance of each dish.
On Italy’s Epicurean Journey, you’ll experience the heart of Le Marche’s culinary traditions with a pasta-making demonstration led by a local nonna in the heart of truffle country. Rather than a formal cooking class, this intimate experience allows you to witness the art of handmade pasta, passed down through generations.
Using a mattarello (a traditional rolling pin), she’ll craft delicate sheets of pasta while sharing stories of old-world techniques and family traditions. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and love that goes into every dish—plus, you’ll get to taste the final creation, paired with local flavors that make Le Marche’s cuisine truly special.
An Intimate & Curated Small Group Culinary Tour
For a truly immersive and stress-free experience, a small group culinary tour through Le Marche is the ultimate way to explore the region’s food and wine scene! In regions untainted by tourism like Le Marche, it can be difficult to uncover the cultural nuances of everyday life on your own.
With a small group setting, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience, insider access to hidden gems, and plenty of time to savor each moment. Whether you’re indulging in a truffle-infused dish after a day of truffle hunting with Jamie Oliver’s truffle hunter, sipping a glass of Verdicchio at an award-winning winery in Italy’s hidden wine country, or learning to make authentic Italian recipes from scratch with top local chefs, our tours are designed to provide an authentic and unforgettable taste of Le Marche.
You’ll explore Le Marche’s traditional culinary roots through experiences with local, generational cheesemakers, winemakers, and more, but also experience those traditional roots made modern at a sustainable Michelin-star restaurant at the foothills of the Apennine Mountains.
On our eight to ten day tours, you’ll live as an Italian local and see the side of Italy most tourists will never see. With our curated itinerary of food and wine excursions, you’ll experience that “best-meal-of-your-life” feeling more than once during your time with us—without having to navigate the cultural nuances and logistical nightmares of finding the hidden gems on your own.
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