Southern Italian cuisine

Southern Italian cuisine reflects a rich cultural heritage shaped by its Mediterranean environment, characterized by fresh, locally sourced ingredients like olive oil, tomatoes, seafood, and herbs. It features hearty dishes such as pasta with robust sauces, grilled seafood, and vegetable-based preparations. The cuisine emphasizes simplicity and flavor, often using minimal ingredients to highlight natural tastes. Staples include pizza from Naples, citrus from Sicily, and southern-style ragùs. It embodies regional traditions, with a welcoming, rustic appeal rooted in centuries of agricultural and maritime influence, creating a vibrant, flavorful culinary identity that celebrates freshness and authenticity.