Summer in Italy brings with it more than sunshine and long afternoons; it reshapes daily life, including what goes on the table. Across the peninsula, the seasonal shift inspires a different way of eating: lighter, fresher food, often prepared in advance or served at room temperature.  

Some dishes are tied to specific regions, while others have crossed boundaries and evolved into broader symbols of summer across Italian households. Back in 2022, journalist Alberto Ferrigolo offered a wide-ranging overview of regional summer fare in an article for AGI, listing everything from soups and risottos to stuffed tomatoes and fruit-based desserts.