There’s often an air of romance around Italy and Italian food. One of the reasons people love Italian cuisine is its emphasis on family and tradition. Many Italian dishes are passed down through generations and hold a special place in people's hearts. Sharing a meal with loved ones is a cherished tradition in Italian culture, and the food itself is often seen as a symbol of love and warmth. Here are our favourite romantic stories about Italian food and ingredients.
A romantic story surrounds the origin of Pizza Margherita. In 1889, Queen Margherita of Savoy was visiting the city of Naples. She was curious about the local street food, and the chef Raffaele Esposito was asked to make a pizza fit for royalty. He made a pizza with the colours of the Italian flag- red (tomato), white (mozzarella) and green (basil), and named it after the Queen, Pizza Margherita.
The story of how lasagna sheets were invented is also a romantic one. According to legend, a young woman named Eurydice was courted by Orfeo, a musician and poet. To win her heart, Orfeo created a dish of thin, delicate strips of dough, which he called "lagana" (the precursor to modern-day lasagna). Eurydice was so impressed by the dish that she fell in love with Orfeo on the spot!
Another one that may spring to mind is the iconic spaghetti scene in Disney's "Lady and the Tramp", arguably one of the most memorable moments in animated film history. In the scene, the two main characters, Lady and the Tramp (two cartoon dogs), share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs at an Italian restaurant. As they slurp the spaghetti, their faces get closer and closer until they accidentally kiss while leaning into the same strand of spaghetti.
The use of spaghetti is a metaphor for their growing attraction and has become a cultural touchstone, with many people referencing it in popular culture. The scene has been parodied and referenced in various forms of media, from TV shows and movies to music videos and internet memes. Prezzo’s very own pups have even shared their own plate of spaghetti recently, you can see the video on our Instagram @loveprezzo here.
Tomatoes, a staple of Italian cuisine, also have a history built on love. The story goes that an Italian nobleman, Giovanni Francesco Corbaro, fell in love with a Spanish woman who introduced him to the tomato. Despite initial scepticism, Corbaro grew to love the fruit and began incorporating it into his cooking. He eventually convinced other Italians to try tomatoes, and they quickly became a beloved ingredient in Italian cuisine.
Truffles, a highly sought-after luxury ingredient, have a romantic story of their own. According to legend, a beautiful young woman named Pascale found a truffle while walking in the forest one day. She brought it to her lover, a chef named Giovanni, who was so impressed by the unique and intense flavour that he began using truffles in his cooking. Today, truffles are considered one of the most luxurious and romantic ingredients in Italian cuisine.
Gelato, the Italian ice cream, has a romantic origin too. The story goes that Catherine de Medici, a noblewoman from Florence, Italy, brought her own ice cream maker with her when she married King Henry II of France in the 16th century. She introduced her new husband and French courtiers to the delicious treat, and it quickly became a favourite at royal events.
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that is often associated with romance and special occasions. The name "tiramisu" translates to "pick me up" or "cheer me up" in Italian, which is fitting given its reputation for being a sweet and indulgent treat.
One of the reasons tiramisu is considered a romantic dessert is because of its rich, creamy texture and complex flavour profile. The traditional recipe calls for layers of ladyfingers soaked in espresso and liqueur, topped with a whipped mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar. The combination of these ingredients creates a decadent dessert that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu were contestants on the popular ITV programme, Love Island, in the Summer of 2022. The couple won the show, and the hearts of nation with their ‘will they, won’t they’ passionate relationship.
Davide and Ekin-Su dined at our Italian restaurant, Glasshouse Street, located in vibey Soho, for a romantic dinner for 2. While dining at Prezzo, Davide asked Ekin-Su to move in with him: he surprised her with our delicious tiramisu, presented on a wooden board saying, ‘move in?’ written in chocolate sauce – Ekin-Su said, yes (of course)!
Prezzo were ecstatic to be a part of this love story, and Davide (an Italian citizen) chose one of our authentic Italian restaurants to host such a special moment.
These are just a few examples of the many romantic stories that surround Italian food and ingredients. Some of these loving stories may just be tales but the fact that they’ve been passed down generations, far and wide, keeps the romance around Italian food alive. From pasta to pizza, tomatoes to truffles, and gelato to wine, Italian cuisine is immersed in tradition and history, and the stories behind the dishes and ingredients are often just as rich and flavourful as the food itself.