Culinary delights in Le Marche

Le Marche is a food lover’s paradise. The region is known for its local specialities and honest, artisan products: homemade salami and prosciutto from the farm, organic cheeses from the village cheesemaker, white and black truffles fresh from the mountains, local extra virgin olive oil, and excellent wines from regional wineries.
During your stay in southern Le Marche, we’ll be happy to show you where to find the very best of these local treasures.

The flavours of Le Marche

Antipasti
The signature appetisers of southern Le Marche? Olive all’Ascolana – large green olives stuffed with seasoned meat and deep-fried – and Cremini, golden bites of creamy custard. These are often served as part of an antipasto platter or simply enjoyed as a snack. A must-try during your holiday!
Other local favourites include Galantina, a cold chicken roll with herbs, vegetables, egg, pistachios and Parmesan, often paired with Insalata Russa – the Italian version of a creamy potato salad.

Il Primo
Each Italian region has its own pasta tradition, and here you’ll find Tagliatelle al ragù, Lasagna (also known as Vincis Grassi), and Maccheroncini di Campofilone, ultra-thin spaghetti from the town of Campofilone. The pasta dishes here are simple and honest – no fuss, just pure flavour.

Il Secondo
For the main course, meat grilled over an open flame (alla brace) is a local favourite. It’s a tradition that dates back to when farming families cooked everything on the fireplace. Today, many restaurants still serve grilled meats this way – and some are even fully dedicated to fire-based cooking. Just good meat, a pinch of salt, pepper and rosemary – that’s all it takes.
Another must-try: Porchetta, a spiced rolled pork roast cooked for hours until the skin is deliciously crispy. Once cooled, it’s sliced and served on a roll or with bread and salad. You may have seen it on a market stall – a roast pig’s head on display. That’s Porchetta (don’t worry, the head is just for show!).

Dolce
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with homemade Tiramisu or Panna Cotta. And if you’re out for pizza, end your meal with a Nutella pizza – surprisingly tasty!

For Italians, eating together is sacred. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to fully experience that culture during your holiday in Le Marche? To dive into the real Italian kitchen, with all its flavours, rituals and traditions? There’s no better place than here.

Le Marche is full of honest, artisanal products – from homemade salami and prosciutto to organic cheeses from the local cheesemaker.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

In the area you'll find restaurants serving dishes with fresh white and black truffles – especially in the mountains, where they’re often on the menu year-round.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

At the farmer’s home or in the frantoio, you can get real extra virgin olive oil – freshly pressed from the local olive harvest.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

Le Marche is known in Italy for its exceptional wines – with Offida Pecorino being one of its true gems.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

Whether as an antipasto or a snack – Olive all’Ascolana are the signature treat of southern Le Marche.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

​​​​​​​Another local specialty from Le Marche: Galantina with Insalata Russa, often served as an antipasto.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

​​​​​​​A traditional antipasto in any restaurant wouldn’t be complete without local cured meats and cheeses.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

Tagliatelle al ragù – a classic you’ll find in every restaurant and home kitchen.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

Lasagna – known in Le Marche as Vincis Grassi – is a regional pasta specialty, often enjoyed at home on Sundays and holidays.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

Another pasta specialty from Le Marche: Maccheroncini di Campofilone. Delicate, thin spaghetti from the village of Campofilone, served with ragù or tomato sauce.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

For the main course, meat is often grilled over an open fire (alla brace) – simple and pure, with just salt, pepper and rosemary.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

​​​​​​​Be sure to try Porchetta – a seasoned rolled pork roast that’s slow-cooked for at least four hours until the crust turns perfectly crispy.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

Tiramisu is a true classic of Italian cuisine – with every region giving it its own twist.
Photo: Viva la Casa.

Pannacotta – a staple dessert on just about every menu. Delicious with frutti di bosco or chocolate.
Photo: Viva la Casa.