Most foodies daydream about eating their favorite cuisine in its homeland. While some might imagine slurping down heaping bowls of ramen, others see themselves twirling strands of spaghetti from a plate piled high. If Italian food makes your mouth water, there's nothing more exciting than the idea of savoring a meal on the other side of the Atlantic.

Although the U.S. is over 30 times larger than the European nation, Italy's culinary diversity should not be underestimated. Among the variety you'll find from North to South, one element remains consistent: Italians are passionate about food. Food is steeped in tradition, and numerous customs and habits dictate how certain dishes and meals are enjoyed locally.