Italy is known for fashion, art, history and last but not least, its cuisine. Italian cuisine has had a major effect on food in the European continent as well as in the rest of the world thanks to Italian pilgrims and adventurers. The fact that every major city in the world will likely have an Italian restaurant should speak to the enduring popularity and quality of Italian food. Italian innovations such as espresso coffee, lasagne, pasta and many more have found favour with all people from all corners of the globe and have become a part of many people's everyday meals. Italian wines and cheeses are also considered among the best in the world.
What is always known is that cuisine in Italy is divided into country regions. Each region and each province in Italy has its own particular style, influenced by neighbouring countries, regions and the type of crops that grow most easily in those areas. Quick examples would be the popularity of cheese in Piedmont, pasta in Emilia-Romagna, risotto in Veneto and so on. Pizza is an American innovation of a dish from Naples in Italy's southern Campania region. That so many dishes from such rustic origins have spread throughout the world is a testament to the simple and universal flavours of Italian cuisine.
The versatility of Italian cuisine and the exquisite taste of Italian dishes have allowed them to be modified and recreated repeatedly, still whenever someone eats a pasta dish or a dish rich in tomato sauce, cheese and spices, Italy immediately flies to the mind.