How to experience Italy's Slow Food movement

The Slow Food movement in Italy is more than just a food trend - it's a way of life. Founded in 1989 as a response to the opening of the first McDonald's in Rome, Slow Food has become a global organization that promotes responsible and sustainable eating. But what exactly does this mean for the foodie traveler visiting Italy? Let's take a closer look at the Slow Food philosophy and how it can enhance your culinary adventures.

Local and traditional

First and foremost, Slow Food is all about embracing local and traditional cuisine. The movement believes in preserving regional culinary traditions, using locally-sourced ingredients, and supporting small-scale farmers and producers. This means that you'll find unique and authentic dishes at restaurants and markets, made with ingredients that are in season and grown in the surrounding area.

Sustainable and ethical 

Another key aspect of Slow Food is its focus on sustainable and ethical practices. This includes everything from reducing food waste to supporting environmentally-friendly farming techniques. When you dine at a Slow Food restaurant, you can feel good knowing that your meal is not only delicious but also has a positive impact on the planet.

Good Food - Good Mood

But Slow Food isn't just about what's on your plate - it's also about the experience of dining. The movement encourages taking time to savor your meal, enjoying the company of your dining companions, and immersing yourself in the local culture. So, don't rush through your meal, instead, take the time to appreciate every bite and soak in the atmosphere.

Local Support

Finally, the Slow Food movement invites travelers to become "co-producers" rather than just consumers. By supporting local farmers and producers, you can make a positive impact on the food industry and help preserve culinary traditions for future generations.

So, whether you're dining at a Slow Food restaurant, exploring a local market, or cooking a meal with ingredients from a small-scale producer, you can feel good knowing that you're supporting a movement that values tradition, sustainability, and community. Slow Food isn't just about food - it's a way of life that can enhance your travel experience in Italy and beyond.

A Secret!

At Plinius, we are great supporters of the slow-food movement. One of the founders of Plinius is also the founder of Restaurant Merkelbach in Amsterdam which is a shining example of the Slow Food philosophy in action. The restaurant serves seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on sustainable and organic products. A strong commitment to Slow Food values means that every dish on the menu is made with care and intention, with fresh and flavorful ingredients.

When traveling we are always looking for the best slow-food restaurants around. We will let you into our secret of how we find the best places to eat in Italy… download the slow food App “Osterie d'Italia”

The best restaurants are slow-food restaurants

So there it is Foodies, if you're headed to Italy, you've got to check out the Slow Food app Osteria. It's simply the best way for finding the best, traditional, and sustainable restaurants all over Italy. The app is super easy to use. You can search for restaurants by location, cuisine, and even Slow Food membership. 

What really sets the Osteria app apart is its commitment to sustainable and ethical dining. Every restaurant on the app has been certified by Slow Food, which means they prioritize local, seasonal, and sustainably-sourced ingredients. So, not only are you getting delicious food, but you're also supporting responsible practices. You can also plan your dining experiences ahead of time. Save your faves to your list, make reservations directly through the app, and get ready to eat your way through Italy!