Nadia Caterina Munno, best known as The Pasta Queen, excitedly greeted and personally served guests Rigatono alla Carbonara at a private dinner in New York City. During the summer event, hosted by Ferrari-Carano, attendees dined on curated bites, watched pasta demonstrations and sipped wine and wine-based cocktails.
Nadia, a Rome Native, has made a name for herself on social media, with more than 10 million followers. And now, she is a two-time New York Times best-selling author, and she stars in her own TV show on Amazon Prime. These days, Nadia resides in Tampa, but she always has tips for Italian food — whether it’s in Florida, on a trip to Italy, or within her successful cookbooks.
In our exclusive interview, Nadia reveals the best Italian souvenirs, where she’d like to travel next, and her favorite recipes at the moment.
Galavante: What are your favorite places to visit in Italy?
Nadia: Rome will always be my favorite city, because it’s home. I grew up there, so every street has a memory. It’s one of those places where you can spend the morning walking past ancient ruins, stop for the best carbonara of your life, and end the day in a little piazza with a glass of wine. It never gets old.
I always tell people not to rush Rome. Don’t just check off the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Wander through Trastevere, cross the Tiber with no destination, sit in a café, and let the city surprise you. That’s when Rome is at its best. People ask me all the time where they should go, which is why I put together a Rome Guide on my website, with many of my favorite restaurants, neighborhoods, and hidden gems that I always recommend. It’s a great place to start if you’re planning your first trip to Rome.
Another area to explore is the Amalfi Coast and the islands. They are a little touristy, but they are so beautiful, it’s almost a sin not to go. The color of the sea, the seafood, the lemon sorbet and the warmth of the locals is unmatched. I went to Ravello last year and I stayed at the historic Villa Cimbrone. Absolutely enchanting. I don’t recommend it if you are on a budget, but just visiting the resort is a must. And they have public gardens you can explore.
Galavante: What restaurant should first-timers visit in Rome, and what should they order?
Nadia: If it’s your first time in Rome, forget trying to find the “most Instagrammable” restaurant. Find a place that’s been around forever and order Roman food. Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, Amatriciana, Gricia — that’s what Rome does best. And please don’t order Alfredo. I know people are going to be upset with me, but that’s not the dish you come to Rome for. One trick I always tell people is: if the menu is ten pages long and has pictures of every dish, keep walking.
Some of my most recent favorites are ristorante Il Gabriello near the Spanish steps and Poldo & Gianna Osteria, just ten minute walk from Trevi fountain.
Galavante: Any other tips for first-timers visiting Italy?
Nadia: Don’t try to do everything. People want to see Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily… all in one week. Why? You’ll spend your whole vacation on trains.
Pick a couple of places, and actually enjoy them. Sit outside with an espresso. Wander around. Eat the thing the restaurant is known for instead of ordering what you always eat at home.
Galavante: What’s the best Italian souvenir you’ve given a loved one?
Nadia: Food! Always food or a great recipe! I’ll bring home really good olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano or balsamic vinegar from a small producer. I also love bringing back ceramics, because every time you use them, you remember the trip.
But honestly, my favorite gift is cooking someone an Italian meal when I get home. That’s the most Italian thing you can do. And, sharing the latest recipe I created, inspired by my recent travels.
Galavante: If not Italy, where would you like to visit for your next vacation, and why?
Nadia: Japan. I’ve always wanted to go, because they have so much respect for ingredients and tradition. I think Italians and Japanese have that in common. They don’t overcomplicate things — they just try to make every ingredient the best it can be.
Galavante: What’s your favorite Italian grocery store and restaurant in the Tampa area?
Nadia: If I’m anywhere near Tampa, I’m making the drive to Mazzaro’s Italian Market in St. Petersburg. I could spend hours there. The cheese counter, the fresh pasta, the olive oil, the sandwiches, the pastries… it’s dangerous. You go in for one thing and leave with five bags. It reminds me of the little specialty food shops in Italy, where people actually care about what they’re selling. That’s my kind of place.
I have also had many nights at the Italian Michelin-starred restaurant, Rocca. They have freshly made pasta every night, incredible northern-Italian-inspired sauces and all the ingredients are products of Italy.
Galavante: What is your favorite recipe in your latest book?
Nadia: That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child! If I’m cooking for a special occasion or really want to impress people, I’d make the Pasta alla Norcina. It’s rich, decadent, comforting, and one of those dishes that makes everyone at the table go quiet, because they’re too busy eating.
For something I make more often, I love my Cleopatra of Sicily. It’s this beautiful pasta with whipped ricotta and pesto that’s creamy, fresh, and so simple to make. It tastes luxurious without being complicated, which is exactly the kind of Italian cooking I love.
Galavante: Tell us about your partnership with Ferrari-Carano.
It’s been such a fun partnership, because we both believe that great food and great wine start with respecting the ingredients. I recently visited the Ferrari-Carano estate in Sonoma and got to spend time with their incredible winemakers. We walked through the vineyards, tasted the wines, and talked about how much care goes into every bottle. It felt very familiar to me, because that’s exactly how Italians think about food and wine.
I especially loved the Fumé Blanc and the Pinot Grigio. They’re the kind of wines that make you want to sit outside with a beautiful meal, open another bottle, and stay at the table a little longer.
Galavante: Anything else you’d like to add about Italian cuisine?
Nadia: I always tell people that Italian food isn’t about being fancy. It’s about sharing. It’s about making enough for everybody. It’s about opening a bottle of wine, putting your phone away, and enjoying the people sitting around your table. That’s the part of Italy I hope everyone falls in love with.
It’s gorgeous… just like you are.
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