Discover Trieste: A Culinary & Wine Lover's Paradise
February 2, 2025
I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit Trieste, Italy, thanks to an invitation from the Chamber of Commerce in Friuli Venezia Giulia to attend *Olio Capitale*, an annual event showcasing the national and regional exceptional extra virgin olive oil. This trip was far more than just a taste of "liquid gold"—it was a deep dive into a region brimming with culinary delights and a rich history.
This trip was an unforgettable adventure. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or just appreciate good food and wine in a beautiful setting, Trieste and Friuli Venezia Giulia are destinations you should consider. The landscapes are stunning, the people are welcoming, and the food and wine are simply divine.
Olio Capitale is an annual event showcasing exceptional extra virgin olive oil from the national and regional regions. Trieste itself is a captivating city, a charming blend of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences. Its elegant architecture, polished marble streets, and picturesque alleyways create a stunning backdrop for a delicious adventure.
The city's reputation as the "Capital of Coffee" is well-deserved. I sampled some incredible espresso and macchiato in ‘Tazza Grande’, my typical ‘go to’ morning coffee.
You’ll find excellent roasters on nearly every corner. Some of my favourites include:
* Trieste Urban Roastery* Guatamala Torrefazione
But the coffee scene is only the beginning. My early morning walks often led me to the city's excellent bakeries. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the alleyways is an experience in itself. I highly recommend checking out Jerian Panificio. (You can find links to their websites, and others I recommend below).
Trieste's ancient bread-making tradition is fascinating. For centuries, women known as "pancogole" carried bread on their heads, walking from the charming village of Servola to sell their goods. This cross-cultural exchange is evident in the bread itself, with influences from Slovenia and Austria reflected in the unique types available today, such as Biga Servolana and Cornetto Istriano.
The alterations of Populations, cultures and traditions, along with the Regions's geographical location, have certainly influenced Friuli Venezia Giulia Food.
The practical definition of Pellegrino Artusi ‘Friuli Venezia Giulia with its - German Dishes’ testifies to the strong bond that has always existed between history and food. , along with the region's geographical location, have certainly influenced Friuli Venezia Giulia
* Amano (Street Food):** Largo Barriera Vecchia 11, Trieste, 34131 Italy
* Menarosti (Seafood):** Via del Toro 12 Trieste, 34125 Italy (a historic restaurant!)
* Ristorante Al Bargatto (High-end):** Via Luigi Cadorn 7 - Trieste, 34124
Where to Stay:
Exploring the Collio Wine Region
Our journey extended beyond Trieste to the stunning Collio wine region. With our guide, Boris, we learned about the region's complex history, including border wars that shaped its identity, culminating in its official incorporation into Italy in 1954.
The Collio's crisp sea breezes and cool climate produce some of Italy's finest wines. The region is celebrated for its elegant white wines made from Indigenous grape blends, including:
* Tai (originally Tocai)
* Verduzzo
* Picolit
Here are a few of my favourite Collio wines to check out
Orange Wines
* Gravner
After visiting the Spesa Castle, with its medieval wine cellars, we enjoyed lunch at the Restaurant La Tavernetta, a delicious lunch that paired perfectly with estate wine
Friuli Venezia Giulia: A Region Rich in History and Culture
Friuli Venezia Giulia has a deep history dating back to Julius Caesar's founding. Its location between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea shapes it as a land of contrasts.
From a territorial point of view, the region is distinguished by the Alpine area of Carnia, intermediate hilly areas covered with vineyards and a large plain that represents the extreme eastern extension of the Po Valley and reaches the sea.
What most characterises the region is the coexistence - as the name itself suggests - of at least two distinct realities, for morphological, historical and cultural characteristics: Friuli with Udine and Pordenone and Venezia Giulia with Trieste and Gorizia.
The positon of borderland and 'gateway to Italy' has greatly influenced the history of these places. In Roman times, the region was crossed by the border that divided the empire from the barbarian world. Consequently, when the push of the eastern peoples could no longer be contained, Friuli Venezia Giulia became an obligatory passage for the great migrations of people who flooded into the Roman world in search of new lands, pastures and riches. Thus began the barbarian invasions that inaugurated a dark and dramatic period during which Aquileia, the fourth city of Italy and capital of the tenth Augustan region, was destroyed by Attila in 452
The historical significance of Friuli Venezia Giulia as a borderland has indeed shaped its identity through various periods of migration and cultural exchange. Your summary captures the essence of its tumultuous past and the multiple influences this region has experienced.
Began the barbarian invasions that inaugurated a dark and dramatic period during which Aquileia, the fourth city of Italy and capital of the tenth Augustan region, was destroyed by Attila in 452
The historical significance of Friuli Venezia Giulia as a borderland has indeed shaped its identity through various periods of migration and cultural exchange. Your summary captures the essence of its tumultuous past and the multiple influences this region has experienced.
The rich tapestry of history in Friuli Venezia Giulia makes it a fascinating area for exploration, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of its communities over the centuries.
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To enjoy the authentic Venetian flavors of the region, you will have to spend more and plan. A typical lunch in Venice costs a minimum of 40 euros—dinner from 80 Euro per person. You can book most restaurants directly online. Be sure to book. Check out a list of our favorite restaurants and Bacari in the six districts of Venice and the Venetian Lagoon.
