What to Eat in Carrara: Food, Territory, and Traditions

Discovering what to eat in Carrara means stepping into the most authentic culture of the Marble City. Carrara’s cuisine was shaped by the lives of marble quarry workers, by hard labor in the quarries, and by a borderland territory between Tuscany and Liguria, nestled between the Apuan Alps and the sea. Simple, nourishing, and flavorful dishes tell a story of hard work, ingenuity, and traditions passed down through generations.

Lardo di Colonnata IGP: the symbol of Carrara cuisine

The most famous local specialty is without a doubt Lardo di Colonnata IGP. Aged in marble basins with sea salt, herbs, and spices, it perfectly represents the deep connection between marble and gastronomy. For centuries, it was the everyday food of quarry workers: high-energy, easy to preserve, and ideal for those working outdoors.

Today, Lardo di Colonnata is considered a true gourmet delicacy. It is served as an appetizer, paired with warm bread or focaccia, or used to enhance traditional dishes. Here you can find our dedicated article about Lardo di Colonnata.

Traditional Carrara dishes

Carrara’s cuisine is a balance between land and sea. The city developed in the heart of an agricultural area rich in olive groves, vineyards, and local produce, while also being influenced by the nearby coast, just a few miles from the historic center.

Traditional dishes were created to feed quarry workers and families living in the city and countryside, providing low-cost, high-energy meals. Some of the most representative dishes include:

• Marinated salt cod – today a refined dish, once served in wine cellars as humble food.
• Taglierini with beans – the true fuel of quarry workers, traditionally reheated the next day.
• Tordelli filled with meat and vegetables – the same filling is also used for traditional “lasagne stordellate.”
• Vegetable pies and frittatas, prepared with seasonal ingredients.

Meat was never abundant and, when available, usually came from farm animals such as chicken and rabbit, often stewed or served with polenta or fried.

From the sea come simple yet flavorful dishes like mussels marinara or stuffed, fried anchovies or anchovies preserved in oil, and occasionally stuffed squid.

In the mountains around Carrara, vast chestnut forests thrive. Chestnut flour is used to make traditional dishes such as lasagne bastarde, castagnaccio with ricotta, and chestnut fritters.

The traditional dessert of Carrara is rice cake (torta di riso), made with milk, eggs, and rice. The secret lies in balancing the ingredients to create a creamy layer both above and below the rice.

Snacks and street food in Carrara

For a snack or quick lunch, don’t miss “calda calda”, the local chickpea flatbread also known as farinata or cecina.

Another popular street food is sgabei: pieces of bread dough fried in hot oil until puffy and crispy, then filled with cured meats and cheeses. Simple, comforting, and widely loved.

Local wines and products

Local wines are full-bodied, aromatic, and high quality. They are produced on the hills north and south of Carrara, sunny and exposed to sea breezes. The two main wine areas are:

• Colli di Candia DOC, extending toward Massa and Tuscany.
• Colli di Luni DOC, stretching toward Sarzana and Liguria.

Olive oil, honey, and other local agricultural products complete Carrara’s rich food and wine heritage.

Gourmet experiences in Carrara

Tasting Carrara’s cuisine becomes even more meaningful when paired with experiences on the territory: marble quarry visits, walks through villages like Colonnata, visits to sculpture workshops, and tours of Carrara’s historic center.

Guided tastings help visitors understand the deep connection between landscape, labor, and food.

Discover Carrara through food

Looking for a complete experience? Combine art, marble, and local cuisine with a guided tour followed by a tasting of traditional products. Contact us to design a personalized itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions – What to Eat in Carrara

What is the most famous food in Carrara?

Lardo di Colonnata IGP is the iconic local specialty, served as an appetizer, snack, or inside focaccia.

Are there vegetarian dishes in Carrara?

Yes. Bean soups, stuffed vegetables, vegetable pies, and taglierini with beans are excellent vegetarian options.

Can food tastings be combined with guided tours?

Yes. Many experiences combine marble quarry visits, historic villages, and food tastings.

Experience Carrara with a local guide

Join a guided experience through marble quarries, historic villages, and food traditions.
Get in touch to receive a personalized tour proposal.