What to Eat in Paestum and the Surrounding Area: A Tasty Journey Through Temples and Authentic Flavors

Paestum is more than just the awe-inspiring sight of its Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it’s also a land rich in flavor, home to culinary traditions rooted in the Mediterranean diet. If you’re planning a vacation in Cilento, prepare yourself for an unforgettable culinary journey.

The strategically located Hotel Schuhmann is the ideal starting point for exploring the gastronomic delights of this area. But what absolutely shouldn’t you miss?

The White Gold of Cilento: Her Majesty the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP

You can’t talk about Paestum without mentioning its signature product: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP. Made from whole buffalo milk, this specialty is renowned worldwide for its freshness, elastic texture, and unmistakable flavor.

Hotel Tip: Visit a local dairy (there are several excellent ones just minutes from us) for a tasting by the slice and discover the entire production chain. Enjoy it fresh, the same day it’s made, or in the classic Caprese dish with cherry tomatoes and local basil.

Typical Local Dishes: Between Land and Sea

Cilentan cuisine is a perfect balance between inland produce and the freshness of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here are some dishes you absolutely must try when wondering what to eat in and around Paestum:

First Courses That Tell a Story

Cicci Maritati: A humble yet flavorful dish, typical of the Cilento hinterland. It’s a mix of legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils) often cooked with short pasta and perhaps a drizzle of local extra virgin olive oil.

Cavatielli with Cilento Ragù: Cavatielli are fresh, handmade pasta, and the slow-cooked ragù is traditionally made with pork or beef.

The Scent of the Sea

Fried Paranza: Given the proximity to the coast, fresh fish is a mainstay. A light and crispy mixed fried fish mix of bluefish and small paranza is a must.

Fish Soup: A triumph of seafood flavors, often prepared with the catch of the day, such as scorpionfish, weever fish, and shellfish.

Local Street Food: Quick and Authentic Flavors

If you’re visiting the Temples and looking for a quick but authentic snack, Paestum won’t disappoint when it comes to street food either:

Pizza a Portafoglio: A Neapolitan institution that has found a home here too. The pizza is folded in four so it can be eaten comfortably while walking.

I Cuoppi: Paper cones filled with mixed fried foods (sometimes fish, sometimes battered vegetables, such as zucchini flowers).

Pane e Olio: Simplicity wins. A slice of homemade wood-fired bread, dipped in excellent Cilento extra virgin olive oil, is the essence of a Cilento snack.

Stay at Hotel Schuhmann: Your Taste Base in Paestum

After a day spent exploring ancient art and gastronomic discoveries, what could be better than returning to a comfortable and relaxing environment?

Hotel Schuhmann is not only synonymous with convenience and proximity to historic sites; it’s also the place where you can get the best recommendations for your food and wine excursions, with a team ready to guide you through the culinary treasures that make your experience of dining in and around Paestum unique.

Don’t wait! Turn your vacation into an unforgettable taste adventure.

Book your stay now to fully immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Cilento.

Booking Contacts:

Phone: 0828 851151

Email: info@hotelschuhmann.com

We look forward to helping you discover Paestum with all five senses!