5 Imperiese Delicacies That are Office-Approved, Kid-Friendly, and Tourist-Tested

Welcome to the Riviera dei Fiori. If you live in Imperia, your life is likely a chaotic juggle between the Port of Oneglia and the beaches of Porto Maurizio. You are probably one of three people:

1. The Office Worker: Currently dodging seagulls in Oneglia while trying to find a lunch that doesn’t involve a boring ham sandwich.

2. The Mom: Trying to convince your kids that "local culture" is just as cool as YouTube, while packing a beach bag that weighs 40 kilos.

3. The Tourist: Confused by the fact that Imperia has two city centers and wondering why the olive oil here tastes like liquid gold (spoiler: it’s the Taggiasca olives).

What if I told you that our local gastronomia has solved all your problems? Here are 5 Imperiese staples that bridge the gap between "I’m busy," "I’m picky," and "I’m on vacation."

1. Pissalandrea: The Pizza’s Sophisticated Cousin

Named after Admiral Andrea Doria, this is Imperia’s answer to pizza. It’s thick, soft, and topped with tomato, onions, olives, and—traditionally—anchovies.

• For the Office: It’s the ultimate "desk-stable" food. It doesn't get soggy, it doesn't need a fork, and the onions are cooked so long they become a sweet jam (though maybe keep some mints in your drawer for that 2:00 PM meeting).

• For the Kids: Just tell them it’s "fluffy pizza." If they are anti-anchovy, most bakeries in Oneglia sell a version without the "salty fish," leaving just the red, saucy goodness.

• The Tourist Secret: Look for the black pearls on top. Those are Taggiasca olives. Once you eat these, regular canned olives will taste like rubber tires to you forever.

2. Farinata (The Oneglia Style)

In Imperia, we take our Farinata seriously. This chickpea flour pancake is baked in massive copper tins until it develops a crust that crackles.

• For the Office: It’s gluten-free and packed with protein. It’s basically a "power bowl" in slice form, minus the annoying kale.

• For the Kids: It’s yellow, it’s salty, and you eat it with your hands. It’s basically a giant, healthy French fry.

• The Tourist Secret: Go to the historic center of Oneglia around 11:30 AM. Follow the smell of toasted chickpeas. If the paper wrap isn't slightly transparent from the olive oil, you’re doing it wrong.

3. Pan Bagnat (The Border-Crosser)

Being so close to France, we’ve adopted this "bathed bread." It’s a round roll stuffed with tuna, raw veggies, olives, and a massive amount of local olive oil.

• For the Office: It’s a self-contained meal. The longer it sits, the better it gets because the oil soaks into the bread. It’s the only sandwich that actually rewards you for working through your lunch break.

• For the Kids: It’s a "treasure chest" sandwich. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to survive being dropped in the sand at Parasio.

• The Tourist Secret: This is the ultimate picnic food. Grab one and head up to the Logge di Santa Chiara for a view that makes a 5-euro sandwich feel like a 50-euro gala dinner.

4. Torta Verde (The Green Queen)

Every grandmother in Imperia has a secret recipe for this savory vegetable pie, usually filled with rice, eggs, and whatever greens are growing in the garden.

• For the Office: It’s a balanced meal that fits in a briefcase. It’s cold, clean, and makes you look like you have your life together.

• For the Kids: "Green Power Cake." The rice gives it a texture kids actually like, hiding the fact that they are eating a week's worth of folic acid.

• The Tourist Secret: This is the soul of the Cucina Bianca (White Cuisine) of our mountains. It’s the most authentic "peasant food" turned gourmet.

5. Strosciaccia: The "Breakable" Cake

A hard, crumbly cake made with—you guessed it—extra virgin olive oil and vermouth.

• For the Office: The perfect 4:00 PM pick-me-up. It doesn't melt, and it pairs perfectly with that third espresso.

• For the Kids: You don’t cut it with a knife; you "strosciare" (break) it with your hands. It’s the only time they’re encouraged to smash their food.

• The Tourist Secret: Buy a whole one. It lasts for weeks, making it the only souvenir that won't die in your suitcase before you get to the airport.

🥖 Hungry for the best of Imperia?

Don't settle for "average" when you can have authentic. Whether you’re fueling up for a long afternoon at the office, packing a nutritious beach bag for the kids, or hunting for the real taste of the Riviera, we’ve got your counter waiting.

Visit Salumeria Bella Italia today for a taste of tradition you can take to the desk, the shore, or the dinner table.

📍 Find us at: Viale Matteotti 45