What do you think of when someone says Italy? Do you picture food, art, iconic architecture, or stunning beaches?

Many people would tell you to start with the food.

Italian food is considered among the best in the world. Starting with the pasta. Italians typically consume 50lbs of pasta yearly, and it comes in all shapes and sizes. There are over 300 types of pasta shapes in Italy alone! Pasta dishes differ from region to region; some have risen to international fame. Carbonara from Rome, pesto from Genova, and Bolognese from Bologna (called ragu in Italian) are only some of the most famous examples.

Another very obvious Italian specialty is Pizza. The pie we know today, with tomato sauce and mozzarella, was born in Naples. In 1889, chef Raffaele Esposito made pizza for Queen Margherita of Savoy. In her honor, he made it tricolor like the Italian flag by using tomato sauce (red), mozzarella (white), and basil leaves (green) and called it Margherita. The skill of making Neapolitan Pizza is so unique that UNESCO recognized it as an intangible world heritage. 

Then, of course, there is the Espresso. Italian breakfast starts with a cup of coffee, and coffee flows liberally in Italy as a pick-me-up in the middle of the morning or after a meal. Almost as famous as Espresso is the Italian cappuccino. A drink made of coffee, milk, and milk foam, cappuccino takes its name from the color of the robes of the capuchin friar who invented it. It is one of the most popular breakfast drinks in the country. 

And how could we forget the desserts? Tiramisu is made with soft lady finger biscuits, coffee, and a mascarpone-based cream, a luscious and delightful treat. 

Cannoli are one of the most famous and delicious creations of Sicilian cuisine and one of the things that make Italy famous. They are crunchy outside with a filling of sweet ricotta.

Gelato is one of the most famous Italian food creations. It is made at a higher temperature than standard ice cream, contains less air and less fat, and is made with seasonal ingredients.

When we saw this colorful painting, we immediately thought of meals shared with family and friends in the Italian style. We had to make it into a puzzle. It perfectly evokes memories of a Ristorante in Italy, even if you can't make it there soon.

The perfect gift for wooden jigsaw puzzlers, and Italy fans, this traditional adult wooden jigsaw puzzle can be done repeatedly. Our wooden jigsaw puzzle artists have included many shaped, whimsy wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces that match the subject of the painting. We have integrated them in ways that will delight and surprise you as you put the wooden jigsaw puzzle together.