One of best culinary experiences in Italy can be found at a gas station

Italy does a lot of things right, from its ancient ruins to its sandy coastlines, but at the top of the list of things they do best, making world-class cuisine reigns supreme. And while Italy is home to some of the world’s best restaurants like Osteria Francescana, nearly 400 Michelin star restaurants, and humble trattorias in small towns that feel like a warm hug from nonna on a plate, one of the most surprising culinary hotspots in the country can be found right at the common gas station chain, Autogrill.

What is an Autogrill?

Italy’s Autogrill is exactly as its name suggests; a “grill” or more accurately, a quick restaurant-like stop off of the major highways in the country. Autogrill does always have a place for your car to refuel on gas, but calling it a gas station doesn’t entirely do it justice. Once inside, you can buy anything from freshly prepared espresso drinks to massive paninis filled with quality ingredients like mortadella, pistachio pestos, and stretchy, gooey cheese. There’s also often a plethora of pastries like custard-filled cornetti, and even a bunch of specialty grocery items to take home. Note that not all. Autogrills are created equally, and some are more lacking than others, but regardless, if you see an Autogrill, you can definitely at least get a coffee and some hot food. If you end up at the right one, you could even walk away with items like a bottle of wine and a Panettone (if visiting during the holidays).