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Pretty much the opposite of my experience.

One might even go so far as saying Italy is large and diverse and has many different areas with multiple restaurants of varying quality.

I was given cheese and buttered bread on a short regional flight in Italy. Leagues better than any cheese or bread I'd ever had in the United States.

I’ve been there a few times, and it has been generally great. One of the best european countries for food. Along Spain and France. There are bad places everywhere.

Yes. Just stay away from the over touristy places. Even the food at the autostrada stops is excellent.

I just can’t agree with your experience, but am willing to believe that you certainly feel that way. I will say that hands down, the best meal I have ever had in Italy was a spit roasted half hen and crispy potato chunks on a paper plate from the random corner store by the Hotel Pink Floyd near Tremini in Rome. That experience was certainly not what most people think of when they think Italian food.

Sounds like you were eating in tourist traps.