In Italian culture, mealtime is sacred. Sitting at a table and eating wholesome food with the people you love creates a healthy mind and body, says Francesca Krieg-Casazza, executive director of the Italian Cultural Society of D.C., and herself Genoan.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are opportunities to build community, be mindful of the body and share time with loved ones, instead of scarfing down a sandwich at your desk while perusing TikTok.“Good quality of food and [good] relations — that’s what Italian culture is about, and the food reflects it,” she says.