Fritto Misto / The Spruce Eats - Cara Cormack With more than 4,700 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that seafood plays a starring role in Italian cuisine. From the rocky shores of Liguria to the sun-soaked islands of Sicily, each coastal region brings its own flavors, traditions, and techniques to the table. Italian seafood cooking is rooted in simplicity—fresh ingredients, minimal fuss, and a deep respect for the sea. Here’s a look at how seafood shapes the culinary iden