Not all Italian gas stations are equal. Chains like Sarni, for example, are known for being a pit stop if you desperately need a bathroom break and a quick glass of meh-espresso to keep your eyes open on the road.
For the crème de la crème of Italian gas station cuisine, you have to stop at Autogrill. There you'll find fresh sfogliatella, a pastry so flaky you'd think it was just baked in the back streets of Naples; riscaldato panini, hot sandwiches stuffed with premium cold cuts and cheeses; or a freshly brewed cappuccino which, according to the unofficial rules of Italian coffee culture, should only be consumed in the morning.
Instantly recognizable by its shiny red A, Autogrill is a must-stop for Italians on the road; almost 400 locations spread throughout the country.
A typical Autogrill has counters where employees serve steaming espressos and cappuccinos in small white cups. The display cases feature a rainbow of sandwiches, slices of pizza and pastries such as cornetti, stuffed with Nutella, cream or my favorite apricot jam.
Selections often vary by region. A handful of Autogrills truly outperform the competition. Some have toy stores, which supplied my childhood collection of puzzles and stuffed animals; bars serving bubbles by the glass; and small markets selling premium bottles of wine and spirits, cured meats and snacks in bulk.
I've been in and out of Autogrills at all hours of the day and night for as long as I can remember. I stopped on eight-hour bus rides to Verona to attend high school soccer tournaments or during filming on the Rome-Naples highway to visit my grandparents in the small region of Molise.
Sometimes my visits are long enough for a quick bathroom break and a bag of Haribo black licorice spirals. Other times I linger for a full breakfast or lunch.
My favorite orders: pear or peach juice served in a small glass bottle and a cornetto filled with apricot jam for breakfast, along with a bottle of sparkling water and a hot ciabatta sandwich stuffed with fine slices of salame, sprinkled with just the right amount. of fat pearls, for lunch.
For me, no road trip is complete without a stop at the Autogrill. Next time you find yourself on the road in Italy, do yourself a favor and eat at a gas station.
Asia London Palomba is a Boston-based travel writer originally from Rome. You can follow his travels on Instagram @asialpalomba.
