This family-run grocery store has roots going back generations in Griffith. La Piccola Grosseria specialises in Italian smallgoods, pasta, cheese, biscotti, coffee, cannoli and homestyle, authentic panini stuffed to order. The old-school alimentari also sells slabs of lasagna and tiramisu to go. Practise your DuoLingo Italian in the queue as the language remains central to daily life. 444A Banna Avenue; visitgriffith.com.au

Take a tour of Catania Fruit Salad Farm to see what’s grown in the fertile Riverina soil, then head straight to Zecca Handmade Italian to enjoy just-harvested ingredients for lunch. ‘Zecca’ means mint in Italian, a nod to the history of the old Art Deco Rural Bank building the eatery occupies. Zecca is all about pasta with purpose: semolina milled locally, obscure pasta shapes like tortiglioni and passata bottled in-house. 239 Banna Ave, Griffith; zeccagriffith.com.au

If it’s big Nonna energy you’re after, time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith in August. It’s a bad week to be a salami during the annual Festa delle Salsicce (Festival of the Sausages), which celebrates the town’s Italian heritage with everything from music to cooking workshops. Expect heated debates when the winner of the ‘Best Homemade Salami’ is declared. atasteofitalygriffith.com.au

This rustic restaurant was built from the ground up using mostly recycled materials and reclaimed wood. Chef Luke Piccolo also keeps sustainability front of mind with the menu, harvesting fruit, vegetables and herbs from the family farm. Expect a European sensibility grounded in Riverina produce, with Luke’s innovative take on dishes that take a deep bow toward Italian family traditions. 482 Banna Avenue; limone.com.au

Ask a local where to eat in Griffith and they’ll likely say La Scala. The risotto al funghi is not quite how Nonna used to make it: it’s better. According to the Migration Heritage Centre, about 60 per cent of the city’s 25,000-strong residents claim Italian heritage. You will find a lot of them at this old-school eatery on the city’s main drag, sleeves rolled up, tucking into penne arrabiata and cotoletta Milanese, glass of barbera in hand. 2-4 Blumer Avenue, Griffith; lascalarestaurant.com.au

The best way to understand the Italian influence in Griffith is to start with a soft and chewy biscotti at Bertoldo’s. The recipe dates back generations. Established in 1952, the fourth-generation family bakery is also known for its bread, cannoli, gelato and nougat. The appetising aromas wafting from the pasticceria summon passers-by from the street. 324 Banna Avenue, Griffith; @bertoldospasticceria

The menu at Bull & Bell in the Gem Hotel reads like a roll call of Riverina producers: Riverina Black Angus, Aquna Murray Cod, Riverina Berkshire Gold Pork, Myee Quail Farm, Parafield Olives, Morella Grove olive oil and Paddock Peckers Eggs, all sourced from within a 300-kilometre radius. Order the 400g rib sirloin dry-aged for a minimum of 45 days – a signature at the steakhouse – alongside charred broccolini. 201-207 Banna Avenue, Griffith; bullnbell.com.au

Head to Whitton Malt House for a grain-to-glass experience that is a celebration of place, people and local produce. The unique agri-tourism venture built around local grain and produce pairs small-batch spirits with paddock-to-plate fare. Book a tasting, then settle in for a lunch by the lake of battered Aquna Murray cod tacos, rough-cut slaw and spiced sour cream. 783 Whitton Darlington Point Rd, Whitton; whittonmalthouse.com.au

Rock up wearing an AS Reginna soccer jersey and you might just find your glass filled a little more generously at Calabria Family Wines. The Calabria family planted its flag in the soil around Griffith more than 80 years ago and has gone on to become one of Australia’s top 20 wine producers. Visit the onsite museum and sensory wall before tasting the terroir at the Tuscan-style cellar door. 1283 Brayne Rd, Griffith; calabriawines.com.au

Consider the De Bortoli cellar door at Bilbul as an easy entry point into the region. Originally founded in 1928, the cellar door is a testament to the contribution made by the hardworking and innovative de Bortoli family. Add a cheeseboard or antipasto platter to the new signature flight tasting to enjoy a taste of the terroir. This is Riverina hospitality at its most relaxed. De Bortoli Road, Bilbul; debortoli.com.au

A short detour northeast of Griffith will deliver you to Yarran Wines near Cocoparra National Park. Expect tailored tastings at the cellar door that is considered a standout on the Riverina region’s wine route. Griffith’s motto is ‘Taste our Culture’ and oenophiles can do just that at events like Live in the Vines which pull in locals for live music and pizza picnics on the grass. 178 Myall Park Rd, Yenda; yarranwines.com.au

One in four glasses of wine in Australia is produced in the Riverina region. You can taste many of them at Harvest HQ, an intimate wine bar that celebrates locally produced wines, beers and spirits. The bar is housed in the old ambulance station and also sells bar bites and local produce. 125-127 Banna Avenue, Griffith; harvesthq.com.au

This family-run distillery in the Riverina is a low-key operation doing serious things with grain. Everything is handled in-house here, from milling to maturation, with a focus on small runs and bold flavours. While whisky leads the way, the rums and gins hold their own. Tastings can be booked online or with a Bella Vita Tour where you can get the run-down on the small-batch distillery. 12 Altin St, Griffith; theaislingdistillery.com.au

If you’re looking to create a bit of distance from your big city life, Corynnia Station delivers. Follow the Not All Who Wander Are Lost bumper stickers to the luxury retreat under a sky wallpapered blue to its very edges. Days are slow here. But nights are even slower. Sit around the camp fire in meditative silence where the soundscape goes up an octave at dusk. 1823 Carrathool Road, Carrathool; corynniastation.com.au

The Gem is not exactly hidden. In fact, it’s right in the heart of Griffith. The hotel, which has 65 light-filled, contemporary rooms, is a smart base for a weekend built around eating and drinking with the Bull & Bell steakhouse downstairs. Clink glasses over some top terroir-rich drops and then pull stumps for a nap. Add a sports bar and you’re all set to cheer on your favourite team. 201-207 Banna Avenue, Griffith; gemhotel.com.au