Is There a Taco Bell in Italy? (2025 Travel Guide)

Craving Taco Bell in Italy? Find out if you can get tacos, burritos, and Baja Blast while traveling through Rome, Florence, and beyond.

There isn’t currently a Taco Bell operating in Italy. But don’t panic—you’re not entirely out of luck when it comes to tacos, burritos, or late-night munchies. This guide will help you navigate fast food cravings while exploring the land of pasta and pizza.

Why There’s No Taco Bell in Italy (Yet)
Taco Bell, despite being one of the most recognizable Mexican-style fast food chains in the U.S., has had a tough time cracking the European market. While it has locations in the U.K., Spain, and the Netherlands, Italy hasn’t made the list.

Why? A few reasons:
- Italian culinary pride: Italy fiercely protects its food heritage. Chains that don't align with traditional food culture often struggle to break in.
- Limited demand: Italians generally prefer fresh, local meals. Mexican-American fast food just isn't part of their usual routine.
- Logistical costs: Importing Taco Bell’s specific ingredients and flavor profiles to Italy may not be cost-effective for the brand (yet).

Taco Bell actually tried to expand to Italy briefly in the '80s and again in the early 2000s—but both attempts fizzled out quickly.

Closest Taco Bell to Italy
If you're desperate enough to hop a border for your crunchwrap supreme, your best bets are:
- Barcelona, Spain – Multiple Taco Bell locations
- London, U.K. – Reliable, permanent Taco Bells
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – Smaller but present

Can You Find Anything Similar in Italy?
Surprisingly, yes. While authentic Mexican cuisine is rare, Italy is home to several Tex-Mex and American-style restaurants, especially in larger cities.

Mexican/Tex-Mex Restaurants in Italy:
1. Mama’s Chips & Salsa – Rome (tourist-friendly, American-Mex hybrid)
2. Tijuana Mexican Grill – Florence
3. La Cucaracha – Rome’s oldest Mexican restaurant
4. Calavera – A Mexican-themed fast food chain in Milan shopping malls (the closest in vibe to Taco Bell)

What About DIY Taco Bell?
If you’re staying in an Airbnb or somewhere with a kitchen, you can build your own pseudo-Taco Bell experience using local ingredients.

Head to a supermarket like Carrefour or Coop, and look for:
- Tortillas (“piadine” are common)
- Chicken (“pollo grigliato” or “pollo a strisce”)
- Lettuce, tomato, cheese
- Hot sauce (look for “piccante” labels)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt as a sub

It’s not quite the same as a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, but it’ll hit the spot.

American Chains That Are in Italy
So if there’s no Taco Bell, what can a fast-food lover actually get?

You’ll find these in most Italian cities:
- McDonald’s – Found near nearly every train station
- Burger King – Known as "BK Italia"
- KFC – Growing fast, often in Northern Italy
- Five Guys – Only in big metro areas like Milan and Rome
- Subway – Rare but scattered in major tourist zones

These chains sometimes adjust menus to local tastes. Expect Parmesan-dusted fries or Nutella pies at McDonald’s.

Best Italian Street Food to Replace Taco Bell
Italy has a killer street food culture, and while it’s not Tex-Mex, it’s rich in flavor and tradition. Here’s what you might try instead:

- Panzerotti – Fried dough pockets stuffed with mozzarella and tomato (Southern Italy)
- Supplì – Roman fried rice balls, often with ragù and cheese
- Piadina – Flatbread wraps, available with tons of meat or veggie fillings
- Arancini – Sicily’s signature stuffed rice balls
- Porchetta Sandwich – Roast pork served hot on crusty bread

These grab-and-go options will make you forget about cheesy gordita crunches (well, almost).

What to Drink Instead of Baja Blast
Baja Blast doesn’t exist in Italy, but your thirst will be quenched with:
- San Benedetto Iced Tea – Comes in peach, lemon, green
- Chinotto – Bitter orange soda, very Italian
- Limonata or Aranciata – Sparkling citrus sodas from San Pellegrino
- Spritz Aperol – For those 18+ looking to vibe like a local

Pro tip: Water isn't free at most Italian fast food restaurants. Be ready to pay for bottled water (“acqua naturale” or “acqua frizzante”).

Should You Plan Travel Around Fast Food?
Honestly? No. Italy’s cuisine is legendary for a reason. From regional pastas and wood-fired pizzas to espresso culture and slow food, you’re not in Kansas anymore—and that’s a good thing.

But if you:
- Have dietary restrictions
- Are traveling with kids
- Just really miss familiar flavors…

Then knowing your options is helpful. And this guide should keep you well-fed until your next Taco Bell run stateside.

Will Taco Bell Ever Come to Italy?
It’s possible—but not guaranteed. As of 2025, there are no confirmed plans for Taco Bell to launch in Italy. The brand is focusing on expanding in Spain, the U.K., and parts of Asia.

That said, if enough demand arises and supply chains improve post-pandemic, we could eventually see a location in Milan or Rome. Taco Bell fans: don’t give up hope.

Final Verdict
Is there a Taco Bell in Italy?
Nope—not yet.

But between solid Tex-Mex restaurants, fast food alternatives, and authentic Italian eats, you won’t go hungry. Think of it as a chance to explore something new—and appreciate the cheesy crunch all the more when you get home.