Pizza, pasta, pepperoni rolls — Marion County is a surprising crossroads of Italian cuisine and culture. In the early 1900s, North Central West Virginia was a hub for coal mining, leading thousands of Italian immigrants, and their culinary traditions, to Marion County. Many classic Italian dishes were popularized with an added Appalachian flare throughout the years, and they can still be enjoyed at local restaurants today.
For a real taste of Italy in Appalachia, plan a trip to Marion County. Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at our family-owned restaurants, find your favorite take on the classic pepperoni roll, or learn more about our Italian heritage at an annual celebration like the Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival or the West Virginia Three Rivers Festival, featuring the Pepperoni Roll Eating World Championship.
The Pepperoni Roll Capital of the World
One of the most well-known treasures of our state, the pepperoni roll, originated in Fairmont almost a century ago. The classic pepperoni roll is made of a soft white yeast bread roll with pepperoni baked in the middle. Each local chef has their own unique recipe, with some rolls being embellished with cheese, and others filled with Italian-style peppers.
Request a copy of our Pepperoni Roll Tour Guide to try them all on your next visit to Marion County.
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