Italy is our favourite country in the world. Having visited at least 10 times over the last decade, it is somewhere we could never tire of visiting. In fact, we are currently planning a return trip as soon as possible. This time, of course, we will be taking our children and showing them exactly why we love visiting Italy so much. It’s safe to say it has something that we simply love about it, well a number things actually – the history, the architecture, the culture and of course the food in Italy and we hope that they will share our love.
The food in Italy is right up our alley – massive pizzas and humongous bowls of pasta – every carb lovers dream come true, surely? However, after a couple of days in Italy it comes to the point when even we need something that isn’t heavy and covered in cheese and that’s when we actually look at a menu thoroughly to see what’s on offer.
Traditional Italian Menu
You will find listed in a traditional Italian menu – appetizers, first courses (primo) and second courses (secondo). This is then followed by the dessert (dolce) menu. Because of this, it is usual for an Italian meal to be eaten over a couple of hours or so. Eating in Italy is considered a social affair and should not be rushed.
Where to Eat
Cafes and bars are available throughout cities and towns for light bites such as sandwiches, coffee and pastries and of course ice cream. For more formal dining, there are osteria and trattoria (casual eating places). Then, there are restaurants (ristorante). You are likely to find freshly cooked meals wherever you choose to eat. Therefore expect to wait longer for your food, but don’t worry the wait is usually well worth it.
Fast food outlets are available as they are all over the world but seriously why would you want a burger which all the yummy fresh local grub on offer?
What Time to Eat
Depending on where you are in Italy will, of course, depend on what time places start serving food. However, it is usual for Italians to eat late. Well, what we would consider late, at least. Typically, lunch doesn’t begin until 1:00 pm and dinner not until around 8:00 pm.
It is common for restaurants to close between lunch and dinner. However, in the more touristy parts (the major cities) you might find some that open during these times. Many shops also close during the afternoon. Therefore making it the perfect time to go sightseeing or visit a museum?
Appetizers (Antipasto)
Appetizers in Italy are fantastic and the ‘starter’ course of an Italian meal. They usually comprise of things such as cured meats, olives, various cheeses and sometimes fish. However, it’s important to remember that they differ from region to region and what you may find (and love) in one part of the country, you may not find in another part.
First Courses (Primo)
Instead of one big main course, Italian meals are split into two smaller courses. This course is usually soup or a rice or pasta dish. There are so many pasta dishes to choose from throughout the country. They are usually less saucy than pasta dishes served elsewhere around the world. Also, your favourite pasta dish is spaghetti bolognese, you may be surprised to learn that it is not actually a recognised Italian dish.
Second Course (Secondo)
The second-course widely consists of meat, fish or poultry, Side orders (more about them next) usually need to be ordered separately. The vegetarian and vegan options available depends on the restaurant and city you are in eating in. If you do have any dietary requirements, you may struggle in certain places.
Side Dishes
As mentioned above, if you want something to accompany your second course, you need to order a side dish/es too. Side dishes include vegetables/greens (Verdura), salad (Insalata) and potato options.
Desserts (Dolce)
If you still have room then why not indulge in dolce (dessert). There are of course a number of world-famous Italian desserts. These include tiramisu, panna cotta, cannoli and panettone of which get massive thumbs up from us.
Italian Drinks
It is common to indulge in an aperitif before an Italian meal. An aperitif is supposed to stimulate your appetite and common choices include vermouth, champagne and gin amongst many others.
The most common drink with meals in Italy is wine (vino). Many restaurants offer house wine which is more often than not reasonably priced and pretty nice.
Coffee is typically served after a meal together with a digestivo which is to aid digestion. This is an after-dinner drink which is a sweet alcoholic liqueur. One of, if not the most famous is limoncello (made with, you guessed it – lemons) which can be particularly found in Southern Italy.
Paying for Your Italian Meal
It is considered rude for a waiter to bring the bill without it being requested. Therefore do not expect that it will just appear on your table once you have finished your meal. To ask for the bill you simply need to say “il conto.” As in Britain, the price you see is (usually) the price you pay inclusive of tax and service charge.
We’d recommend checking if the restaurant you choose to eat at accepts cards, especially smaller restaurants and eateries in smaller town and villages.
Also, ensure you have a bit of cash to hand in order to leave a tip if you want to. As with the rest of Europe, tipping is not expected but always a nice gesture.
Italian Cooking
A great way of learning the origins and traditions when it comes to food in Italy is to take a cookery class, of which there are a number to choose from. From 2 hour taster (excuse the pun) sessions to week-long in-depth cookery school courses. Also, Depending on where you are in the country, will depend on the ingredients you use and the dish(es) you make from Chicken Milanese in Milan (yum) to Focaccia in Genoa (double yum).
The skills you learn, you can then use at home to recreate some of your favourites in your own kitchen.
Ice Cream in Italy
Italian ice cream as a reputation as being the best in the world. Therefore if you have never tried it before and are visiting Italy, you are in for a real creamy treat. Gelato (ice cream in Italian) is amazing and the best thing – there are shops and stalls selling the good stuff on most streets and in most squares in the large Italian cities, regardless of the weather, meaning you do not have to hunt for your fix. With many vendors selling a range of flavours, choosing which one to try first can be a tough job, but someone’s got to do it right?
So food, glorious food – Italy is certainly a foodies dream come true!
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