How to Order at a Restaurant in Italy

Italians are infamous for comparing the pleasure of a meal to pleasure in life. Nothing can make a vacation in Italy more gratifying than an extraordinary dining experience. However, ordering at a restaurant in Italy can be intimidating if you're not prepared. Americans know their lasagna, but do they know their mortadella from their mozzarella?

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Italian phrase book

1. Familiarize yourself with common Italian dining phrases. Purchase an Italian phrase book that has an extensive dining section.
2. Determine what kind of meal you are in the mood to eat. For a quick and cheap bite, try a bar. For a casual dining experience, visit a pizzerie. Visit a tavola calda if you want a hot meal to go. When eating at full-fledged restaurants like ristorantes or trattorias, multiple courses are encouraged.
3. Choose your beverage. You'll typically be asked to order your beverage before your meal. Mineral water or wine are acceptable choices.
4. Decide if you want to order a la carte or off of a "menu turistico." A "menu turistico," which translates to a tourist's menu, offers three or four set courses at a fixed price.
5. Order one course at a time if you are ordering a la carte. Start with an antipasto (appetizer). Then choose your primo piatto which is usually pasta or soup. If you're still hungry, order a secondo piatto which is typically meat or fish.
6. Save room for dolci (dessert). Cannoli is always a fabulous choice.
7. Order coffee last.

Tips & Warnings

• Never butter your bread.
• Eat whole fruit with a fork and a knife.
• Don't be embarrased to use your Italian phrase book when ordering.
• Never order coffee with dessert. This is an American custom that is not understood in Italy.
• Never order soda with your meal.
• Expect to see a small service charge per person on your bill. This is a customary charge.
• Most restaurants in Italy include gratuity in the bill.
• It is illegal to smoke in bars and restaurants in Italy unless they have a ventilated smoking room.