How to Decipher an Italian Menu

By eHow Parties & Entertaining Editor

Rate: (9 Ratings)

When confronted with a menu in an Italian restaurant, many people have no idea where to start. The following will help you avoid ordering gelato as an appetizer or minestrone as a dessert.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Italian Dictionaries
  • Italian Phrase Books
  • Airline Tickets
  • Travel Services
Step1
Expect to see a lunch menu from about noon to 3:00 p.m., and a dinner menu from about 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner.
Step2
Look on the menu to see if it says "coperto" or "pane e coperto" (cover, or bread and cover). Many Italian restaurants charge a few dollars just for the privilege of sitting down to a meal.
Step3
See if the restaurant features a "menù turistico," or tourist menu. This is a fixed-price meal, usually consisting of a few courses, and is typically a good deal.
Step4
Start with an "antipasto," or appetizer, if you prefer to order a full meal from the menu.
Step5
Order a "primo" (first course) next. These typically consist of pasta, risotto, or occasionally, soups such as minestrone.
Step6
Pick your main course from the list of "secondi" (second courses). These are the meat and fish dishes.
Step7
Be aware that "formaggi," or cheeses, come between the main course and dessert in an elaborate dinner.
Step8
Look for "dolci" (sweets) on the menu if you want dessert, but be aware that Italians usually prefer cheese, fruit, sweet wine or simply coffee to end a meal.
Step9
Order fewer courses if you like; many travelers save a lot of money by skipping the "secondo," typically the most expensive part of a meal.
Step10
Look to see if the bill includes "servizio," or a service charge, usually 12 to 15 percent of the total. If it does, you needn't add a tip, though it's common to round up when paying.

Tips & Warnings

  • Small cafés or snack bars typically serve fewer courses. Here, it's common to simply order a plate of pasta or a "panino" (sandwich).
  • If you order water, the waiter will usually bring bottled water. Ask for "acqua semplice" if you just want tap water.

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 Even among Italians is common to order just an appetizer, a first dish and then a dessert, optionally ending with a coffee. Remember that, in general, bread is already included in the meal.

Appetizers are less expensive than main course dishes, but they will include almost as much food then them. You will save money and also avoid eating too much.

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