How to Decipher an Italian Menu

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Start with an "antipasto," or appetizer, if you prefer to order a full meal from the menu.
5. Order a "primo" (first course) next. These typically consist of pasta, risotto, or occasionally, soups such as minestrone.
6. Pick your main course from the list of "secondi" (second courses). These are the meat and fish dishes.
7. Be aware that "formaggi," or cheeses, come between the main course and dessert in an elaborate dinner.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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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