Tags: travel
Types of Restaurants in Italy
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Ristorante | The most formal dining establishment. Table service, a full menu (antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, dolci), and often a sommelier. Expect a sit-down meal with courses. |
| Trattoria | Less formal than a ristorante, often family-run. Regional dishes, rustic vibe, and moderate prices. Many Italians eat at trattorias for relaxed, hearty meals. |
| Osteria | Originally a place to drink wine with simple food; nowadays similar to a trattoria. Menus are usually small and focus on local specialties. |
| Taverna / Locanda | Traditional, old-style places often with historic ambiance. More common in certain regions (like Umbria or Tuscany). |
| Pizzeria | Specializes in pizza. Sit-down pizzerias usually open only in the evening. Many also offer pasta and salads. |
| Enoteca | Wine bar that may serve small plates (like crostini, cheese, and cold cuts). Great for aperitivo or light meals. |
| Bar | Not just for coffee! Italian bars serve espresso, pastries, sandwiches, and alcohol. You can have a light lunch here too. |
| Tavola Calda | โHot tableโ โ like a cafeteria or deli. Affordable, fast food with ready-to-eat pasta, meat, and vegetables. Good for lunch. |
| Agriturismo | Farmhouse restaurants. Often serve locally grown/raised food and fixed menus. Great for a long, relaxed country meal. |
Meal Structure in Italy
Italian meals are traditionally ordered in courses:
- Antipasto โ Appetizer (e.g.ย prosciutto, bruschetta, cheeses)
- Primo โ First course (usually pasta, risotto, or soup)
- Secondo โ Second course (meat or fish)
- Contorno โ Side dish (vegetables, potatoes, salad)
- Dolce โ Dessert (tiramisu, panna cotta, gelato)
- Caffรจ โ Always espresso, never a cappuccino after meals
- Digestivo โ Limoncello, grappa, or amaro to finish
You donโt have to order every course. Italians often do just a primo and contorno, or secondo and dolce.
Opening Hours
- Lunch: 12:30 โ 2:30 pm
- Dinner: 7:30 โ 10:30 pm
- Restaurants often close between lunch and
dinner
- Many are closed one day per week, often Monday or Sunday evening
Tips
- Cover charge (coperto): Usually โฌ1โ3 per person. Itโs not a tip.
- Tipping: Not required, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
- Reservations: Recommended, especially for dinner or in popular cities.
- No rush: Once you sit, the table is yours for the
night. You must ask for the check
(
"Il conto, per favore").
Regional Flavors
- Rome: Carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana
- Naples: Neapolitan pizza, fried street food (frittatina, arancini)
- Florence: Bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita
- Venice: Seafood, risotto al nero di seppia
- Sicily: Arancini, caponata, cannoli
- Emilia-Romagna: Tortellini, tagliatelle al ragรน, balsamic vinegar