Dine like an Italian with these Table Manner Tips

There is no such thing as “Italian Food” in Italy. Instead, the cuisine is regional.

In Rome order, bucatini amatriciana and carciofi Romana.

Bucatini amatriciana

Carciofi Romana

In Florence, it’s all about the divine Fiorentina T-bone steaks.

Venice is a seafood lovers paradise, where you will feast on squid ink pasta and grilled scallops.

Squid ink pasta

Grilled scallops

Breakfast

The “Italian” day starts strong sweet and fast. A frothy cappuccino and a sweet cornetto pastry eaten standing up at the local bar is how to eat breakfast like a local.

Don’t Dip

Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are for your salad, not your bread.

Slow down. Sit down

Italians are not snackers. Lunch and dinner are eaten at the table, on a normal plate and real silverware and usually with a glass of wine with your family or work colleagues.

A quick plate of pasta or even a large salad are perfectly acceptable.

Gelato is the exception to this no snacking rule.

Speaking of Salad

There is not a long list of salad dressing choices. There is one, olive oil and vinegar or lemon.

Know what is in Season

Italians eat with the seasons; strawberries in the spring and certain fruits in the summer. Winter is full of citrus and dark leafy greens and fall is the time for chestnuts porcini mushroom dishes.

Go to the markets and see what is being sold. When you are in a restaurant, ask what is fresh that day. There are very often dishes not on the menu.

Eat your Greens

Vegetables are an important part of an Italian meal, but they are not automatically served with your entree course.

Look for the word contorno or verdure on the menu in a separate section.

How to eat pizza like an Italian

The best pizza in Italy comes from Naples and Rome. The Neapolitan style has a soft, puffy crust and the Roman style a thin and crispy crust.

Round wood oven cooked pizzas are only served at dinner and each one is an individual serving. Pizzas arrive at your table unsliced and they are eaten with a knife and a fork.

Have a yearning for pizza during the day? Look for Pizza al Taglio, pizza by the slice.

How to Drink like an Italian

Stick to coffee, water (fizzy or still or cold gushing from drinking fountains) and wine.

Drink your cafe latte in the morning or a cappuccino for an afternoon snack. Avoid a milky coffee directly after a meal. A small, strong espresso is much better for your digestion.

Tipping in Italy

Waiters and service

staff are paid a regular

salary and are not

dependent on tips.

Unless you are in a fine dining, Michelin starred restaurant, a 10% tip is more than generous.

If you see the word servizio on your check, the tip has already been added.

For more information about travel to Italy,

visit our website www.touritalynow.com or call our travel experts

at 800.955.4418.