Restaurants, Bars, and Aperitivo in Italy: Street Smart Italian words, food secrets and the social beauty of travelling to Italy

Embark on a journey to explore Italy like a local, diving into the vibrant world of food, restaurants, snacks, and aperitivos. Join me as I share with you some useful street-smart words, cultural intricacies, and hidden gems that will enrich your travel experience in my homeland.

Italian Lunch/Dinner Courses Unveiled: If you’re accustomed to American dining, where the main dish and sides arrive together, be prepared for a different experience in Italy as people take their time when eating. No worries though, Italian restaurant are very flexible and they will adjust to the guests needs. When dining with children, inform your waiter (Cameriere) that you’d like everything to come at the same time — “TUTTO INSIEME” in order to avoid long waits.

Italian Lunch and Dinner Courses/Items:

• Antipasti (appetizers)
• Antipasti misti (mixed appetizers, including salami, prosciutto, and cheese)
• Primi Piatti (first courses — pasta, gnocchi or risotto are good example)
• Secondi Piatti (second courses — typically meat, fish or seafood)
• Insalatone (Large salad-this has become a good alternative to a…