Eating in Italy Like Locals

Whether it’s in a bustling city trattoria or a quaint countryside osteria, the flavors of Italy promise to delight and inspire. With this guide, you’re ready to navigate the Italian culinary scene, armed with the knowledge to order with confidence and relish every bite as the locals do.

When visiting Italy, one of the most exhilarating experiences is diving into its culinary culture. Italian food is much more than just pizza and pasta: it’s a reflection of the country’s rich regional traditions and a vital part of everyday life. To eat like a local in Italy, it’s crucial to understand the traditional eating habits, navigate the diverse menu options and appreciate the regional specialties.

• Understanding Italian Eating Habits
  • What Time Do People Eat Dinner in Italy?
• Traditional Dishes You Must Try
• How to Navigate an Italian Menu

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Understanding Italian Eating Habits

What Time Do People Eat Dinner in Italy?

In Italy, dinner (“cena”) is typically a later affair compared to many other countries. Most Italians dine around 8 PM to 10 PM. This late dining time reflects the Italian appreciation for a relaxed pace of life and the importance of enjoying meals without rushing, often extending the dinner into several hours, especially during weekends or on special occasions.

In fact, many Italians before going to a restaurant for dinner have an “aperitivo”. In Italy, the aperitivo is a social moment that usually takes place between 6pm and 8pm where people have an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink before meals to whet their appetites. People meet in bars and restaurants to have a cocktail or a glass of wine and, at the same time, enjoy a wide selection of appetizers, from savory to sweet.

Traditional Dishes You Must Try

What Do People Eat in Italy?

Italian cuisine varies significantly from region to region, but some staples are beloved nationwide. Risotto, a creamy rice dish cooked with broth, is a must-try, particularly in Northern Italy where it originated. Seafood is predominant in coastal areas, with dishes like “fritto misto di mare” (mixed fried seafood) being a popular choice. For meat lovers “osso buco”, a slow-cooked veal shank, is a traditional dish that showcases the depth and richness of Italian cooking.

Italian Dishes Without Pasta

While pasta is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, many other dishes form part of the culinary landscape. Polenta, a cornmeal-based staple from Northern Italy, often serves as a base for meats, stews and sauces.

In Tuscany “ribollita”, a hearty soup made with bread, vegetables and cannellini beans, offers a warming insight into rustic Italian cooking. Additionally, “arrosto di maiale” (roast pork) is commonly served across the country, seasoned with herbs and served with roasted vegetables.

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How to Navigate an Italian Menu

Navigating an Italian menu can be a delightful experience if you know what to expect. Italian meals are typically structured with several courses, and understanding these categories can help you decide what to order. Here’s a guide to help you navigate an Italian menu like a pro:

1. Antipasti (Appetizers)

“Antipasti” are starters meant to stimulate your appetite. You might find options like:

• Platter of local cured meats and cheeses: every region has its own typical cured meats and cheeses to try.
• Bruschetta: grilled bread topped with chopped tomatoes, garlic and olive oil.
• Caprese salad: sliced mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil with olive oil.
• Prosciutto e melone: cured ham with melon.

2. Primi (First Courses)

“Primi” usually refer to a pasta, risotto or soup dish. These are hearty dishes and can stand alone as a meal, but they are typically smaller portions. Popular options include:

• Spaghetti Carbonara: pasta with egg, cheese, pancetta and black pepper.
• Risotto ai funghi: creamy risotto with mushrooms.
• Minestrone: vegetable soup.

3. Secondi (Main Courses)

“Secondi” consists of meat, fish or vegetarian dishes. These dishes are often served with a side dish (“contorno”):

• Pollo alla Cacciatora: gunter-style chicken with herbs, tomatoes and wine.
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: grilled Florentine steak.
• Branzino al forno: oven-baked sea bass.

4. Contorni (Side Dishes)

“Contorni” often consist of vegetables or salads and they are ordered separately. Some common options are:

• Patate al forno: roasted potatoes.
• Verdure grigliate: grilled vegetables.
• Insalata mista: mixed salad.

5. Dolci (Desserts)

No Italian meal is complete without dessert! Some favorites include:

• Tiramisù: layered dessert with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone.
• Panna cotta: creamy custard with fruit or caramel sauce.
• Sorbetto al limone: creamy thirst-quenching cold dessert with a delicately tart aftertaste (lemon).

Usually ice cream or “gelato” is not served inside restaurants, except as a garnish to other desserts. However, you can find numerous gelaterias where you can taste this typical Italian dessert

6. Bevande (Beverages)

Along with the meal, you can enjoy various beverages like:

• Vino (Wine): often listed by region or type (e.g., Chianti, Barolo).
• Acqua (Water): still or sparkling.
• Caffè (Coffee): typically espresso after the meal.

7. Digestivi (Bitters or Digestifs)

After the meal, Italians often enjoy a digestif, such as:

• Limoncello: Lemon liqueur from southern Italy.
• Grappa: Strong grape-based spirit.
• Amaro alle erbe: liquor with an intense, slightly bitter flavor and a lingering, aromatic aftertaste.

What to Order at an Italian Restaurant

To truly eat like a local, start with an antipasto (appetizer) like bruschetta or caprese salad. For the first course (primo), a pasta dish or risotto will set the stage. The second course (secondo) typically involves a meat or fish dish, accompanied by a side (contorno) of vegetables or salad. Finish with a dolce (dessert) like tiramisù.

How to Say Delicious in Italian

To express your enjoyment of the meal, a simple “Delizioso!” will suffice. It’s also common to say “È buonissimo!” (It’s very good!) to compliment the chef or the host.

Tips for Ordering in Italy:

• Portion Size: Italian portions are generally smaller than American ones, so you can comfortably order multiple courses.
• Pace Yourself: Italian meals are leisurely, so don’t rush between courses.
• Bread: bread is typically served without butter or oil and is meant to accompany the meal, not as an appetizer.

The Best Food to Eat in Italy

Regional Specialties You Shouldn’t Miss

Each region of Italy boasts its own unique dishes that reflect local traditions and ingredients. In Sicily, the “arancini” (fried rice balls filled with ragu, mozzarella and peas) are a delightful treat. 

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Northern regions like Emilia-Romagna are known for “tagliatelle al ragù” (often known outside of Italy as “Bolognese”), while Liguria is proud of its “pesto Genovese”, a basil and pine nut sauce that’s perfect with pasta.

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Tuscany’s “panzanella”, a bread and tomato salad, showcases Italian ingenuity with leftovers, turning them into something delicious. Meanwhile, in the mountainous areas, dishes like polenta with wild mushrooms or game meat offer a hearty respite from the colder climate.

Eating like a local in Italy means embracing the regional diversity of the cuisine, taking the time to savor each meal and engaging with the traditions that make Italian dining truly unique.