Do you know your Italian Galateo? Galateo is the Italian translation of the word Etiquette. As I’m currently in Italy enjoying the delicious food, wine and sun, I thought I’d share a few tips about dining here.
The Italian Meal
A formal Italian meal is structured in the following way:
Aperitivo - first and foremost! This is typically an alcoholic drink served with small dishes of olives, nuts or cheeses.
Antipasto - starter
Primo - first course of pasta or rice
Secondo - meat or fish with a Contorni (a side dish: salad, roasted potatoes, vegetables)
Insalata - salad
Fromaggi e frutta - cheese and/or fruit
Dolce - dessert
Cafe & Digestivo – coffee & digestif
This is an example of a formal dinner menu but when dining in a restaurant you don’t need to order one of each course but you should eat them in the correct order. Typically the antipasto followed by a primo or secondo and perhaps a dolce (and I always have a digestivo, limoncello is a personal favourite!).
The Coffee Culture
Cappuccino is for breakfast and only for breakfast as far as Italians are concerned. They tend to adhere to the principle of taking a milky coffee before 11 am /12 noon, and any later than that is quite frowned upon. After midday, Italians stick to espresso or macchiato. Although cappuccino is consumed with breakfast, all other coffees are consumed alone or after a meal, not with the meal.
The Bread
Bread is always available during an Italian meal, frequently served alongside grissini (bread sticks). You may or may not find a bread plate on your table, if not, just place the bread on your plate or directly on the tablecloth. Olive oil is occasionally served instead of butter but this is rare. You dip the bread directly into the oil and enjoy (just remember to dip piece by piece and no double dipping unless you have an individual oil dish)! As in France, it’s perfectly acceptable to use your bread to mop up the sauces that are left on the plate. Don’t be surprised if you see people doing this in a restaurant. Of course it’s less common in formal dining but not unheard of. This is known as fare la scarpetta, and refers to wiping one’s plate clean with a piece of bread.
The Pasta
Italians eat pasta with a fork. When it comes to spaghetti or any type of long pasta that needs to be twirled, ditch the spoon! Italians don’t do it. Etiquette in dining means that you should try to blend in and follow the custom of the country that you are in. Did you know that traditionally meatballs are not served with pasta in Italy? Meatballs are enjoyed, just not with spaghetti!
The Pizza
Pizza is served with a fork and knife and rarely ever comes pre-sliced. It’s typically cut into triangles and eaten with the fingers. If the pizza is heavy with toppings then it can be slightly folded from the crust to form a V shape as this prevent the toppings from falling off. In formal situations it can be eaten with a knife and fork, piece by piece, but let’s face it, how often is pizza served formally?
Ciao! :)
Julia Esteve Boyd
The Etiquette Consultant