ItalyFood and Drink

Italy’s food culture is as diverse as its once-independent city-states. Unified just over 160 years ago, Italy’s cities once existed as city-states with their own specialties and menus based on what produce was available locally. This diversity in food culture remains to this day, with French and Austrian influence in northern Italy, where complex meat dishes are to be found. In the south, Mediterranean flavours and more fish and seafood grace the table. Fresh tomato salads, crusty breads, pizza and pasta, and desserts like creamy gelato ice cream, and delicate, spongy tiramisu are to be found everywhere.

The ancient Roman god of wine, that rosy-cheeked and rotund rascal, Bacchus, would be pleased with the wine culture of modern Italy. With 20 wine regions, Italy is home to some of the oldest wine-producing areas in the world. More than 60% of the grapes destined for vino in Italy are red, with Chianti being the most famous. Effervescent whites, like Moscato and bubbly Prosecco, are also gaining popularity and are excellent choices with fresh seafood by the coast.

Coffee shops are called simply “bar” in Italy and are social hubs, swelling with locals shouting out their orders before work and during soccer games. Light lagers such as Moretti or Peroni are not as popular as wine, but go great with a Juventus game. A hearty saluti! with your neighbouring table over a football match, is an excellent way to dive into authentic Italian culture.

What is Italy’s traditional cuisine?

The traditional cuisine in Italy varies regionally from north to south. The terrain of northern Italy is commonly used for raising cattle and sheep, resulting in renowned cured meals and specialty cheeses such as Asiago, pecorino, and Gorgonzola. It is also home to tortellini pasta, creamy risotto, and polenta. In central Italy the grape, wheat, and tomato crops thrive, as the farming season is hotter and longer. There, you will find the birthplace of classic Neapolitan pizza, and specialty pork products including salami and prosciutto. In southern Italy, tomato-based recipes dominate, along with olive oil, capers, and seafood along the coast.

Even all the different traditional shapes of pasta can be traced regionally! A few examples: Sicily is the home of spaghetti, while Campania in the south is known for rigatoni, ziti, and fusilli, while  Emilia-Romagna is home to stuffed pastas. While there is variation in some dishes’ names or preparation techniques, the overall sentiment of Italian cuisine revolves around simple, high-quality seasonal ingredients.

Italy has laws in place to protect the authenticity of its quality food products. Some famous traditional items are legally required to be made in a certain region to be labelled authentic. For example, Parmigiano Reggiano must be produced in Emilia-Romagna, while Modena Balsamic Vinegar must be processed in Modena. 

What is dining etiquette in Italy?

Eating meals together is an essential part of Italian culture. Italians often eat dinner late, with most non-tourist restaurants not opening until around 7:00 pm, and locals commonly eating closer to 9:00 pm. You can expect meals to be served as multiple smaller plates, enjoyed in succession, beginning with an antipasto, otherwise known as an appetizer. Next up will be primo, traditionally a rice-based or pasta dish, followed by secondo, commonly a meat or fish platter. A vegetable dish, contorni, may also be accompanied with the meal. This allows time to savour the food and the company. And don’t forget to leave room for a sweet end to the night for dolce—dessert!

During a meal, Parmigiano cheese is not meant to be sprinkled over everything, though it might be provided by the server if it complements a certain dish. And, if there is bread on the table, you will not find butter to accompany it, but rather olive oil for dipping. Bread is not eaten to fill up on before a meal. Instead, use it to soak up sauces on your plate at the end. Be sure to wait until everyone has finished eating before leaving the table.

What is the drinking etiquette in Italy?

A short toast, or a simple salute, cheers, before sipping a beverage is common. Take care to make eye contact as a sign of respect to family and friends. Most alcoholic beverages are consumed with food, either during aperitivo or with a meal. At mealtime, it is most common to drink wine or water, a favourite being sparkling or frizzante!

Wines are often chosen to complement the meal being served; guests should appreciate the aromas and flavour notes. If you don’t want more wine to be poured in your glass, it is customary to leave the wine glass nearly full. Ordering a digestivo, a small strong alcoholic drink to aid digestion, is common after a meal. Popular choices are grappa, limoncello, and amaro. Don’t be surprised to see these served along with a post-dinner espresso. Be sure to take it easy consuming alcohol, as drinking in excess is frowned upon.

Does Italy cater to dietary restrictions?

Consider doing a bit of research before visiting Italy, as certain regions commonly feature dishes more suitable for certain dietary restrictions such as vegetarian or vegan. Once you find a couple of dishes that are suitable, finding restaurants in the area that serve those dishes will be easier. Not all restaurants will be willing to alter menu items to accommodate diners, but there are options across Italy for any dietary restrictions. Given cultural communication differences regarding dietary restrictions, keep communication direct, for example I don’t eat meat, versus I am a vegan. Consider travelling with Italian-translated cards to provide serving staff and chefs your dietary restrictions. 

For dietary restrictions such as gluten, you will be able to find AIC (Associazione Italiana Celiachia) signs at some restaurants, which means they can accommodate gluten-free pasta, pizza and bread. As well, Italy is a part of the EU, and packaged food in grocery stores is required to list top allergens.

What do meals typically cost in Italy?

At a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay between $28-35 per person, for a dinner in Italy. Lunch tends to be a quicker meal and less costly, averaging $17 per person. Pricing can vary drastically based on the type of food, and location, as popular destinations tend to have higher pricing. While seafood tends to be more expensive, pasta and pizza continue to be common and more affordable dining options. Many restaurants offer reasonably priced house wines, often surprisingly enjoyable, that are served on tap versus from a bottle. Also, consider seeking less busy parts of a city and opt for a lovely meal at a family-owned osteria or trattoria!