Italy food facts worth knowing before visiting
Italy is my second home! Ever since my first visit, I have fallen helplessly in love, and nobody could make me change my mind. Not now, not ever! Since I think everyone should visit at least once, I thought it would be helpful to share some Italy food facts with first-time visitors.
Of course, food is so different and rich, from the north to the south of Italy, from each region to the other. People speak different languages, so why not have different dishes? But some things don’t change no matter where you are in Italy.
I adore traditional Italian food no matter where it is from, but there are some things you want to get right.
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Table of Contents
My Italy food facts to know before visiting
Oh yes, Italians take their meals very seriously. Thus, the first things you should know (and respect) are related to food or drink.
Breakfast
First things first: Breakfast. If you are used to having big, hearty, meaty breakfasts, you need to forget about it.
Italian breakfast is usually made out of sweet (croissant with jam – “brioche” – or a “crostata” that is a small sweet-tart) with a small and strong coffee, usually served on the go while standing.
And I am talking here about the way locals do it. Of course, hotels offer all kinds of options and varieties of food.
Restaurants Opening Hours
Restaurants are open for lunch only during certain periods of the day (from 12 until 3 p.m.), so don’t wait until 3 p.m. to get lunch. Otherwise, you risk having to wait until dinner to get a decent meal.
And you will have to wait since dinner is usually served rather late ( towards 9 pm).
That is if you are invited to dinner at a local restaurant (people are very friendly here, and there is always a dinner event in place). Of course, restaurants serve dinner from 7 p.m., so don’t worry.
Coffee
Another thing Italians take very seriously is their coffee.
Every time we meet Asian or American friends in Italy, they are shocked by the local coffee customs. So let me prepare you.
Depending on the part of the country you are visiting, you will find different names and types of coffee, but one thing is the same everywhere: cappuccino, the drink we all love and which was inspired by a Capuchin friar, is consumed only at breakfast. I repeat, no coffee with milk after breakfast!
It doesn’t mean you can’t order a cappuccino in the afternoon. But they might reward you with a disapproving look or a scoff.
After each meal (yes, even after dinner), Italians usually drink a strong, short espresso, which helps with digestion and keeps them awake.
Lastly, there is no iced coffee raspberry late, frappuccino moka surprise, or other similar concoctions. The horror!
Eat where the locals do
When looking for a place to eat, avoid the more touristy restaurants with pictures on their menus.
Choose the restaurants with paper on the table, those that won’t look particularly appealing, but know that you will find the best, authentic Italian food there.
Try finding the places where locals eat; you’ll thank me later!
No ketchup or pineapple on the pizza
Italians like tomato paste and even ketchup. Just DON’T add them to your pizza or pasta! They will never forgive you.
As for pineapple on the pizza, don’t even think about it, or you risk being arrested in some parts of the country. And for good reason! It should be illegal!:))
Aperitivo
Aperitivo! It’s the perfect time of day, just a few hours before dinner, when you can get out and about, enjoy a nice Spritz Aperol, relax, and prepare for dinner.
No Parmigiano on seafood pasta
Italians like their pasta, a whole lot of types, sizes, and combinations. And know that you are expected to add as much Parmigiano as you like, just not on the seafood pasta.
Gelato all day long
In Italy, it’s never too early or too late for ice cream.
Tipping and service fee
Keep an eye out for the coperto, which is the per-person fee charged in many Italian restaurants. Alternatively, you can find it in the form of servizio (i.e., service fee).
If the coperto or servizio is highlighted on the bill, you shouldn’t leave a tip. Otherwise, leaving a 5 – 10% tip is appreciated but in no way mandatory.
Unlike in the USA, all employees in EU countries, including waiters, receive a living wage by law. Therefore, you should tip only if you are satisfied with the service and quality of the products.
Let the wine flow
There’s nothing wrong with a good glass of wine at any time of the day.
Ok, maybe not for breakfast, but starting with lunch, you are free to enjoy some good Italian wine.
Touristy places are more expensive
The closer you are to the tourist attractions, the more expensive the food and drinks at the bars and restaurants are.
Try the local chocolate
They have the “Fiera del Cioccolato” (the Chocolate fair) in Perugia (and not only), where you can taste all the chocolate in the world. And promise me you will try the Baci Perugina!
Italy Travel Resources
- Are you thinking about taking a longer trip to Italy? Check out my 7 days northern Italy Itinerary
- Go South and live the real Italian vibes with my One-week in South Italy itinerary
- Give Puglia a chance and check out my 4 days in Puglia itinerary
- What else is more Italian than an Amalfi Coast itinerary?
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