Karina | Italy Travel | Europe Gems

If you’re visiting Italy soon, eating out is a whole ritual!
Here are the essential dining customs you should know before sitting down at a trattoria:

1. The bread & „La Scarpetta”
The bread on your table is usually served with coperto (a small cover charge for bread and service, typically €1-3). Use that bread to do “Fare la scarpetta” - mopping up every last bit of delicious sauce from your plate!

2. Wine with lunch is normal
Having a glass of house wine (vino della casa) with lunch is completely normal and culturally accepted, even on a weekday.

3. Primi vs. Secondi
In traditional restaurants, pasta and risotto are considered Primi (first courses), while meat and fish are Secondi (second courses). You don’t have to order both, but now you know the order!

4. After-meal coffee or digestivo
After your meal, order an espresso. If you don’t want coffee, ask for a digestivo (like Limoncello or Amaro) to help with digestion.

5. The magic of Aperitivo
Before dinner (around 6-8 PM), locals meet for Aperitivo - a drink (like Spritz) served with small snacks or a buffet to kick off the evening!

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