Dining at an Italian restaurant is not just about enjoying delicious food (but we understand it’s a driving force behind it); it’s an experience steeped in tradition, culture, and etiquette. From the way you order your pasta to the timing of your cappuccino, every aspect of dining in Italy carries its own set of customs and expectations. To fully appreciate and respect the culinary heritage of Italy, it’s important to understand and adhere to these unwritten rules of Italian dining etiquette.
12 Etiquette Mistakes You’re Probably Making at Italian Restaurants
Drawing from expert advice and cultural insights, we have put together a list offering guidance on how to navigate your Italian dining experience with grace and respect. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a novice food enthusiast, mastering these etiquette tips will elevate your dining experience and ensure that you savor not only the flavors of Italy but also its culinary traditions.
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1. Ordering pasta as a side
Pasta should never be ordered as a side dish. It’s meant to be an entrée. With that in mind, enjoy your pasta as your main dish and ask for leftovers to go if you can’t finish it. This ensures you’re not committing a massive faux pas and also prevents food waste.1
2. Expecting restaurants to be open for dinner early
Dinner in Italy typically starts around 7:30 pm or 8 pm. Trying to dine earlier in an actual Italian Restaurant might leave you disappointed as many restaurants in Italy won’t be open until later. Plan your dining schedule accordingly to avoid disappointment and ensure you an authentic experience.2
3. Eating bread with pasta
It’s customary in Italy not to eat bread with pasta. Instead, use the bread to fare la scarpetta, which means using it to mop up the delicious sauce left on your plate. This shows appreciation for the meal and avoids violating Italian dining customs. That said, mopping up the sauce is for casual dining. If you’re at a fancy Italian restaurant, try to enjoy the sauce while there’s still pasta to enjoy it with.
4. Choosing the “right” wine
Don’t stress too much about pairing the perfect wine with your meal. While wine is an integral part of Italian culture, the most important thing is to enjoy what you’re drinking. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from the sommelier based on your preferences.3
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5. Expecting fancy salads
In Italy, salads are typically dressed with simple ingredients like olive oil and vinegar. Don’t expect to find a variety of bottled dressings like Italian or Caesar. Embrace the simplicity of the dressing and focus on the freshness of the ingredients. That goes for the salads as well. Fresh, simple ingredients make a beautiful taste.
6. Dipping bread in communal olive oil
Avoid dipping your bread directly into the communal olive oil or spreading butter directly from a communal dish onto your bread. Pour some olive oil onto your own bread plate and use a knife to serve yourself butter, then use that butter for your bread. This shows consideration for other diners.
7. Using your knife to cut spaghetti
Cutting spaghetti with a knife is considered improper in Italian restaurants, as well as in Italy as a whole. Instead, twirl the pasta using your fork. Remember, pasta should be enjoyed without cutting or breaking it into smaller pieces. This goes for all pasta, including lasagna. Use the side of your fork if anything, but never a knife.
8. Avoid American-style service
When dining in Italian restaurants, it’s essential to adapt to the cultural norms, including the style of service. Unlike the attentive and sometimes overly friendly service common in American restaurants, Italian service tends to be more reserved and efficient. Don’t be put off by the briskness of the staff; it’s simply a reflection of the Italian approach to dining. Embrace the opportunity to savor your meal at a leisurely pace.
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9. Ordering cappuccino after 10 am
Cappuccino is considered a breakfast drink in Italy and is rarely consumed after 10 am. Avoid ordering it, especially after dinner, as any Italian restaurant will see your lack of understanding. Opt for an espresso to conclude your meal.
10. Spaghetti rules
When eating spaghetti, avoid cutting it or using a spoon to assist in twirling it. Stick to using your fork and plate to twirl the pasta gracefully. This demonstrates respect for tradition and owners in an Italian restaurant will notice.
11. Passing food to the left
When sharing food at an Italian meal or dinner party, always pass dishes to the right instead of the left. Passing food to the left is a minor etiquette mistake and it can confuse the table. Make sure to take only what you believe you will eat to avoid wasting food. If you don’t finish your bread or pasta, it will be seen as extremely rude. Yes, pass your food to the right but make SURE you finish your food.
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12. Respecting dining duration
In Italy, meals are not just about nourishment; they’re a social and cultural experience to be slowly enjoyed. Therefore, it’s important to respect the duration of the meal. Italian restaurant dining can be leisurely, with each course enjoyed over an extended period. Rushing through a meal is frowned upon, as it’s seen as missing out on the pleasure of good food and company. So, relax, engage in conversation, and allow yourself to fully appreciate the Italian cuisine.
As you embark on your culinary journey
Always remember that dining etiquette is more than just following rules; it’s about embracing a cultural experience and paying homage to centuries-old traditions. Avoiding common etiquette mistakes lets you demonstrate an appreciation for Italian cuisine and respect for its customs. By embodying the spirit of Italian restaurant etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy a more authentic and immersive dining experience but also forge a deeper connection with the culinary soul of Italy. Buon appetito!
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Sources
- “Dos and Don’ts of Eating in Italy.” Never Ending Voyage. Erin. July 9, 2023.
- “27 Italian Food Rules To Follow To Eat Like A Local.” More Time To Travel. Irene S. Levine. January 30, 2024.
- “12 Etiquette Mistakes Everyone Makes at Italian Restaurants.” RD. Emily Laurence. September 13, 2023.