As Fabio Parasecoli, an expert in food studies, explains, food in Italy symbolizes a community’s social fabric and personal identity.
Understanding these rules can help visitors appreciate the richness of Italian food culture and avoid any social faux pas.
No Cappuccino After 11 A.M.
In Italy, it is generally frowned upon to order a cappuccino after 11 A.M.
Locals believe that consuming milk after a large meal can be tough on the stomach.
Cappuccino, which combines warm milk with a shot of espresso, is typically enjoyed in the morning. For many Italians, it’s a great way to start the day, providing a filling breakfast option.
But as Elizabeth Minchilli, a Rome-based food writer, explains, drinking this creamy beverage after a hearty lunch or dinner seems contradictory.
To fit in with the local customs and avoid discomfort, it’s best to enjoy your cappuccino before noon.
Breakfast Is Always Sweet, Not Savory
In Italian households, breakfast tends to be a sweet affair.
Traditionally, hard bread soaked in milk was common. This reflected Italy’s agricultural past where luxury food items were rare.
Over time, as the country became wealthier, breakfasts evolved to include croissants and various jams.
Typical Sweet Breakfast Items:
- Cornetti (Italian croissants)
- Biscotti
- Bread with Butter and Jam
- Pastries
Common Morning Drinks:
- Cappuccino
- Espresso
- Caffè Macchiato (espresso “spotted” with milk)
Savory items like bacon and eggs are mostly found in hotels with American-style breakfasts. Daily, Italians prefer sweet options over savory ones.
Lunch And Dinner Are Later
In Italy, dining schedules are quite different from what some might be used to.
Lunch typically kicks off around 1 p.m., while dinner usually doesn’t start until 7:30 p.m. or even later.
This is largely because of Italy’s warm climate, especially in the south. People avoid working during the hottest part of the day. They take a break after a morning’s work for a leisurely lunch and a rest.
Work resumes in the late afternoon for another few hours until around 7 or 7:30 p.m.
Many restaurants that cater to tourists offer all-day dining, but this is not the norm for locals.
Traditionally, Italians have a structured meal schedule, and it’s rare to see them dining outside these hours. This makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Don’t Even Try To Dip That Bread
In Italy, a basket of plain bread might appear at your table, but don’t reach for the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The bread is meant to go with your main course, especially if you’re having meat.
Minchilli pointed out that it’s not dipped in oil or eaten before the meal because it can be too filling. Plus, a mouthful of oily, vinegary bread can dull the flavors of the next dish.
Bread is there to accompany meat, cold cuts, or to soak up sauces and juices.
No Separate Checks
In Italy, asking for separate checks is considered impolite.
The tradition stems from a desire to avoid imposing on others and to avoid appearing cheap.
When dining in Italy, it’s customary for one person to pay the bill, either with cash or a single card, and then settle the totals among the group later.
This practice avoids the awkwardness of itemizing who ate what or handing multiple credit cards to the server.
Italian culture holds hospitality in high regard.
If an Italian invites someone to dinner, they aim to treat their guest with respect and generosity.
Trying too hard to split the bill can be seen as rejecting their hospitality. Instead, it’s best to allow the host to take care of the check and show gratitude for their kindness.
Sharing Plates Is Considered Bad Manners
In Italy, it’s not polite to share main dishes.
Imagine ordering three pastas for a group of six and asking for extra plates. This practice might seem economical, but it can be seen as rude.
Italians typically believe you order a dish because you want to enjoy it entirely yourself. Sharing food from your plate during the main course is frowned upon, though it’s fine to offer a taste.
Here are some tips for dining in Italy:
- Order individual meals for each person.
- Share only appetizers or dessert (antipasto or dolci).
- Consider half-servings if you’re not very hungry.
The Complexities of Toasting Etiquette
When making a “brindisi,” or toast, in Italy, there’s more to it than just clinking glasses.
It’s essential to make direct eye contact with everyone at the table while toasting. Using water or an empty glass is frowned upon.
Historically, this practice dates back to when wine was seen as medicinal, and toasting with “alla salute” literally meant wishing someone good health.
Additionally, pouring drinks underhand was once a method of poisoning, which may explain why both toasting with wine and making eye contact are crucial.
These actions show trust and assure the group that no one is up to any underhanded tricks.