When people think of Italy, they think of its rich history, culture, and, of course, its food. The land of pasta, pizza, gelato, and risotto beckons to the culinary-minded traveler. However, many don’t realize that there is an intricate set of rules that must be followed when eating in Italy, and they’re definitely more complicated than just knowing not to ask for pineapple on a pizza. Don’t worry, though. I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list of food and drink dos and don’ts:
1. Don’t order a cappuccino after 12 pm
Photo courtesy of Takeaway on flickr.com
It’s considered a drink for the morning only.
2. Do order an espresso after any meal
Photo by Alison Mally
There’s never a bad time to drink espresso, even after dinner. It’s a common practice.
3. Don’t drink to get wasted (if you’re trying to blend in).
Photo courtesy of Skylight Gardens
It’s just not a part of the culture and makes you very obviously a tourist. If you’re with your friends and want to party, by all means — we’re college students on the trip of a lifetime — have fun and be safe. Just don’t expect to seem like a true Italian.
4. Do drink wine with dinner and end the meal with a shot of grappa or limoncello
Photo by Alison Mally
Wine is a big part of meals, and the shot is supposed to help with digestion (and, true or not, I’m not about to argue).
5. Don’t take the bread that’s served when you sit down and douse it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Photo by Alison Mally
It’s actually a very American thing to do. Note, I still did it anyway — it’s delicious.
6. Do use the aforementioned bread to wipe up and eat any leftover sauce from your meal
Photo by Disha Samaiyar
This is called “fare la scarpetta.”
7. Don’t eat bread with a pasta dish
Photo courtesy of @pasta on Instagram
This is another cultural norm, and also another one I often ignored. I can’t be asked to choose between bruschetta and spaghetti carbonara.
8. Do feel free to get both a pasta dish and a meat dish
Photo courtesy of Ciao Carla on Flickr
It’s technically what you’re supposed to do.
9. Don’t put cheese on a seafood dish
Photo by Alison Mally
This has old, old Catholic origins relating to lean and fat days. I actually had a friend who asked for parmesan to put on her salmon risotto and our waiter refused at first, telling her it was wrong.
10. Don’t buy gelato from shop that has it stacked high
Photo by Alison Mally
Those are tourist traps. The best gelato shops have the gelato in canisters that are often closed.
11. Do try everything and anything
Photo courtesy of @tonyspizza415 on Instagram
You never know if lampredotto might be your next favorite food.