How to Eat “Italian”

Americans have many rules and laws they follow such as staying in the line when driving or children attending school from when they are 3-22. Italians on the other hand have very few rules and most of them can be broken. For example, in Italy, there is no minimum drinking age and students in college do not need to take their tests if they do not feel prepared and can take it when they “feel” ready. However, Italians do have eating rules which Americans and other foreigners should follow so they do not get looked at with disgust. For breakfast, eggs, sausage, and bacon are not served in Italy. Cappuccinos and brioches are the main staple breakfast items, although you could possibly have some fruit or tea. At lunch, butter will not be served with bread. Oil will also not be on the table at a restaurant to dip your bread because Italians think that it has the tendency to fill you up and ruin the meal.


Italians use oil and vinegar for salad dressing, so do not expect ranch, thousand island, or, "Italian" salad dressing.

Bread should also not be eaten together with pasta or used to “finish” the sauce on your plate. Sodas and milk are never served with meals, only water, wine, or beer. Sometimes a soda can be included in the meal when having pizza though. The Italian main meal is traditionally a multi-course where you are served a first course of an antipasti dish, second course either a soup or pasta, and a third course of either meat, chicken, or fish and then dessert/fruit.


Italians do not appreciate it when Americans only order one thing or when they do not finish their meal and want “leftovers.” It is considered an “insult” when you have food still left on the plate because they think that you didn’t like it. Coffee may be drunk with fruit or dessert but never with the main meal. Coffees with milk (cappuccinos and lattes) are for breakfast only. Lunch and dinner are followed by ordering espresso. Traditionally, white wine goes with fish, red wine goes with meat, but these rules can be flipped if your prefer a certain type of wine with a dish. Now after reading this blog, will you be less of an American and act more like an Italian when eating, because I know I will! I do NOT want to be looked down upon or treated like a “typical” American. I want to absorb the Italian culture and try to blend in, is it possible? I think so!

http://www.lifeinitaly.com/content/italian-food-rules