The usual meal in an Italian restaurant consists of three courses: appetizer (antipasti), followed by a first course (primi piatti) and a second course (secondi piatti).
Antipasti (literally before the meal), can be hot or cold and usually give a good idea of the general quality of the food.
The primo piatto, is normally pasta (in any sort of shape or form), risotto or gnocchi. Although many Italian restaurants have menus in English available, the translation may not be completely accurate, and this is where a fair knowledge of Italian food vocabulary will come handy.
Secondi piatti are usually divided into secondi di carne (meat dishes) and secondi di pesce (seafood dishes). The contorni (side dishes) usually is not included and will have to be ordered separately.
At the end of the meal the choice is still wide: you will be able to choose between fresh fruit, or a homemade dessert, or a small selection of cheeses. Drinking a glass of wine at lunch, even during weekdays, even during lunch break at work is not at all frowned upon in Italy. You can order a glass of the house wine (vino della casa), which is normally not bad and fairly light in alcohol.
In most Italian restaurants you will find a printed copy of the menu outside the door, or handwritten on a chalkboard. Just remember though, that, especially in small restaurants (called tavernas or osterias), the “official” menu doesn’t always include all the place has to offer, so remember to ask the waiter for the specials of the day. When in doubt, accept the waiter’s advice.
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