10 Essential Rules for Italian Dining Culture
Italians do it better.
Whether it’s making pasta, fermenting wine, or just enjoying life, the Italians seem to have it pretty much figured out. Granted, it’s taken a couple thousand years to get it right, but today, the culture that puts food first has a way of doing things that is the envy of the world.
Eating and drinking are not just pastimes for Italians; they are ingrained in every part of the day. From the first espresso to the final digestivo, the Italian day is infused with intricate rules around how, when, why, and with whom you share meals and savor fine wine.
It’s a way of life, and arguably, the best way. These are 10 rules that Italians live by, and you might want to adopt them for yourself.
1. Keep it fresh.
The farmer’s market is an Italian’s best friend because they know that fresh ingredients are the best ingredients. Although you will find supermarkets in Italy, if you want the ripest tomatoes, the sharpest cheeses, and the silkiest olive oil, you go straight to the source—daily and weekly outdoor markets across the country.
2. Seasons for a reason.
While some fruits and vegetables are always in season (like carrots and lemons!), most crops are seasonal. Certain foods are best at specific times of the year. For juicy and flavorful tomatoes, your window is May through October; the olive harvest occurs in late autumn. Italians know this and grow their crops and buy their produce accordingly.
3. Coffee rules.
Italians don’t dawdle over breakfast. Typically, breakfast consists of popping into a bar (coffee shop), ordering an espresso, and downing a croissant. Be mindful of how you order, as a caffè means a shot of espresso. If you want a latte, remember to specify caffè latte to avoid receiving just hot milk.
4. Olive oil > all other oil.
In Italy, it’s rare to find other cooking oils like canola or vegetable oils. Cooking with olive oil is a standard practice and can even take the place of butter. Next time you’re baking, try using olive oil instead of butter; the results can be delightful.
5. Courses matter, and pasta isn’t a main course.
The typical Italian lunch consists of a primo (usually a pasta dish), a secondo (typically a protein), and a contorno (a vegetable or salad). For dinner, you might start with an antipasto of cured meats and olives, followed by pasta, a protein, a side dish, and dessert.
6. Drinks are paired with food.
Italy’s drinking culture mirrors its eating culture. Italians believe drinks should enhance the meal they accompany. It’s common to wait until the food arrives to enjoy the wine, as they are meant to complement each other fabulously.
7. More drinking and eating.
The Italian day revolves around food and drink. After lunch, there’s merenda, a snack time often filled with ice cream lovers at gelato shops. Then comes aperitivo, a pre-dinner ritual involving classy drinks designed to stimulate the appetite. Lastly, digestivi, like amaro or grappa, help digest the meal and prepare for a peaceful sleep.
8. Bread etiquette.
There’s a charming term called fare la scarpetta, which translates to “make the little shoe.” It signifies that the bread on the table is there to scoop up sauce, not simply to accompany the meal.
9. Table wine is more than fine.
You might associate house wine with something mediocre, but that’s a misconception. Vino della casa is typically a local varietal, and in Italy, it’s often exceptional—and affordable!
10. Food is for family.
One cherished tradition among many Italian families is the weekly family meal. Typically on Sundays, large groups gather to engage in the delightful Italian food and drink traditions, cooking a shared feast while savoring quality time together. Eat well, drink well, and enjoy life—these are rules worth embracing.
