Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Pizzeria
Cheap grub, cold beer and a convivial vibe. The best pizzerias are often crowded: be patient.
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Tavola calda
Cafeteria-style spots serving cheap premade food such as pasta and roast meats.
Menu Decoder
For an explanation of of the dishes you'll find on Italian menus.
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Menù a la carte
Choose whatever you like from the menu.
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Menù di degustazione
Degustation menu, usually consisting of six to eight 'tasting size' courses.
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Menù turistico
The 'tourist menu' usually signals mediocre fare - steer clear!
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Piatto del giorno
Dish of the day.
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Antipasto
A hot or cold appetiser. For a tasting plate of different appetisers, request an
antipasto misto
(mixed antipasto).
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Primo
First course, usually a substantial pasta, rice or
zuppa
(soup) dish.
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Secondo
Second course, often
carne
(meat) or
pesce
(fish).
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Contorno
Side dish, usually
verdura
(vegetable).
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Dolce
Dessert; including
torta
(cake).
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Frutta
Fruit; usually the epilogue to a meal.
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Nostra produzione
Made in-house.
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Surgelato
Frozen; usually used to denote fish or seafood that's not freshly caught.
