Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
How to Eat & Drink Like a Local
Now that your appetite is piqued, it's time for the technicalities of eating
all'italiana
.
When to Eat
»
Colazione (breakfast)
A continental affair, often little more than a pre-work espresso, accompanied by a
cornetto
(Italian croissant) or
brioche
(breakfast pastry). In Sicily, your brioche might be filled with gelato or
granita
(flavoured
crushed ice).
»
Pranzo (lunch)
A sacred time, with most businesses closing for the
la pausa
(afternoon break). Traditionally the main
meal of the day, lunch usually consists of a
primo
(first course),
secondo
(second course) and
dolce
(dessert). Standard
restaurant times are noon to 2.30pm, though most locals don't lunch before 1pm.
»
Aperitivo
Popular in cosmopolitan Naples, post-work drinks usually take place between 5pm and 8pm, when the price
of your drink includes a buffet of tasty morsels.
»
Cena (dinner)
Traditionally a little lighter than lunch, though still a main meal. Standard restaurant times are 7.30pm to
around 11pm, though many southern Italians don't sit down to dinner until 9pm or even later.
Where to Eat
»
Ristorante (restaurant)
Formal service and refined dishes.
»
Trattoria
Cheaper than a restaurant, with more-relaxed service and regional classics.
»
Osteria
Historically a tavern focused on wine, the modern version is often an intimate trattoria or wine bar offering a
handful of dishes.
»
Enoteca
Wine bars often serve snacks to accompany your tipple.
»
Agriturismo
A working farmhouse offering food made with farm-grown produce.
»
Pizzeria
Cheap grub, cold beer and a convivial vibe. The best pizzerias are often crowded: be patient.
»
Tavola calda
Cafeteria-style spots serving cheap pre-made food like pasta and roast meats.
»
Friggitoria
Simple, take-away businesses specialising in deep-fried street snacks like
arancini
,
crocchè
and tempura-
style vegetables.
»
Mercato
The market is an integral part of southern Italian life and a great place to pick up picnic provisions like fra-
grant bread, local cheeses, salami, antipasti, fruit and vegetables.
Menu Decoder
For a translation of some of the words you'll find on Italian menus
Click here
.
»
Menù a la carte
Choose whatever you like from the menu.
»
Menù di degustazione
Degustation menu, usually consisting of six to eight 'bite size' courses.
»
Menù turistico
The 'tourist menu' usually signals mediocre fare - steer clear!