{"id":12467,"date":"2019-05-30T13:42:39","date_gmt":"2019-05-30T12:42:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/?p=12467"},"modified":"2020-07-14T16:53:12","modified_gmt":"2020-07-14T15:53:12","slug":"italian-restaurant-how-to-order","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/italian-restaurant-how-to-order","title":{"rendered":"How To Order At An Italian Restaurant"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So you\u2019re in Italy, at a restaurant, staring at the menu. Firstly – lucky you, no one dines out like the Italians. Secondly – whatever happens next? If you\u2019re a native Italian and you\u2019re already halfway through aperitivo<\/i><\/a>, then all this will be familiar. But if you\u2019re a stranger to this beautiful country and looking for some guidance on navigating the Italian restaurant scene, this is the post for you.<\/p>\n

Time it right<\/h2>\n

Dinner in Italy is very much dictated by the season and the climate. In the chillier northern regions dinner is often eaten as early as 8 pm, whereas the further south you travel, the later you tend to eat – from 9 pm or even later in the summer months.<\/p>\n

Ask for recommendations<\/h2>\n

You\u2019ll find lots of servers working in Italy are local or have been there for a long time. It might even be their family restaurant. The bottom line is, no one knows the menu like they do, so ask for what they recommend, both for the food and the wine.<\/p>\n

Tip generously<\/h2>\n

Like most European countries, the tip at an Italian restaurant should reflect the level of service received. The thing to remember is the tip is never included in your final bill, so don\u2019t assume it\u2019s taken care of. I would recommend around 10\/15%, but if you\u2019ve had an amazing time, they\u2019ll appreciate generosity!<\/p>\n

Pace yourself<\/h2>\n

Bread is part of the package at Italian restaurants and will come free to the table. This is dangerous because the bread is always delicious and usually freshly baked. Try to restrain yourself and avoid being full before your meal has even arrived.<\/p>\n

Useful phrases<\/h2>\n

\u201cIl conto, perfavore!<\/i>\u201d – The bill, please!<\/p>\n

\u201cChe vino consiglia?<\/i>\u201d – What wine do you recommend?<\/p>\n

\u201cChe specialit\u00e0 del giorno avete?<\/i>\u201d – What\u2019s on today\u2019s specials?<\/p>\n

\u201cDove si trova la migliore gelateria della zona?<\/i>\u201d – Where can I find the best ice cream place in the area?<\/p>\n

\u201cGrazie! Il pasto \u00e9 stato ottimo!<\/i>\u201d – Thanks! The meal was excellent!<\/p>\n

\"Italia<\/h2>\n

What to order in an Italian restaurant<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re travelling with us on our Journey through Italy (the newest recipe range on our weekly menu<\/a>), then you\u2019ll recognise some of these recommendations. Wherever you choose to visit in Italy, delicious local dishes are a guarantee. Here\u2019s what to ask for in some of the most iconic Italian cities.<\/p>\n

Venice<\/h2>\n

\"goustoIts history as a trade route means Venetian cuisine has been influenced by cultures from around the world, often featuring exotic spices and sauces.<\/p>\n