When you’re eating at a restaurant in Italy, there are a few telltale signs that can make you stand out as a tourist. As someone who's traveled extensively through Italy and dined at countless local spots, I've picked up on these things—and I’ve made some of these mistakes myself! Here’s what I’ve learned, why these signs stand out, and how to blend in better with the locals.
1. Ordering a Cappuccino After a Meal
Why it Stands Out: Italians traditionally only drink cappuccino in the morning, usually with breakfast. Ordering one after lunch or dinner is a dead giveaway that you’re not from around here. Italians believe that milk-based drinks like cappuccinos interfere with digestion, which is why they stick to espresso after meals.
What to Do Instead: Opt for an espresso ("caffè") if you want a coffee after your meal. It’s strong, small, and exactly what Italians drink to end a meal. If you’re craving something milky, save it for breakfast time.
2. Asking for Variations on the Menu
- Why it Stands Out: Italians take their food and how it’s prepared very seriously. The dishes on the menu are crafted to be enjoyed as they are, so asking for substitutions or changes—like requesting extra cheese on your seafood pasta—can be seen as a bit offensive or just very unusual.
- What to Do Instead: Trust the chef and order straight from the menu. Embrace the dishes as they are presented. If you have dietary restrictions, mention them kindly, but try to stick as closely as you can to the menu offerings.
3. Dipping Bread in Olive Oil or Asking for Butter
- Why it Stands Out: While it’s a common practice in many places to dip bread in olive oil or butter, in Italy, bread is usually eaten plain or used to "fare la scarpetta"—sop up leftover sauce on your plate. Dipping bread in olive oil before the meal is seen as more of an American or British habit.
- What to Do Instead: Enjoy your bread plain or use it to scoop up some of the delicious sauces on your plate. If you’re offered olive oil, it’s usually meant for your salad, not your bread.
4. Ordering Pasta as a Side Dish
- Why it Stands Out: In Italy, meals follow a specific structure: antipasto (starter), primo (first course, often pasta), secondo (main course, usually meat or fish), and contorno (side dish, typically vegetables or salad). Pasta is never a side dish—it’s a main event.
- What to Do Instead: Order pasta as a primo, and if you want a side, look for contorni like grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. Embrace the sequence; it’s part of the dining experience in Italy.
5. Overtipping
- Why it Stands Out: Unlike in the U.S. where tipping big is common, in Italy, a service charge ("coperto") or a small tip is usually already included in the bill. If you leave a large tip, it can be seen as unnecessary or even a bit odd.
- What to Do Instead: If service isn’t included, leaving a couple of euros or rounding up the bill is perfectly acceptable. A little appreciation is always welcome, but you don’t need to go overboard.
6. Eating Too Early
- Why it Stands Out: Italians usually eat dinner later in the evening, often starting around 8 PM or later. Arriving at a restaurant at 6 PM can signal that you’re a tourist since that’s considered quite early.
- What to Do Instead: Adjust to the local dining times if you can. Enjoy an aperitivo—a pre-dinner drink and snack—to hold you over until the traditional dinner hour. It’s a great way to embrace the local culture and pace of life.
7. Using a Spoon to Twirl Pasta
- Why it Stands Out: You might have learned that it’s polite to use a spoon to twirl your spaghetti, but in Italy, this is not the custom. Italians simply use a fork to handle their pasta.
- What to Do Instead: Just use your fork! It may take a little practice, but twirling pasta on a fork against your plate is how Italians do it. It’s simpler, more elegant, and you’ll look like a pro.
8. Ordering ‘Fettuccine Alfredo’ or Other Italian-American Dishes
- Why it Stands Out: Some dishes that are popular in the U.S., like Fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti with meatballs, aren’t part of traditional Italian cuisine. You won’t find these on most menus in Italy, and asking for them can make it clear you’re not familiar with local food.
- What to Do Instead: Try the local specialties of the region you’re visiting. Italy has such a diverse culinary landscape, and each area has its own must-try dishes. Whether it’s cacio e pepe in Rome or risotto in Milan, you’ll be amazed by the variety and flavor.
9. Expecting Fast Service
- Why it Stands Out: Meals in Italy are meant to be leisurely and savored, not rushed. Italians take their time dining, and so do the servers. Expecting quick service can make you seem impatient or unfamiliar with the dining culture.
- What to Do Instead: Relax and enjoy the slower pace. Italians see meals as a time to relax, converse, and enjoy good food and company. If you need something, politely ask, but try to settle into the rhythm of a longer, more relaxed meal.
By paying attention to these little details, you can blend in more seamlessly and enjoy a truly authentic dining experience in Italy. Not only will you feel more like a local, but you’ll also get to enjoy your meal the Italian way—which, in my opinion, is one of the best parts of traveling there!
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