Ask for common Italian menu sections and what they mean
Savor the Flavors: Ordering Food & Drinks in Italian Restaurants Made Easy: Ask for common Italian menu sections and what they mean
Common Italian menu sections and their meanings are as follows:
- Aperitivo: A pre-meal drink and light snacks to stimulate the appetite.
- Antipasto: The appetizer course, often including cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, or seafood.
- Primo (Primo piatto): The first course, usually a hot dish based on pasta, risotto, rice, polenta, or soup, typically carb-based.
- Secondo (Secondo piatto): The main course, typically featuring meat, fish, or vegetarian protein dishes.
- Contorno: Side dishes served alongside the secondo, usually vegetable-based, such as salads or cooked vegetables.
- Insalata: Salad, often served after or alongside the secondo and contorno.
- Formaggi e frutta: A course of local cheeses and fresh seasonal fruit.
- Dolce: Dessert, which can range from gelato and tiramisu to regional pastries.
- Bevande: Drinks menu, including wine, coffee, and digestives.
These course sections represent the traditional order and structure of an Italian meal, with dishes growing in richness and complexity as the meal progresses.