Mealtime etiquette rules to follow in Italy

In Italy, mealtime etiquette is characterized by a respect for tradition, a leisurely dining experience, and specific customs that reflect Italian culture. Here are key mealtime etiquette rules to follow:

General Etiquette

• Meals are meant to be savored and enjoyed slowly; rushing is considered rude. Italians often spend hours dining, especially for special occasions or social gatherings. ^{1, 3}
• Wait for everyone to be served before beginning to eat and start only after the host says “Buon appetito!”. ^{5, 6}
• Greet the host or waitstaff politely with “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” upon entering a restaurant. ⁶

Ordering and Food Etiquette

• Follow the structured Italian meal format: antipasto (starter), primo (first course, usually pasta or risotto), secondo (meat or fish), contorno (side dish), dolce (dessert), and coffee or digestivo. ^{2, 3}
• Avoid ordering cappuccino with a meal or after 11 am, as it is considered a breakfast drink. Espresso is preferred after meals. ^{2, 5, 6}
• Use local and regional dishes to experience authentic Italian cuisine. ²
• Do not put Parmesan cheese on seafood dishes, pizzas, or salads, unless it is offered by the waiter. ^{5, 6, 2}

Table Manners

• Use utensils for most foods and do not eat spaghetti with a spoon; twirl the pasta neatly with a fork, usually using the side of your plate for help. ^{7, 8, 5, 2}
• Hold the fork in the right hand and the knife in the left throughout the meal without switching hands. ^{4, 8, 7}
• Do not rest elbows on the table in formal settings but adjust according to the casual or relaxed environment. ⁷
• It’s polite to finish your plate as a compliment to the chef, though leaving a small amount is acceptable. ⁶
• Use bread to mop up leftover sauce on your plate (“fare la scarpetta”), especially in traditional trattorias or osterias. ^{5, 2}

Tipping and Water

• Service charge (coperto) is usually included in the bill; tipping is not obligatory but leaving a small tip or rounding up in cash is courteous if service was good. ^{6, 2}
• Order bottled water (naturale or frizzante) instead of tap water, as discussing tap water may be seen as inappropriate in restaurants. ^{2, 6}

Following these etiquette guidelines will help show respect for Italian dining culture and enhance the overall meal experience in Italy. Buon appetito! ^{3, 1, 7, 5, 6, 2}

References

• A Local’s Guide to Italian Dining Etiquette

• Galateo: The Do’s and Don’ts of Italian Food Etiquette

• Italian Dining Etiquette: Do’s And Don’ts

• Italy Dining Etiquette

• Italian Table Manners: The Do’s and Don’ts of Dining in Italy

• Italian Food Etiquette Advice: Eating and Dining Like a Local

• Italian Dining Etiquette and Manners: Do’s and Don’ts at the …

• Italian Etiquette & Table Manners: Do’s and Don’ts

• Episode #211: Eating Out In Italy - Etiquette Tips and More