As some of you probably know I'm heading to Italy after excessive nagging and pestering. I honestly cannot wait. I'm so exited I get giddier every time we plan. Me and my husband love love love Italian food. Its such a staple at our house. I want to be able to try these foods the original Italian way. Can people suggest what foods are a must to be tried and also how to read menus and any popular chains that I must try. Is there an app that can translate my menu?
Menus
- Thread starter wahmed
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Oh, just order pizza, you'll recognize it by the word PIZZA 
LOL! Just kidding!!
On a more serious note, if you want the real Italian experience, you should definitely order pizza at least once! Even in a restaurant, but from my experience, pizza places (that actually specialize in pizza and focaccia only) are the best places in town to eat genuine, yummy pizza!
I also agree with Hermann, what you want to try out depends on the region you are visiting! Many Italian regions have their own traditional foods, and they are definitely a must try!
Oh, and before I forget, most restaurants will probably have the menu translated in English. If that's not the case, then just use Google Translate to see what's available on the menu
I don't think restaurants here have apps or anything like that..
LOL! Just kidding!! On a more serious note, if you want the real Italian experience, you should definitely order pizza at least once! Even in a restaurant, but from my experience, pizza places (that actually specialize in pizza and focaccia only) are the best places in town to eat genuine, yummy pizza!
I also agree with Hermann, what you want to try out depends on the region you are visiting! Many Italian regions have their own traditional foods, and they are definitely a must try!
Oh, and before I forget, most restaurants will probably have the menu translated in English. If that's not the case, then just use Google Translate to see what's available on the menu
I don't think restaurants here have apps or anything like that..
Most places that are traditional have specials with whatever is in season in the region, so no one cam say unless you say where you are going and when. Menus do change daily so there is never any guarantee of certain dishes too, but in the tourist restaurants they will have dishes everyone is familiar with and have translations.
Unless you go to rural places or local places I am sure the menu will have English, otherwise ask and take a dictionary with you.
Unless you go to rural places or local places I am sure the menu will have English, otherwise ask and take a dictionary with you.
The reastaurants and pizzerias where locals go are usually hidden in side streets and have no translated menus, prices should be a bit lower too.
The menu structure wil be Antipasti - Primi - Secondi - Contorni.
Antipasto = appetizers and cold cuts, in some zones a large cold cuts platter and bread might be all you need for a meal.
Primo = pasta, soup, risotto
Secondo = meat, fish or egg dishes
Contorno = veg sides and salads.
Pizzerias of course have a Pizza section. In a pizzeria the appetizer par excellence you must try before your pizza is the potato and octopus salad.
The menu structure wil be Antipasti - Primi - Secondi - Contorni.
Antipasto = appetizers and cold cuts, in some zones a large cold cuts platter and bread might be all you need for a meal.
Primo = pasta, soup, risotto
Secondo = meat, fish or egg dishes
Contorno = veg sides and salads.
Pizzerias of course have a Pizza section. In a pizzeria the appetizer par excellence you must try before your pizza is the potato and octopus salad.
I agree with trying the Pizza when you are in Italy. Don't pass it up thinking that it is just Pizza and you can get it anywhere. Italian Pizza is a whole different story. It is so flavorful and fresh, not what you imagine when you typically think about pizza. Where ever you go, make sure to sit at a cafe and enjoy some Italian brewed coffee while you soak up the scene. It is nice to be mellow for a moment even if you are traveling and on a schedule to see all the sites.
I would suggest becoming more familiar with just some basic Italian words for stuff like "Chicken" ("Pollo") or "Fish" ("Pesce"), etc... so even if you don't know what the entire menu item is, if you spot specific words, you can at least have a vague idea of what it is. Beyond that, I would just be open to surprises as to what arrives at your table, lol. I usually just point at the menu item I want if I am unsure how to pronounce it properly - I'm super paranoid about embarrassing myself around others by butchering the pronunciation of something.
It also might help to learn what some of the more exotic menu items are, and how to avoid them if such things gross you out - so you don't wind up with a big plate of "rocky mountain oysters" (bull testicles) or something like that, lol.
It also might help to learn what some of the more exotic menu items are, and how to avoid them if such things gross you out - so you don't wind up with a big plate of "rocky mountain oysters" (bull testicles) or something like that, lol.
Oh, how exciting! I hope, when you get back, you share every little detail! hehe As others have mentioned, I bet the best restaurants will be found on the side streets! Maybe some of the menu's will have pictures to help you decide! As OhioTom suggested, it might be wise to get a handle on some of the basic words to help you sort through all of the choices a bit easier! I also found Hermann's explanation on the menu structure helpful! Well, by all means, just enjoy yourself and enjoy that authentic Italian cuisine! Lucky You!
Try everything! That's what I am going to do when I go! Just try as much as you can would be my advice, you don't go to Italy every day (unless you are Italian!) so get your fill while you are there! All my hard wedding weight loss is going right out of the window!
Speaking of weight loss, judging by the portion sizes i've experienced before, even at Italian restaurants here in England I don't think Italy is a place to visit when your on a diet!
When you order in Italy can you request what size of portions you get like you can in some other places or is that regarded as a bit rude?
I dont mind paying for anything it's just a bit of a waste when you end up sending half the food back becaused you cant eat it. Is that not even more offensive than asking for a smaller portion in the first place?
I know it's not a big deal but it's somthing i'd probably be wondering about when i'm sat looking at the HUGE menu!
When you order in Italy can you request what size of portions you get like you can in some other places or is that regarded as a bit rude?
I dont mind paying for anything it's just a bit of a waste when you end up sending half the food back becaused you cant eat it. Is that not even more offensive than asking for a smaller portion in the first place?
I know it's not a big deal but it's somthing i'd probably be wondering about when i'm sat looking at the HUGE menu!