Restaurant Etiquette in Italy

gilbz

gilbz

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Sep 6, 2010
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Restaurant Etiquette in Italy

I mention this as we were a bit in the dark when we went so I thought I'd get some opinions.

When dining out in Italy , what is the minimum courses that you should order ? The reason I ask is that some places were OK if you missed a starter but shook their heads if you only ordered a main and others didnt mind you missing a main as long as you had a starter and pasta course. It did get confusing and whilst I know that its rare for anyone to eat the full 4 courses some guidance for others would probably be helpful.
 
Re: Restaurant Etiquette in Italy

You order what you feel like eating. You can skip the starter and dessert if you like and just have the main course.
 
I've heard of this. It is considered 'rude' if you don't eat the 4 full steps that form a proper Italian meal, and even worse if you don't eat the full plate since it's considered an insult to the chef.
 
Oh my! So if someone just doesn't eat much, like me, you can actually insult the chef?? What if you order a meal but can't finish it? Is carry-out an option? Is it also considered rude if you can't eat it all and take leftovers with you?
 
Ah , the social mores of 'la dolce vita' ! To be honest , we only went to two posh restaurants and stuck to starter , main and a bottle of wine which didnt seem to cause too much offence. The rest of the time we stuck to sidewalk cafe and pizza with a couple of beers.

Anyway , heres a guide I found

http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3483.html
 
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I am not sure where people get this offence idea from but as I have said in my post before your order what you feel like eating. If you are full, then leave it. The chef will not be offended. If there is something wrong with the food, tell them, they will bring you another dish until you are happy.

Thanks for the link Gilbz, I'm sure some will find that useful.
 
I think this is actually more prone to be applicable if an Italian friend invites you to know his family, or in formal family occasions that are ruled by traditions
 
I have been to a few familyl dinners and can never eat everything offered. Sometimes they can last 3 hours plus! At some point you have to say no!!! :)
 
Ah, I see friction between modern lifestyle and tradition. Maybe Mattie C is right. Maybe traditions apply only to traditional meals shared in more formal gatherings. But gee, as in David's and Rusty's case, is there a middle ground?

In my culture, it is only rude if you snob food that is served, if you are invited over by a stranger, family or friend. A bite of what's on the table would be enough to satisfy this norm.
 
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