Food is very important in Italian culture. It’s not just about eating, it’s about spending time together. Italians believe that meals bring families and friends closer.
Breakfast (colazione) is small, usually just a pastry and juice or coffee. Lunch (pranzo) is a short midday break with something light to eat. Dinner (cena) is the biggest and most exciting meal of the day! Italians eat dinner around 8:00 p.m., and it can last until 11:00 p.m. Everyone talks, laughs and enjoys the food together.
Dinner has many courses:
Antipasto (Appetizer): Small foods like melon with prosciutto or bruschetta.
Primi (First Course): Lighter foods like pasta or risotto that are warm and filling!
Secondi (Main Course): Heavier food like meat or fish, often with contorni (side dishes) like roasted potatoes or salad.
Dolci (Dessert): Sweet treats like tiramisu, cannoli, and affogato (ice cream with coffee).
In Italy, people don’t tip their servers, instead, there’s a small “coperto” fee already on the bill.
