What kind of restaurants are in italy

Less formal than a ristorante is the Trattoria. It is a casual and unpretentious place to dine. Although more formal than the bare-bones osteria, a trattoria makes the best of local favorites, and features an ever changing seasonal menu. Oftentimes there are no printed menus and the service is very casual.

Local wine is sold by the decanter and prices are low. These were places where stall owners and shopkeepers could retire for a long lunch in the marketplace. The trattoria, although still offering a pleasant and luxurious dining experience, operates as more of a fast-food venue. Emphasis is on steady clientele rather than on haute cuisine, so the portions are larger and are sometimes served family-style at common tables. The word trattoria is equivalent with the French traiteur—meaning a catering business with the purpose of providing take-out food.

Pro Tip: This is a great post to bookmark in your browser. Imagine waking up at am and rolling over to see your significant other. No, they are not alcoholics. You get breakfast there. A good enoteca will serve tons of wine by the glass in many different price ranges.

They will often serve cured meat plates for a snack or even warm dishes at times. I definitely recommend stopping into one of these in your travels to Italy and Rome. One of my favorite types of places to eat lunch is a Tavola Calda. They are normally unassuming and serve many different types of dishes from cooked vegetables to lasagna and pasta dishes. Normally the dishes normally change day to day based on what is in season and other factors.

For example, gnocchi in Rome is only served on Thursdays. If you see it on the menu 7 days a week you may be in a tourist-trap. These are pretty cool little sandwich shops. They are dotted all over Rome and range in quality. A traditional taverna was usually found in smaller mountain towns and back in the day you could also spend the night if you wanted. Think of the tavola calda like a cafeteria, where you can go for lunch——just choose what you want to eat from the "hot table.

Hot dishes like carne arrosto roasted meat are prepared the same day from a selection behind a counter, but also find insalata salad , pasta , and pizza a taglio pizza by the slice , and pastries. Speaking of, a trattoria is indeed a restaurant, but the vibes are more casual than a ristorante. At a trattoria expect traditional, seasonal Italian dishes, and likely at a lower price point——and in a cozier setting——than a ristorante.

Traditionally, trattorie have been family-run eateries found off the beaten path on say, a side-street instead of on a main street or highly trafficked area. Additionally, beer lovers can head toward a birreria , you'll find spaghetti at a spaghetteria , and so on.

The country seems to have thought through all of the scenarios of how you prefer to dine, and as these traditional eatery definitions illustrate, there are no shortage of food options when you travel to Italy. Speaking of, if you are heading to Italy soon, check out our Food Travel Guides to the major Italian cities or contact us to get help with arranging your trip all from hotels to booking a table at Osteria Francescana!

Photo Credit: Christine Davis. Osteria Osterias are cheaper in terms of prices than trattorias and their interiors are even more informal.

Rosticceria These types of Italian restaurants are similar to the tavola calda and are very similar to the fast food establishments known to us. Paninoteca Paninoteca is the simplest sandwich shop which offers a selection of different breads , cheeses, salads, sauces and more.

Taverna The taverna or tavern is an Italian version of the English pub , only wine is served there instead of beer. Pasticceria Pasticceria are restaurants very similar to our well-known coffee shops , except that all desserts and pastries that are offered in them are made on the spot. Gelateria Gelatrias are something between establishments and shops where creamy ice cream made on the spot is available. Characteristics of the types of Italian restaurants In many Italian restaurants, coffee and pastries have two types of prices.

It is also good to know: Spaghetti Bolognese does not exist in Italy. There you have to order tagliatelle with Ragu sauce.

In a pizzeria, never share the pizza with someone else — the Italians never share a pizza and will look at you very surprised. Cappuccino after 11 AM? It is not a good idea! For Italians, the cappuccino is an acceptable option for breakfast, but not for the later hours of the day.

Italian coffee is strong, aromatic and exactly two sips. If you are used to drinking coffee with dessert, forget this rule in Italy. Here the coffee is drunk after you have finished with the dessert. If you are sitting at a table in a restaurant that is served by a waiter, do not expect him to bring you the bill himself.

In Italy, the bill is given only after the customer requests it. Disabled wheelchair access is provided.