Hi, would it be acceptable for dinner if my husband and I shared one appetizer as well as one primi and one secondi? If we have room we'd also share a dessert.
I've eaten in Italy before but can't recall what the customs are in restaurants. I don't want to offend anyone. We'd like to try as many courses as possible but think we'd be too full if we each got one dish in each category. Thanks for your response.
They won't be offended if you order and eat what you want. Don't forget portions are much smaller, so it's not like an American appetizer than can generally feed 2-4 people.
No problem at all!
My family and I share an antipasto (appetizer) if it's a bigger plate or one antipasto each if it's a smaller version. Then we take a primo OR a secondo each so we can taste different things. Just as you and your husband would do.
We often do that, or basically will choose an entrée each from either the Primi or Secondi, rarely would one of use do both.
However, I am in the camp that is prepared to spend some time at an Italian restaurant. We always, always start with a bottle of water, usually sparkling, do drink wine, sometimes a glass (my wife only drinks white, I prefer red, but will drink white), but usually a bottle. Always get a starter, I think some of the tastiest things on the menu are there. Then my wife nearly always just gets pasta, I prefer Meat or fish. Do not overlook the side dishes (Contorno), a nice plate of fresh vegetables can be a treat. Then dessert is a flip of a coin, sometimes we prefer a gelato and a walk later, but if they have something different... You will get a bit of a strange look if you do not order coffee after, I just cannot have caffeine that late, but I usually do get an amaro or digestif
When I ordered a starter, a salad/side, and a pasta/pizza the waiter usually asked me what order I wanted them - one by one, or 2 together. I bet you could order the primo and secondo together and switch plates midway through. I saw couples doing that too (switching plates - didn't look to see what was on them :-).
Thanks everyone. Think I’m all set no with our dining strategy. Yes, Paul I like the idea of taking ones time with all the courses and adding a contorno.
