Hi — I have read that it is appropriate to order at least 2 to 3 courses in restaurants in Italy. Is that also the case at lunch time or is it okay to order only pasta and a drink at lunch? We have a reservation at a restaurant/deli. All the appetizers are quite expensive, which seems strange because the pastas are reasonably priced. I don’t see salads at the end of the menu, just deli meats and cheeses. At home I wouldn’t usually order more than once thing for lunch but I don’t want to be a rude American and will order an appetizer (to share?) in addition to pasta if that is expected. Thanks!
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3102 posts
OK, a quick primer. In Italy, in a restaurant, there is no enforced code of conduct in ordering. You do not have to order a lot of stuff. We did find that the size of the portions is a little smaller than in the US. As to sharing, you ordered it - share away!!!
There are appetisers, primi (pastas, etc) and secundi (heavier meat-centric courses). If you don't want to eat a lot, just order 2 primi. There is NO ONE who will force you to order a secundi.
Just please do not tip like in the US. US tourists are ruining Italy by over-tipping. Leave a euro or 2, or round up (E38 -> E40).
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
795 posts
Only order what you're hungry for! :)
There is no expectation for you to do multiple courses (but it might be nice if you were making your lunch meal the "big" meal of the day to linger over, but that's up to you), the only thing that might get you weird looks is if you order stuff out of order......like a caffe right when you sit down or ask for a main dish to come out before the pasta......but that would be it, just weird looks :) My friend ordered an caffe americano after a lunch of ribollita in Siena on a cold May day and the waiter was aghast (in a silly way) at her desire....and we never got it, but he probably just forgot hahaha
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8130 posts
You are free to order what you wish, but broadly speaking, "lunch" is later than what you might be used to ~1:00 PM, and does tend to be the main meal traditionally, and lighter in the late evening. However, eat what you like, when you like.
If I were to list any norms, it is that you are almost expected to order a bottle of water in addition to your drinks, or at least every other table will have a bottle of water. Pizzas are not for sharing, or at least as the only thing for two. And it is almost always expected that you will have coffee after. Again, you can do as you wish, they know tourists, but those are the things that will cause wait staff to pause, maybe ask twice if they heard correct.
For lunch of course, there are plenty of casual options as well for a quick bite, aside from a more formal sit down restaurant.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
543 posts
@Gail You don't have to worry. I lived in Rome and never had anyone look at me sideways for sharing a pizza no matter whatever else I ordered. As nearly everyone has said, you can do what you want.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10675 posts
And you don’t have to have coffee after any meal. My husband rarely does, whether at home in France or out in any country. No eye roll from anyone.