1.
Restaurants in Italy
include the autogrill, or roadside snack bar, the osteria, an informal place, and the trattoria, which is a medium-priced,
often family-run eating establishment.
2.
To make a reservation (which is rare in Italy) for
two people at 8:00 PM, use this phrase: Vorrei fare una prenotazione per due alle
otto.
3.
In Italy, dishes are usually served on separate plates
in a specific order. In order of appearance on a typical menu there is:
4.
L'antipasto, which literally means "before the meal" and includes hot and cold appetizers such as crostini, bruschetta,
and mozzarella in carrozza.
5.
Il primo, or "first course" usually consisting of pasta, minestrone, risotto, or zuppa (soup).
6.
Il secondo, or "second course," and is the main course - often meat, poultry, game, or fish.
7.
Il contorno, or "side dish" which consists of vegetables such as melanzane (eggplant), spinaci (spinach), or insalata
mista (mixed salad).
8.
Il dolce, or "dessert," which includes such favorite sweets as tiramisł, torta della nonna (custard shortbread pie),
or zabaglione (custard of egg yolks with wine and brandy).
9.
To ask for the check, say: Il conto, per favore. If you want the waiter to keep the change, say: Tenga pure il resto.
