Eat Like a Local: Your Guide to an Italian Menu
Have you ever sat down at a real Italian restaurant? Maybe you looked at the menu and saw a lot of words you didn’t know. The menu might have looked a little confusing. It’s not like the menus you see in other places. But don’t worry. This guide will help you understand a true Italian menu. You will learn how to eat like you have been doing it for years. It’s a fun way to try something new. It is a great way to enjoy a real Italian meal.
The Italian Menu, Decoded
The secret to a real Italian menu is that it is a meal of many parts. It is not just a main dish. The food comes in a certain order. Each part of the meal is called a course. You can choose to have all the courses. Or you can just pick one or two. The most important thing is to enjoy the food. Here is how a real Italian menu is set up.
Antipasti (Before the Meal)
This is the first part of the menu. Antipasti means “before the meal.” These are small dishes. They are meant to get your appetite ready. They are a great way to share with friends. Antipasti can be many things. You might see Bruschetta. This is toasted bread with fresh tomatoes and basil on top. You might see a plate of cured meats. This is called Affettati Misti. It can have thin slices of prosciutto or salami. You might also see a cheese plate. It is a simple way to start. It is a very delicious way.
Primi (The First Course)
After the starters comes the first course. This is called Primi. This is often the most important part of the meal for Italians. The Primi is usually pasta. It can also be risotto or soup. But it is always the main part of the meal. It is never a side dish. You will see a lot of different types of pasta on the menu. There might be long pasta like Spaghetti. There might be flat pasta like Fettuccine. There might be filled pasta like Ravioli. Each type of pasta is made for a different kind of sauce. The waiter can help you with this. The sauce is the most important thing. It can be a simple tomato sauce. It can be a rich meat sauce. It can be a creamy cheese sauce.
Veloce Pizza Bar, the best Italian restaurant in Carlton North, knows this well. It provides a wide range of Pizzas, Pasta, Parmigiana, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, etc. The pasta dishes are all amazing. The pizzas are also very good. They have many different kinds. You will have a lot of choices here.
Secondi (The Second Course)
This is the main dish. Secondi means “second.” This is where you will find the meat or fish. It is often a simple dish. The main ingredient is the star. There might be a grilled steak. It is called Bistecca. There might be roasted chicken. It is called Pollo. There might be fresh fish. It is called Pesce. The fish is often grilled or baked. The dishes are cooked to show off the natural flavor of the meat or fish. They do not have a lot of sauces or spices.
Contorni (The Side Dishes)
In Italy, the side dishes are ordered separately. They are called Contorni. They are not on the same plate as your main dish. You have to ask for them. This is a very important thing to remember. The Contorni are often simple vegetables. You can find roasted potatoes. They are called Patate al Forno. You can find grilled vegetables. They are called Verdure alla Griglia. You can also find a simple salad. It is a good way to add some greens to your meal.
Completing Your Italian Feast
After the main dish, there are more parts to the meal. These parts are meant to help you enjoy your meal to the very end. They are a nice way to finish a long dinner.
Dolci (Desserts)
This is the dessert menu. Dolci means “sweets.” Italian desserts are often simple and delicious. They are not too heavy. You will find classic desserts here. Tiramisu is a popular one. It is a light dessert with coffee and cream. Panna Cotta is another great choice. It is a smooth, creamy pudding with a fruit sauce on top. You will also find Gelato. It is an Italian ice cream. It is very rich and flavorful.
Caffè and Digestivo
After dessert, it is time for coffee. In Italy, you do not drink a big cup of coffee with milk. You drink a small, strong Espresso. It is called Caffè. It is a perfect way to finish the meal. It is also good for your digestion. Sometimes, people will also have a Digestivo. This is a small glass of alcohol. It is meant to help you digest your food. Common ones are Limoncello or Grappa.
Bonus Tips for Ordering Like a Local
Now that you know the menu, here are a few extra tips. These will help you look like you know what you are doing.
- Don’t order a cappuccino after noon. Italians only drink milk-based coffee in the morning.
- Don’t ask for extra cheese. The chef has made the dish perfectly. The cheese is on the menu for a reason.
- Ask the waiter for help. The waiters know the menu best. They will be happy to help you.
- Take your time. An Italian meal is meant to be slow. It is a time to relax and talk.
When you go to a great local spot, they make it easy. Veloce Pizza Bar offers a wide range of Pizzas, Pasta, Parmigiana, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, etc. It serves in Carlton, Fitzroy, Fitzroy north, Collingwood, Brunswick, Brunswick east, Princess hill and other nearby areas. The staff is always happy to guide you through the menu.
Now you have the knowledge to eat like a local. You can order with confidence. You can enjoy a true Italian meal. So go to a nice Italian restaurant. Take your time. And enjoy every part of the meal.