As an Italian restaurant, our menu tends to be separated into a specific structure focused on what you expect to see in Italy as you sit down for dinner. While ordering from every course is unnecessary, most will order at least two. Another difference from the Italian style is that meals may last over two hours, depending on your company. In America, we often choose our meals based on convenience, but let's dive into what a traditional meal structure in Italy looks like.
Aperitivo
The Aperitivio is a pre-meal drink designed to cleanse and wet your palate before beginning the first course. This drink is meant “to open” the stomach before dining, as the word is derived from Latin.
Antipasto
This traditional Italian meal starts with something to nibble on before the main courses commence. These appetizers can include cold and hot dishes like cheese, soppressata, and bread.
Primo
The primo is the first course to choose from; Pasta is served first as another appetizer but not the main event. You may also see soup, rice, and even polenta on the menu.
Secondo
Finally, we have reached the main course. This second course in Italy consists of small portions of chicken, meat, and fish, kept simple as the primo course includes rich kinds of pasta.
Dolce
The last item a restaurant will serve you is Dolce or sweet. The dolce is not only a way many Italians complete their lunch or dinner but also the way many begin their day.
Digestivo
At last, the digestivo or digestive is an after-dinner liqueur like limoncello and grappa. This beverage is served in a small glass and taken straight as a shot. This tradition is meant to aid digestion after a substantial meal with multiple courses.
Visit Scampo in Beacon Hill
As the former Charles Street Jail, Scampo is a gem upon the rough. Our Italian-inspired menu offers an unrivaled culinary experience. Italian dishes are unique, and their history has proved that they are not like most foods. Call today for a reservation, and in the meantime, browse our menu. We look forward to seeing you soon.
FAQs
An Italian meal usually consists of four courses (starter, first course, main course, and dessert). However, this can be extended to eight or more (starter, first course, main fish course, main meat course, cheese, and dessert).
What is the Italian daily meal structure? ›
The Italian diet consists of breakfast (colazione), lunch (pranzo), and dinner (cena). In addition, Italians also have a snack (merenda) in the mid-afternoon. Italians consider food an essential part of their lives. They use mealtime to bond with friends and family.
What is the culinary tradition of Italian cuisine? ›
The Mediterranean diet forms the basis of Italian cuisine, rich in pasta, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Cheese, cold cuts, and wine are central to Italian cuisine, and along with pizza and coffee (especially espresso) form part of Italian gastronomic culture.
What is a traditional meal in Italy? ›
A traditional Italian meal begins with antipasto, that's the starter. It's followed by the “primo” which is often pasta or risotto. You'll then get the “secondo” which is meat or fish, accompanied by a “contorno”, that's vegetables and salad.
What are the components of Italian cuisine? ›
Although the dishes differ from region to region, these 7 ingredients are the most commonly used in Italian food.
- Olive Oil. Olive oil is jokingly dubbed as 'liquid gold' because of the level of importance it holds in Italian cuisine. ...
- Tomato. ...
- Cheese. ...
- Basil. ...
- Wine. ...
- Mushrooms. ...
- Pasta.
Italian cuisine is a celebration of simplicity, freshness and flavour. Its focus on quality ingredients and traditional techniques has won the palates of people all over the world.
What is the most Italian meal? ›
Besides pasta, pizza is perhaps the most popular and recognized Italian food. Pizza is considered a national symbol representing Italy to the rest of the world, so much so that UNESCO has acknowledged pizza as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
What is a first dish in Italy? ›
a primo is the first course. It consists of hot food and is usually heavier than the antipasto, but lighter than the second course. Non-meat dishes are the staple of any primo piatto: examples are risotto, pasta, seafood or vegetarian sauces, soup and broth, gnocchi, polenta, crespelle, casseroles, or lasagne.
What is the biggest meal of the day in Italy? ›
Lunch is the day's main meal, lasting up to two hours! If you plan to eat lunch with locals, block out time. A typical Italian lunch consists of a primo (pasta, soup or risotto dish), a secondo (meat or fish-based dish) and a contorno (side dish).
What is the order of an Italian dinner? ›
In America, we often choose our meals based on convenience, but let's dive into what a traditional meal structure in Italy looks like.
- Aperitivo. The Aperitivio is a pre-meal drink designed to cleanse and wet your palate before beginning the first course. ...
- Antipasto. ...
- Primo. ...
- Secondo. ...
- Dolce. ...
- Digestivo.
Creating the right ambiance is essential for hosting a perfect Italian dinner. Set the table with elegant tableware and use a crisp, white tablecloth to create a sophisticated and exclusive atmosphere. Consider adding some candles and soft background music to enhance the overall experience.
What is the structure of a dinner menu? ›
5 course meal: A 5 course dinner menu includes an hors d'oeuvre, appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert. 4 course meal: A 4 course dinner menu includes an hors d'oeuvre, appetizer, main course, and dessert. 3 course meal: A 3 course dinner menu includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert.
What is the key ingredient in Italian meals? ›
Pasta. Pasta is an essential part of Italian cuisine, and there are hundreds of varieties of pasta, each with its unique shape and texture. The most popular types of pasta include spaghetti, penne, and fettuccine, and they are usually served with different types of sauces.
