Restaurants in Italy

It is an experience to travel around and literally taste your way through the country. Step by step, you will gain insight into the country's food culture. Let your taste buds guide you and be open-minded.

Taste everything, ask the small local restaurants to serve their best dishes from the area, you are guaranteed not to be disappointed. Whether you are a food enthusiast or just a curious beginner, you will have many taste experiences during a stay in Italy.

Children are always welcome in restaurants in Italy. In most places, there is a high chair and the possibility to have a baby bottle warmed up. Unfortunately, there are not often special children's dishes or children's portions on the menus. If your children are a bit picky, you can always ask for pasta with tomato or meat sauce, or choose a pizzeria.

Opening hours of Italian restaurants

It is important to find out the opening hours of restaurants.
Generally, people eat much later in Italy. This is naturally also due to the heat.
So; if you arrive at a restaurant around 6:00 PM, you will probably find the staff at the dining table behind drawn curtains.

Lunch is served between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM

Dinner is served between 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM.

A few tips for restaurant visits in Italy:

• Avoid restaurants with a tourist menu, a so-called "Menu Turistico" – you will easily be disappointed!

• Tipping is not obligatory, but a little extra is always appreciated, of course!

• Most restaurants/shops accept credit cards. Many pizzerias/small bars/smaller grocery stores do not.

• Be aware that you always pay a certain fee per person for cover/table setting in Italy.

Understanding an Italian menu

• The word "antipasti" means starter. It can be anything from small appetizers to something that seems like a whole meal in itself.

• The word "primo" stands for pasta dishes, soups, risotto.

• The word "secondo" means main course; meat or fish. Vegetables or other sides are often not served automatically, but must be ordered separately.

• The word "contorno" therefore means what is served with the main course: spinach, beans, salad, french fries, etc.

• The word "dolce" means dessert: fruit, cake, pudding, ice cream, etc.

Smoking is prohibited in public places throughout Italy, including restaurants. Unless they have a special section for smokers, of course.
If you are interested in wine or gastronomy, you might consider taking a mini cooking class or a wine tasting in a wine cellar in Lucca.

If you haven't booked your holiday yet, you can see our beautiful houses here on the page.
You are also very welcome to contact us for guidance.

When you book your accommodation through Landfolk, you will receive a restaurant guide to avoid unsuccessful restaurant visits.