As a regular customer at Mamma’s Boy Trattoria, you may have picked up the desire to travel to Italy (and we can’t blame you!) Whilst at Mamma’s Boy Trattoria, we don’t have ANY rules, here are some hints to keep in mind for your next trip to Italy!
Italian cuisine encompasses a wide range of options, from delectable street food to luxurious fine dining experiences. Table manners and dining etiquette, however, can vary greatly depending on the setting. For example, the expectations for behavior in a casual eatery may differ from those in a high-end Michelin-starred restaurant. To ensure that you are familiar with and follow proper Italian restaurant culture, here are some general guidelines to consider.
Table Manners
Table manners are an important part of showing respect for a meal and the local food traditions. Italian dining customs have specific rules that differ from typical Italian dining in Australia. These customs should be observed when dining in an Italian restaurant or with Italian diners. Some of these customs include:
Passing food to the left
A complete Italian dining experience involves sharing dishes. Bread accompanied by seasoned olive oil and appetizers are integral components of an Italian meal and are often shared amongst the entire table.
The Italian dining culture cherishes the idea of communal and family-style eating. As soon as the shared dishes arrive at the table, they circulate among the diners for everyone to relish. The food is passed to the left as it circulates around the table.
If you happen to receive a shareable dish, make sure to pass it to the person sitting on your left after taking your portion.
Don’t eat with elbows on the table
Eating with your elbows on the table may be perceived as impolite, depending on the situation. In a formal dining setting, it can be seen as a sign of disrespect for the established etiquette. It's important to maintain good posture and keep your elbows off the table while eating to demonstrate respect for the occasion.
However, the appropriateness of this rule can vary depending on the setting. In a more casual atmosphere, such as a casual conversation over coffee, having your elbows on the table may be more acceptable. The context of the situation should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to observe this rule or not.
Proper handling of utensils
Your ability to handle utensils properly can indicate your level of dining etiquette and familiarity with local customs. In Italy, it is common practice to hold the fork in the right hand and the knife in the left, without switching hands throughout the meal.
Unlike in Australia, where it is typical to switch utensils between hands when cutting food and eating, this standard of utensil etiquette in Italy may be unfamiliar to some. However, adhering to these customs demonstrates your willingness to learn and respect local traditions, and reflects the adage, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Don’t use a spoon when eating pasta
Many people believe that Italians eat pasta by holding a spoon in their left hand, placing it on the plate, and twirling the pasta around the fork tines against the spoon. However, this is a common misconception. Italians do not use a spoon to eat pasta; they use only a fork. Some travelers to Europe may try to imitate this incorrect method, only to discover that it is not customary in Italy. Spoons may be used to add sauce or cheese to the pasta, but never for eating it.