85+ Italian Food Culture Facts – From A Local In Tuscany

Last updated on September 2nd, 2024

Before you set off to Italy on your dream vacation, be sure to familiarize yourself with one of the most important aspects of Italian culture – food!

Culinary traditions and Italian food are a huge focus for Italians (and even adopted residents like me) that come up with the phrase Che si mangia? (What are we eating?). Everyone lights up, eager to know more about what’s on the menu.

As a traveler in Italy, you’ll notice much of the day revolves around food and eating. Want to learn more before chowing down on some of the best food in the world?

Read on as I share with you 85+ Italian food facts about Italian food culture based on years of living in Italy, extensive research and experience. What you learn here will surely help you navigate the restaurant scene in Italy, including any food experiences you have along the way!

I’ve included fun Italy facts about Italian food culture including norms and expectations that you might run into while you’re here. For more on Italian food etiquette, be sure to get it right in A Visitor’s Guide To Eating In Italy – Italian Food Etiquette 101 (How To Order + My Tips).

Facts About Italian Food Culture

Many of these are guidelines or facts are generalizations about Italian food culture. Consider embodying these Italian food traditions while on your next trip to Italy. 

1. Italians Usually Eat One Large Meal A Day

It’s true. Historically it was lunch but today in cities it’s dinner at home with the family on the later side. Lunch is still the largest meal for Italians in rural areas. 

2. Italians Don’t Always Eat Seven Courses 

Italians rarely eat all seven courses at a seated meal. This is reserved for celebrations and holidays. At a restaurant they may order two or three courses but not all of them. 

3. Italians Eat Late

Compared to other cultures, Italians tend to eat on the later side, between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Northern Italian eats earlier while southern Italy eats as late at 10:00 pm. Read more about this in What Time Do Italians Eat Dinner? + Dinner Info From A Local Living In Italy.

4. Breakfast Is The Smallest Meal In Italy

Breakfast in Italy is something small with a coffee beverage.  No eggs and bacon (unless you are staying at a hotel with an international breakfast option).

5. Italians Typically Eat Something Sweet For Breakfast

A typical Italian breakfast is made up of something small and sweet like a pastry or a couple of cookies with coffee. 

6. You Can’t Order Tap Water In Restaurants

Expect to pay for bottled water in Italy at restaurants. You can ask for tap water but restaurants are unlikely to humor you. Don’t worry, it’s not expensive. 

7. You Can Drink Water From Spouts And The Tap In Italy

It’s totally safe to drink the tap water in Italy and from street spickets and fountains as long as you don’t see a non-potable sign, non potabile. Read more about this in Can You Drink Tap Water In Italy?

8. Italians Don’t Drink Iced Water

Italians don’t drink ice with their water or any other non-alcoholic beverage such as Coca Cola. The drink you choose will already come to the table chilled. 

9. A Bar In Italian Is Primarily A Cafe

Il bar in Italian is not a place that only serves alcohol in Italy. Rather, it changes its role as the day progresses. It’s a cafe in the morning, a quick lunch spot midday, a coffee house again in the afternoon and a bar and aperitivo spot in the evening. 

10. Many Dishes Are Regional In Italy

Many dishes in Italy can only be found within a specific region. Other dishes, however, like carbonara or pasta al pomodoro can be found throughout all 20 regions. 

11. Italians Eat Seasonally

Italians generally eat what is in season and local. This means strawberries in March, April and May, not December. Menus will typically reflect what is available at that time of year. 

Curious to know more about Italy’s seasonal foods, dishes, and produce? Check out
Foods to Eat in Italy in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December.
Italian Fruits and Vegetables in Season in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December.

12. Restaurants Don’t Serve Food All Day In Italy

A typical restaurant or trattoria in Italy won’t serve food all day. They will open for lunch around noon and close around 3:30 pm. They will then open again for dinner around 7:00 pm. 

13. Italians Don’t Snack

Generally speaking, Italians aren’t huge snackers. They may have a small bite here or there (or hold off until aperitivo hour around 6:30 or 7:00 pm). Kids, on the other hand, do eat snack, known as merenda. 

Snack Lovers: If you do love snacks, you can read all about my favorites in
Italy’s Best Kid-Friendly Supermarket Snacks
My 10 Favorite Snacks To Eat In Italy While Pregnant
Best Italian Supermarket Snacks

14. Italian Portions Are Smaller

Portions are typically much smaller when compared to US sizes. A normal plate of pasta will be around 100 grams or about 3.5 ounces. This is because Italians are likely to eat something else besides pasta. 

Curious to know more about this and how Italians stay fit while eating so much pasta? Read
Do Italians Eat Pasta Every Day?
How Italians Stay So Thin While Enjoying Pasta And Pizza Every Day

15. Sides Don’t Come With The Main

Side dishes do not come with your main dish in Italy. You must order contorni or side dishes separately, which will come on a separate plate from the main course. 

16. A Coperto Is Not A Tip

A coperto is a small charge that you will be asked to pay per person at a meal that covers the cost of your place setting. It’s not a service charge or a tip and expect children to pay it as well. You can read more about coperto in What Is A Coperto? 

17. Tipping Is Optional In Italy

Tipping is not required nor expected in Italy. I have had years of experience tipping in Italy and have outlined general amounts to tip in Italy should you be especially happy with your service, which you can read about in Tipping In Italy – When & How Much.

18. A Primo Is Just A First Course

The primo, or first course of any Italian meal is when the starch element of a meal is served. This could be pasta, rice, soup or gnocchi. You should order at least one other course at a restaurant in Italy when dining out (antipasto, secondo, dolce).

19. Many Baked Goods Are Sold By Weight In Italy

If you go to a bakery in Italy, most items will be priced by weight including things like pizza, focaccia, bread, cookies, cakes and other sweet treats.

To read about my favorite bakeries in Italy, don’t miss A Local’s 10 Favorite Bakeries In Florence and 10 Amazing Bakeries In Venice.

20. Many Rural Areas In Italy Still Rest After Lunch

Many rural areas in Italy close at lunchtime in Italy and don’t open until later in the afternoon after they have had their siesta or afternoon nap. This is not common in the cities but it’s helpful to know if you are traveling Italy’s less traveled roads. 

21. Many Grocery Stores Close In the Afternoon

Grocery stores and other food stores close during this afternoon rest period in rural areas in Italy. Keep this in mind when doing your food shopping. Large grocery stores will stay open all day but mom and pop stores, small delis and food shops will close for at least three hours in the afternoon (if not longer!). 

22. Most Open Air Food Markets Are Only Open In The Morning

Open air food markets are generally open from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm. It’s rare for food markets to stay open in the afternoon. 

Learn more about Italian Markets:
How to Shop at Markets in Italy
10 Rules for Shopping at Markets in Italy
Incredible Food Markets in Italy
My Favorite Markets in Florence
Food Markets in Florence
Top Markets In Tuscany
Food Markets in Venice
Rialto Market in Venice

23. Bars Break All Food Etiquette Rules In Italy

Bars in Italy break all rules in terms of when you can eat. You can always find something to eat at all hours of the day and enjoy it sitting or standing at the bar. Items include sandwiches, sweet treats, salads, first courses, second courses and large aperitivo buffet spreads.

24. Italy Loves Cheese

Italy reportedly produces over 400 varieties of cheese including worldwide favorites such as mozzarella, pecorino cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano and Gorgonzola. Learn all about the most famous Italian foods to try in Food Italy Is Famous For – And Where To Try Them.

25. A Sagra is A Food Festival In Italy

A sagra is a food festival in Italy celebrating a specific seasonal or regional ingredient or dish. It’s a great way to try a local specialty and indulge in an authentic Italian food tradition. Learn all about them in What Is A Sagra? + What You Need To Know Before Attending.

26. February 13th Is National Food Day In Italy

February 13th, just one day before Valentine’s Day, is National Food Day in Italy. It’s no surprise that food and love are even calendared side by side in Italy. If you feel like celebrating for your love for food with your one true love in Florence, then read up on Where To Book Your Valentine’s Dinner in Florence.

27. Italians Will Never Sit At A Table with 13 People

Italians are extremely superstitious, especially when it comes to Italian food culture and traditions. 

28. Italians Make Eye Contact When They Toast

When toasting in Italy, it’s tradition to make eye contact with the person you are clinking glasses with. 

29. No Kids Menu

Don’t expect  to find a kids menu at a restaurant in Italy. Kids generally eat what their parents eat at full price (but you can ask for an extra plate for kids to share).

Kids in Italy: Curious to read more about eating with kids in Italy? Check out
Best Squares To Eat And Drink With Kids In Venice
8+ Kid Friendly Restaurants In Venice – From A Mom Of Four Living In Italy
Where To Get A Quick Bite With Kids In Florence (Without Going Out Of Your Way!)
Where To Eat With Kids In Florence
School Lunches In Italy – What An Italian School Lunch Menu Looks Like
Kid-Friendly Foods to Order at Restaurants in Italy
Dining Out With Kids In Italy – What To Expect + Tips
Italy’s Best Supermarket Snacks for Kids
School Lunches in Italy

30. Sicilians Eat Gelato For Breakfast In The Summer

It’s so hot in Italy that Sicilians are known for eating gelato with a plain breakfast bun for breakfast in the summer. You might even see them eating granita or sorbetto as well with their coffee. 

31. Italians Never Order Two Primi

Italians will only order one dish per category on a menu (except for contorni in which you can order more than one). For example, an Italian will never order pasta and gnocchi. They will choose one of the two. 

Italian Food Facts About Ingredients 

32. Parmigiano Reggiano Is The Most Popular Cheese In Italy

Parmigiano Reggiano is from Emilia-Romagna but it’s beloved by Italians across all 20 regions. Have it vacuum packed and bring it home as a gift or souvenir.

Check out all of my gift and souvenir guides
Food Souvenirs from Supermarkets in Italy
Italian Food Gifts to Bring Back From Italy
Handpicked Gifts for Italian Food Lovers
Handpicked Italian Cooking Gifts
Italian Cookbooks to Gift
Food Souvenirs from Italy
Food Souvenirs & Gifts from Tuscany
Food Souvenirs & Gifts from Florence
Where to Buy Specialty Food Items in Florence
Food Souvenirs from Venice
Food Souvenirs from the Cinque Terre
Best Italian Olive Oils to Bring Home

33. You Won’t Find Salad Dressing In Italy

Italians eat their salad with olive oil, salt, pepper and vinegar. Don’t expect to be asked “what type of salad dressing would you like?” It’s just not going to happen. 

34. Mozzarella di Bufala And Mozzarella Are Not The Same

Mozzarella di bufala is a specific kind of mozzarella made from water buffalo milk. It tastes much different than regular cow’s milk mozzarella (and also costs much more!). Be sure to order your pizza with it for an extra special pizza and be sure you are eating it correctly! 

35. Pepperoni Are Bell Peppers In Italian

Americans know pepperoni as a kind of spicy Italian sausage to top pizza with but in Italy, pepperoni are actually bell peppers. Don’t expect to find a pepperoni pizza in Italy. 

36. Chicken Parmesan Is Not Italian (And Don’t Ask For it!)

That’s right, chicken parm is an Italo-American invention that you won’t find on the Italian peninsula. The closest thing might be a fried chicken cutlet served with a wedge of lemon. 

37. Latte Is Milk (Not A Coffee Beverage)

Latte is milk, not a coffee beverage in Italian. If you would like a milky drink, consider a caffe latte or a cappuccino. You can read more about Italian coffee in Coffee in Italy – Types & How to Order.

38. Eggs Are Not Served For Breakfast

Eggs are served as a main course in Italy at either lunch or dinner but not for breakfast. You might find eggs at a hotel or if you are ordering brunch in Italy but it’s not a traditional Italian breakfast item. 

Florence Travelers: Read all about my favorite places to eat eggs in Florence in Brunch Spots in Florence to Help Relieve an Epic Hangover.

39. Italians Don’t Eat Large Salads 

Large salads aren’t really a thing in Italy unless you are at a trendy new place in the city. Rather, simple salads made with only a few ingredients are found under the contorno section of the menu and are enjoyed with or after the main meal.

40. Lentils Bring Good Luck In Italy

It’s tradition in Italy to eat lentils on New Year’s Eve as they are said to bring luck and prosperity. Italians often serve lentils with the zampa or the pig’s hoof. 

41. Italians Don’t Actually Eat Garlic

Contrary to popular belief, Italians don’t actually eat or use a lot of garlic. It’s an ingredient like any other that is most commonly smashed and used whole in recipes and then removed before serving. 

42. Tomatoes Aren’t Italian

Despite the popularity of tomatoes in Italian cooking, they actually are not Italian and are relatively new to Italy. It wasn’t until the 1500s that tomatoes were introduced to Italy from the Americas.

43. Biscotti Are Cookies, Not Just One Type

The term biscotti means cookies in general in Italian. It doesn’t refer to a twice baked cookie that Americans know and love. Instead, that type of cookie is called a cantuccini. To read more about Italy’s most beloved biscotti, read 10 Most Popular Italian Cookies.

44. A Panino Is Not A Warm Sandwich In Italy

A panino in Italian is just a sandwich. It’s not warmed through to melt the cheese and usually is only made with one type of meat and one type of cheese. 

Florence Travelers: Discover my favorite sandwich shops in 7 Off The Hook Sandwich Shops In Florence and The Best Schiacciata In Florence.

45. Polenta and Rice are More Popular Than Pasta In Northern Italy 

Northern Italian regions eat much more rice and polenta than central and southern Italy who tend to eat much more pasta. This is because rice and corn grow much better in the north while durum wheat is a crop cultivated in the central and southern regions of Italy. 

46. Italians Don’t Mix Seafood And Cheese

Italians generally don’t mix seafood with cheese. This includes seafood pasta. Don’t ask for parmesan cheese with your pasta alle vongole. Chances are they won’t give it to you or kindly suggest you do without.

47. There Is No Garlic Bread In Italy

Nope. Lot’s of Italian bread for sure and a new one in every region (and even town!) you visit but no garlic bread. That is an American tradition. You can read more about this in Is There Garlic Bread in Italy?  NO, and Here’s Why.

48. Pesto Is From Liguria

This beloved pasta sauce, made from pine nuts, olive oil and basil, is originally from Liguria in central Italy. To learn how we use it in Italy read How We Use Pesto in Italy.

49. Panettone And Pandoro Are Only Served During Christmas

These two beloved sweet brioche Christmas cakes can be only found in the month leading up to Christmas and on sale in the weeks following. Read more about what they are and the difference between these in Pandoro Vs Panettone and be sure to cut it correctly!

50. Colomba Is Only Served At Easter

Colomba, a popular Italian Easter cake similar to panettone, is made only around Easter time. Be sure to try it and other Easter foods if you are visiting Italy in April. 

51. Chiacchiere Are Served Only At Carnevale

Chiacchere can only be found for a couple of months after Christmas. You might see them called differently in each region but the idea is always the same: thin fried pieces of dough dusted in powdered sugar. 

52. Focaccia And Schiacciata Are Not The Same

Focaccia and schiacciata are both Italian flatbreads but made entirely differently. Focaccia is from Liguria and tends to be more pillowy and less crunchy while Tuscany’s version is more crisp on the outside, giving it a crunchy bite. 

53. Risotto Is Not Made With Any Type Of Rice

Risotto, a creamy rice flavored with seasonal produce, can only be made with a certain type of rice. Carnaroli and Arborio are the best to use, both of which are grown in northern Italy.  

Italian Food Facts About Pasta

54. Pasta Is Never Served Plain

Pasta will never be served to you plain in Italy. Even pasta bianca or pasta with butter will come to the table already dressed in a butter sauce. In Italy, the pasta sauce will always be mixed in with the pasta, not piled on top or served on the side for the patron to mix in. 

55. Bread Is Not Served With Pasta

Bread is served at restaurants in Italy with appetizers and second (main) courses. Bread may be on the table but you should only use a corner of it to mop up the pasta sauce left on your plate, not eat it alongside your pasta. 

56. Italians Eat Pasta With Only A Fork

Italians don’t use knives, spoons or other utensils when eating pasta. Forks only. To learn more about this, check out Is it Illegal to Break Pasta in Italy? and The Consequences of Cutting Pasta in Italy.

57. Spaghetti And Meatballs Don’t Exist

Just like chicken parmesan, the recipe for spaghetti and meatballs is an Italo-American invention. The closest dish you might see to this is from Abruzzo made with tiny baby meatballs served with a fresh regional spaghetti. 

58. Pasta May Not Actually Be Italian

Most of us know and love Italy for its famous pasta dishes but it’s actually believed that pasta may have been first invented in Ancient Greece or China. 

59. Italians Eat More Pasta Than Anyone

Italians eat so much pasta that it’s estimated that each person eats over 55 lbs per year! 

Do you enjoy making and eating Italian pasta? If so, check out these recipes:
Orecchiette Pasta Recipe
Pici Pasta Recipe – How To Make Tuscany’s Hand Rolled Spaghetti
Tagliatelle Recipe + How to Pronounce It
Cacio e Pepe Recipe – Pronounce it and Make it Like an Italian (+ Audio)
Fresh Pomodoro Sauce Recipe – An Italian Summer Tradition
Pomodoro Sauce Recipe – Made With Canned Tomatoes
Creamy Kale Pasta Recipe
Italian Kale Pesto Recipe
Aglione Sauce Recipe
Pappardelle alla Boscaiola Recipe

60. There Are Hundreds Of Pasta Shapes In Italy

It’s hard to be certain exactly how many different pasta shapes there are, but it’s estimated there are at least 400 different pasta shapes in Italy and upward of 600! To learn more about the most popular pasta brands, check out Italian Pasta Brands That We Actually Use in Italy.

61. Italians Cook Their Pasta Al Dente

Cooking pasta in Italy is an artform, one that involves serving pasta al dente. Learn all about how to cook pasta and be sure it’s done the correct way al dente!

Italian Food Facts About Pizza

62. Pizza May Or May Not Be Italian

It’s hard to say for sure whether or not pizza is actually Italian. Some evidence suggests otherwise but most experts believe that it was in fact invented in Naples in the 1800’s. 

Pizza Lovers: Be sure to read up on how to order pizza in Italy before your next trip.

63. Pizza Doesn’t Come Pre-Sliced

If you order pizza in a pizzeria in Italy, it will come as a whole pie unsliced. It’s up to you to slice it or eat it as you like. So how do Italians eat pizza? I answer all your questions in How Do Italians Eat Pizza? and Do Italians Eat Pizza With A Fork?

64. Pizza Margherita Is Italy’s Most Beloved Pizza

The pizza margherita is actually one of Italy’s most beloved pizzas said to have been named after the Queen Margherita of Savoy to whom it was first prepared with tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil. 

65. Neapolitan Pizza Is A UNESCO World Heritage

Pizza from Naples (and eating it) has been categorized by UNESCO as a heritage in itself!

66. No Pineapple Pizza In Italy

Although traditional Italian pizza toppings are seemingly endless, pineapple doesn’t make the cut (nor does anything else sweet!). 

67. Dessert Pizza 

Pizza for dessert is actually a thing in Italy. Many pizzerias (including some of my favorites in Venice and Florence) serve dessert pizza made with Nutella. 

68. Pizza By The Slice Is Served In Squares

Contrary to what you might read or know otherwise, it is actually possible to order pizza by the slice in Italy but it won’t come in a triangle. It comes in squares and is most likely sold by weight, not by slice. 

Facts About Italian Olive Oil

69. Not All Italians Use Olive Oil

Much of northern Italy prefers to use butter instead of olive oil for cooking. This is because the climate is ideal for breeding cows and producing dairy products (the best in Italy in my experience). 

70. Italians Don’t Fry With Olive Oil

You might find a nonna in very rural areas frying with olive oil but most Italians nowadays use a special oil called friggitutto, a mix of peanut and other vegetable oils for frying. 

More About Oil: To learn more about olive oil in Italy check out  
Can I use Olive Oil in Place of Vegetable Oil
20+ Ways Italians Use Their Extra Virgin Olive Oil + When They Don’t

71. Italy Produces Olive Oil In All 20 Regions

Italy is one of the largest producers in the world of olive oil. Each region grows a different variety of olive, ultimately creating a unique oil different in smell, taste and color. Be sure to try several from different regions on your next trip to Italy. 

Bringing Olive Oil Home: Learn about my favorite Italians olive oils in 15 Best Italian Olive Oils and other food souvenirs in Best Food Souvenirs from Italy and 15+ Food Souvenirs & Gifts From Tuscany.

72. Italians Don’t Dip Their Bread In Olive Oil

Italians use olive oil in numerous ways but not for dipping bread in. Bread is used to mop up pasta sauce on a plate or accompany a main course . At most, you will see olive oil used to make fettunta or bruschetta. 

More Olive Oil Facts: There is so much to learn about olive oil in Italy! Don’t miss 50 Olive Oil Facts.

Italian Food Facts About Dessert

73. Fruit Is Italy’s Favorite Dessert

Italians love to close their meal with something symbolic which could be a classic Italian dessert or something more simple like a couple of nuts or a piece of fruit. Italians eat seasonal fruit everyday, most commonly after a meal, making it Italy’s most beloved dessert. 

Eating seasonally is a way of life for Italians. To learn more about it, check out Why Italians Eat Seasonally.

74. Gelato Is Different Than Ice Cream

Gelato in Italy compared to ice cream has less fat, about 4-8% vs 14%, is made with milk, not cream, and is usually made without eggs and slow-churned, creating a more dense texture. 

Gelato Lovers: Don’t miss
How To Order Gelato In Italy
Is Italian Gelato Gluten-Free?
Gelato In Italy – The Scoop on Italy’s Favorite Sweet Treat
Italian Gelato Flavors – A Complete List of Gelato Flavors You’ll Find in Italy (+ Printable Quick Guide)

75. Florence Is The Birthplace of Gelato

That’s what they say at least! Story goes that the Florentine Bernardo Buontalenti invented gelato. Badiani has the absolute best buontalenti gelato flavor named after him. To try some of the best gelato in Florence don’t miss my top picks in Best Gelato In Florence – From A Local.

Italian Food Facts About Drinking And Coffee

76. Cappuccini Are Only Enjoyed In The Morning

Italians typically drink cappuccini in the morning and not after meals or in the afternoon. 

77. One Size Fits All 

Italian coffee beverages are served in one size, the size deemed appropriate by Italian tradition. There is no need to specify small, medium or large (unless you are at Starbucks in Italy).

78. Italians Finish Their Meal With Espresso

After lunch or dinner Italians finish their meal with a caffe, not a cappuccino or any other coffee drink. At most, ask for a small bit of milk on the side. 

79. Coffee Hasn’t Always Been In Italy

Although Italians take their coffee very seriously and as a traveler you will note how important it is to the culinary traditions of Italy, coffee actually comes from Ethiopia and wasn’t introduced into Italy until the 1500s.

80. The First Cafe In Italy Was Opened In Venice  

Italy’s first bar, Florian originally opened in Venice 1683, boasting its first coffee house. 

Coffee Lovers: Be sure to get the low down on my favorites spots to drink coffee in Where To Get Coffee In Venice.

81. Drink Water Before Coffee

At many cafes and bars in Italy you are served a small glass of water with your coffee. According to Italian eating etiquette, always drink the water before your coffee which is meant to clear your pallet. 

82. Aperitivo Is Typically A Low ABV Beverage

Aperitivo in Italy is a low ABV drink meant to open your stomach before a meal, not get your blasted. It could be a glass of white wine, a spritz or a Campari spritz. It might also be a non-alcoholic beverage or Italian mocktail. 

Cocktail Lovers: Be sure to try Italy’s most beloved cocktails on your next trip!

83. Italians Don’t Drink Cocktails With Meals

Cocktails are reserved for after dinner drinks, an evening out or special celebrations but they are always enjoyed before or after dinner, not at the table with your meal. It’s all about the wine when Italians sit down to dine.

84. A Digestivo Is Served After Dinner

An Italian digestivo is an after dinner drink meant to aid in digestion. It’s usually an amaro or other hard liquor served cold in a small glass. To read more about Italy’s most popular digestivi, check out Italian Digestivo – Italy’s Top 5 Classic After-Dinner Drinks.

85. Italian Wine Is Made In All 20 Regions

Italy is the second largest wine producer in the world after France and before Spain. Wine is made in every one of Italy’s regions so be sure to learn about where to drink wine and where to buy it.

86. Prosecco Is Italian

Prosecco is Italy’s less expensive version of French champagne. Use it to make several cocktails include a Spritz, Negroni or Negroni Sbagliato or don’t miss a prosecco tour, one of the best foodie experiences to have while in Italy.

87. An Aperitivo Is Never Served Alone

A pre-dinner drink is always served with some kind of small, salty nibble to accompany your drink. 

Aperitivo In Italy: Learn all about my favorite spots for aperitivo in
Coolest Bars In Florence
Where to Enjoy Aperitivo on a Budget in Florence
Best Spots In Venice For Aperitivo

88. Italians Only Toast With Alcoholic Beverages

Most Italians will only make a toast with some kind of alcoholic beverage or wine. No water! Read more about how to toast correctly in How To Toast in Italian.

89. Italians Make Coffee At Home With A Moka Pot

Most Italians still make coffee at home with a Moka pot, although it’s more and more common to find families making coffee with capsules. Learn which coffee brands are my favorite in Italian Coffee Brands.