FOOD IN ROME: 18 Things To Know Before You Eat in Rome, Italy | Italian Food

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide for tourists in Rome, aiming to help them navigate the local food scene like a local. Jana and Brett, who have lived in Rome and hold Italian citizenship, share insider tips on coffee culture, where to find authentic eateries, and how to order like a Roman. They also discuss meal timings, the importance of trying traditional dishes, and the etiquette of food markets. The script provides insights into Italian dining, from aperitivo to dessert, and offers advice on wine selection and restaurant customs, ensuring viewers can enjoy an immersive and authentic Roman culinary experience.

Takeaways

• 🍴 **Italian Breakfast**: Traditional Italian breakfasts are often light and quick, with espresso and a cornetto (croissant) being a common choice.
• ☕ **Espresso Culture**: Espresso or cappuccino is the typical morning coffee in Rome, and it's not served in large cups as in some other cultures.
• 🥛 **Misunderstandings with Milk**: In Italy, ordering a 'latte' will get you a glass of milk, not a coffee drink; the correct term is 'caffè latte'.
• 🏪 **Bar Etiquette**: Coffee is often purchased at a 'bar', not a café, and the process involves paying at the register first and then ordering.
• 🍽️ **Avoiding Tourist Traps**: For an authentic dining experience, avoid restaurants with English menus and those targeting tourists near main attractions.
• 🍝 **Authentic Italian Dishes**: Dishes like cacio e pepe and simple oil and vinegar are more representative of Italian cuisine than Americanized versions like fettuccine alfredo.
• 🕒 **Lunch Timing**: Lunch in Rome typically ends by 2 or 3 PM, so plan accordingly to avoid missing out on dining options.
• 🍦 **Gelato Wisdom**: Look for gelaterias with artigianale gelato stored in metal tubs and avoid brightly colored displays, which may indicate added ingredients.
• 🥗 **Market Manners**: In food markets, do not touch the produce; instead, tell the vendor what you want. In grocery stores, weigh and bag your own produce.
• 🍸 **Aperitivo Hour**: Take advantage of aperitivo, a cultural experience where you can order a drink and receive free appetizers, often enjoyed before dinner.
• 🍷 **Wine with Locale**: Opt for Italian wines when dining out, as they are often of high quality and better priced than imported options.

Q & A

What is a common breakfast for Romans on the go?

A common breakfast for Romans on the go is an espresso and a cornetto, which is a type of croissant.

Why should you avoid ordering a 'latte' in Rome?

In Rome, if you order a 'latte', you'll get a glass of milk because 'latte' means milk in Italian. For a coffee with milk, you should order a 'caffè latte'.

What is the typical process for ordering coffee at a bar in Rome?

The typical process involves walking in, going to the cash register (cassa) to order and pay, receiving a receipt, then handing the receipt to the barista at the bar to get your coffee.

How can you identify an authentic Italian restaurant in Rome?

An authentic Italian restaurant might not have an English menu and could have a hand-written menu on a chalkboard. Avoid places with menus in English and waiters inviting you in at the entrance.

What is the difference between a pizzeria and an osteria in Rome?

A pizzeria primarily serves pizza, while an osteria typically offers a more extensive menu with a focus on local dishes, and both are good places for an affordable local lunch.

Why is it considered unusual to order a cappuccino in the afternoon in Italy?

An Italian cappuccino is traditionally a morning drink. Afternoons and hotter temperatures call for stronger coffee like espresso, as milk is thought not to pair well with heavier foods or in the heat.

What should you look for when choosing a gelateria in Rome?

Look for gelaterias that use the term 'artigianale', indicating high-quality ingredients. Check for muted colors in the gelato and avoid places with gelato displayed in large, exposed mounds which might contain additives to prevent melting.

What is 'aperitivo' and why is it a significant part of Roman dining culture?

Aperitivo is a cultural experience where you order a drink and receive appetizers for free, often available at restaurants after work and before dinner. It's a great way to enjoy a leisurely meal with a variety of foods and drinks.

What is the typical timing for dinner in Rome and why?

Dinner in Rome typically begins around 7:30 or 8 PM, which is later than in many other countries. This later timing allows for a long, leisurely meal that is a significant part of Roman dining culture.

Why might you encounter a 'coperto' charge at a restaurant in Rome?

The 'coperto' is a cover charge, often around 2 or 3 euros per person, which some restaurants in Rome add to the bill. It's not necessarily an indicator of a tourist trap and is usually disclosed on the menu.