GUIDESWHY ITALIANS ARE BETTER THAN BRITS AT LONG LUNCHES
(And long dinners too)
Meals in Italy have a different vibe. Slower, more sociable, and altogether more joyful. It's not the weather - it's the culture. The Mediterranean food philosophy is that eating improves your overall wellbeing. It's not about needing fuel; it's a way to relax and be in the moment.
Italian dining culture is all about connecting with family and friends, over several laidback courses. And who doesn't want more time with the people and food they love?
The importance of social connection
We don't like talking about the C word, but Covid still has a lot to answer for. Especially loneliness and social isolation. People get together in person less, more people live alone, and some local groups have just disappeared.
Government and organisations around the world are looking at these issues as priorities in public health and social policy, due to the effects on physical and mental health, work and education and general wellbeing.
And one thing they've identified as a big opportunity to bring people together is food. From older people and those living alone, to men and young people.
You can read all about it in the OECD paper on Promoting Social Connectedness Through Food. Or you can call someone you haven't seen for ages and see the results for yourself over dinner...
At the table, one never grows old
Bet you never heard this Italian saying: 'A tavola non si invecchia'. It literally means you don't age while you're at the table. You know, the way time seems to stand still when you've got good food, wine and company.
In Italy, each meal is an event rather than a task. An experience worth taking time over. Rushing a meal changes the whole experience back to function. Eating for fuel, but not getting energised.
Sometimes we can be guilty of rushing meals in the UK, and missing out on that important time for social connection. Time for a change?
Eat like an Italian
There are a few things you need to know and do to experience food as an event (not a task).
Understanding the flow of an Italian meal is central to its dining culture. Rather than one massive plate, meals are paced logically.
And there's a bit of etiquette you should know too, so you can eat like a local...
How Italians structure meals
Dinner starts with aperitivo culture. A little drink and a taste of something delicious to kick-start your taste buds before the multiple courses that follow:
- Antipasto: an appetiser of cured meats, cheeses, or bruschetta.
- Primo: a small portion of pasta, risotto, or soup.
- Secondo: the main protein course, typically consisting of meat or fish.
- Contorno: a side dish of vegetables, potatoes or salad, meant to be eaten with or after the Secondo (never with the Primo).
- Dolce: a dessert
- Espresso and digestivo: amaretto or limoncello to aid digestion
By the way, you don’t have to order one of each. Usually an antipasto starter and a primo or secondo will do. Just don't get a contorno salad or side with your primo. If you don’t want a secondo, that's fine. But finish your primo first before eating your salad. NEVER have a contorno with your primo. (Seriously, it's a whole thing.)
'Galateo' or Italian dining etiquette
To indulge in Italian culture, you’ll need more than just a passion for food. You will need galateo - Italian food etiquette. And nothing sparks outrage more than breaking these rules.
Coffee
Cappuccino is a breakfast drink. Don't order milky coffees after 11 am, and never drink one with lunch or dinner. To an Italian, it's like eating a bowl of cornflakes with your pasta.
Water
Don't ask for tap water. Order still 'naturale' or sparkling 'frizzante' bottled water. It's not about safety or money. It's about the taste of the water, and how it could affect the flavour of your meal. (Yes, they take it that seriously!)
Contorno
Only eat your contorno (side salads, etc.) with your secondo, not your primo.
Cheese
Never ask for extra parmesan on a seafood dish. Or a fish dish. Or pizza. Or salad. Or some pasta dishes. Take the waiter's lead. Basically, if they don't offer it with your dish, they're telling you you don't need it.
Bread
Don't dip your bread in oil and vinegar before your meal. Do use bread to soak up leftover pasta sauce (Italians call this gesture 'fare la scarpetta').
Spoons
Italian adults don't use spoons to eat spaghetti. Avoid the judgy looks by using the sides of your plate to help you twirl it on your fork.
Sides
Did we mention the rule about contorno? Never eat your side with your primo dish. They are surprisingly strict about this one.
Master the rules, and you’ll be eating like an Italian in no time.
Some bonus tips?
These are less like rules and more just good advice.
Table reservations
Most Italian restaurants get busy, especially in summer. So it's always best to reserve a table for lunch or dinner. And arriving late is actually generally ok, up to 20 minutes. But it's still polite to call and let them know if you are running late.
EATING LIKE AN ITALIAN, IN THE UK?
Italian food goes beyond appetite. It's about warmth and generosity, and savouring big flavours with the best company. That's what we want for you at Zizzi. Come hungry, leave happy.
We work with the Mental Health Foundation to keep the conversation going about how to make us more connected, together.
Obviously, we've got our 3-course set menus to help you linger longer at the table. Or you can do the communal thing, with sharing plates for the table or splitting pizzas.
And of course we have plenty of digestivo and espresso to go around.
And the rules here? You're a grown-up. No one should be telling you how to eat your lunch. Put your elbows on the table if you like. Have a cappuccino with your steak. Eat salad or parmesan with anything. (We draw the line at ketchup on pizza.)
If you want a more relaxed Italian meal, without getting on a plane, book a table for lunch or dinner at Zizzi.