In Italy, every meal is a celebration and an art form. Let’s discover together how a traditional Italian meal is structured, from its beginnings to the delightful endings. This culinary journey will guide you through the different stages of a meal, offering an authentic glimpse into Italian food culture.

1. Antipasto: The Perfect Start In Italy, antipasto is not a dish we eat every day; it is more common during festive occasions and convivial dinners with friends. This course is designed to extend the dining experience and enjoy something delicious while chatting. Imagine a beautiful platter of salami and cheeses accompanied by a good wine, an ideal way to start the evening.

2. Primo: The Heart of the Meal The primo, which is usually pasta or risotto, is traditionally served at lunch. However, in restaurants, there are no hard and fast rules, and many Italians enjoy carbonara, lasagne, or mushroom risotto for dinner as well. This dish represents the heart of the meal and showcases the richness and variety of Italian cuisine.

3. Secondo: Proteins and Sides The secondo often focuses on proteins, such as meat or fish, and is accompanied by sides. Besides grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes, or a salad with olive oil and wine or balsamic vinegar is a refreshing and light addition. This side adds a touch of freshness and aids digestion.

4. Dolce (or dessert): The Sweet Finale Dessert is considered a festive element and often appears at Sunday lunches. It can be homemade or purchased and often comes in the form of "paste", which are not so different from Danish wienerbrød. Classic desserts like tiramisu, panna cotta, and cannoli represent the perfect end to the meal.

5. Coffee and Digestive: The Traditional Finish Finally, an espresso (we call it just coffee...) is a must, representing an Italian tradition and the perfect finish to the meal. After coffee, it is common to serve a digestive, known as ammazzacaffé (literally... coffee killer), amaro, limoncello or grappa, which closes the meal gracefully and aids digestion.

Each stage of an Italian meal is designed to offer a complete and satisfying culinary experience. Whether you are preparing a meal at home or simply dreaming of your next visit to Italy, understanding these traditions will help you appreciate the richness of Italian food culture even more.

Buon appetito!