Italian cuisine is one of the most popular and most widely eaten in the world and tourists can delight in the rich variety of foods that greet them when they go on holidays to Italy, especially here in Tuscany.
There are several types of eateries in Italy, that are defined by the interior design of the building they’re in and the style and cost of food they serve. It can be very helpful to know the characteristics of each one before you embark on your exciting gastronomic discoveries in Tuscany. Tourists will come across these places all over the region as well having the choice of an extensive selection of luxury villas tucked into the hills or overlooking the beautiful coastline.
There are several types of eateries in Italy, that are defined by the interior design of the building they’re in and the style and cost of food they serve. It can be very helpful to know the characteristics of each one before you embark on your exciting gastronomic discoveries in Tuscany. Tourists will come across these places all over the region as well having the choice of an extensive selection of luxury villas tucked into the hills or overlooking the beautiful coastline.
Why not stay in a luxury villa with a swimming pool in Versilia, a stunning area of Tuscany that is within close range to many exquisite eateries!
This is the perfect guide for tourists to differentiate between the huge selections of eateries available to them on their next holiday where they can enjoy an exciting gastronomic adventure!
- A ‘Ristorante’ is an elegant eating establishment that has often a set of high star awards adorning its walls for quality food, ambience and service. The host and serving staff are fully trained in food and wine knowledge and will assist you with anything you need to ensure an enjoyable dining experience. The food prices are often pricey but tourists can be assured that they will enjoy food prepared by expert chefs.
- A ‘Trattoria’ is less formal than a restaurant and offers a cheaper menu and a more casual waiting service. These establishments are perfect for family bookings and, in fact, are often family run businesses. They are more often found in smaller towns and villages scattered across Italy.
- An ‘Osteria’ is less formal again. It can be best described as an inn because it often provides lodgings along with simple Italian dishes and a small selection of wine.
- A ‘Pizzeria’ specialises in pizza and first became a success in the Italian city of Naples before quickly spreading through the rest of the country and, in later years, around the world. A true pizzeria will have a specialty pizza that is prepared and baked by a trained ‘pizzaiolo’ in a wood fired oven. The traditional way of eating pizza is to fold a slice of it in half and eat it like a sandwich!
- A ‘Caffè’ is a coffee shop that sometimes serves cakes and sandwiches but more often is a place of breakfast foods. Many caffè shops also sell alcohol later on in the afternoon. Read our article on different types of coffee in Tuscany to help you decide which one you'll want to order when you get here!
- A ‘Paninoteca’ is an Italian sandwich shop that sells hot and cold selections of breads, meats, cheeses, salad and dressings. Coffee is sold here also.
- A ‘Sala da tè is a quaint little tea and pastry shop where visitors will find a delicious range of sweet breads and cakes to choose from!
- A ‘Gelateria’ is an Italian ice-cream parlour that sells only the best of rich and creamy desserts. This is how ice-cream is meant to taste as it’s made using fresh and preservative free ingredients, just how the Italians like it!
This is the perfect guide for tourists to differentiate between the huge selections of eateries available to them on their next holiday where they can enjoy an exciting gastronomic adventure!
Photo credits
picture 1: sistoz / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 1: sistoz / CC BY-SA 3.0;
