Well I absolutely agree. Perfectly correct and incredibly thorough! As per the "scarpetta" debate, if you are there to enjoy, go ahead. If you are there to be evaluated socially it is wiser to skip it.
Sono italiano e penso che dopo aver visto tantissimi video di stranieri che parlavano di esperienze varie nei nostri ristoranti o trattorie o pizzerie finalmente ho trovato una persona non italiana che riesce a spiegare a chi non è italiano come noi viviamo il cibo in Italia.Grazie
Grazie! Questo è un commento che, come diciamo in inglese, “ci scalda il cuore.” Ci sentiamo molto soddisfatti che il video non è una distorsione della verità. Saluti!
@@OurBigItalianAdventure come ho già scritto altrove questo è il miglior video su come mangiare italiano che ho mai visto....e.....vi prego...ricordate ai turisti di non ordinare in Italia cicken pizza o formaggio su piatti di pesce o ketchup su quelli di carne o sulla pizza o meatball spaghetti e di bere vino bianco coi piatti di pesce e vino rosso su quelli di carne e birra con la pizza e che oltre al Limoncello agli Amari al Mirto del contadino abbiamo la Grappa......il tipico superalcolico italiano. ancora complimenti sinceri
As an Italian I tell you that this is a very, very well done explanation. I recommend the "scarpetta" (scooping up the sauce or condiment from the plate with bread), it is something that is done, but it is not a very polite thing to do, it is absolutely not recommended in luxury restaurants or on formal occasions, such as a business lunch.
Good point about formal dinners and business. We could have mentioned that. We wanted to include it so visitors didn’t think Italians were being rude in a casual restaurant. In the US, it’s done, but much less often.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure yes the so-called "scarpetta" should never be done, in any type of pasta dish.. I personally have never done it, nor have I ever seen any other Italian do it.. perhaps in some regions, in some places it is a way of doing things.. it also depends on the type of people.
@@luigivittorionasini3228This seems a little excessive, I find way more disrespectful to waste some food than to use some bread to take some sauce. Do it if you want, most people wouldn’t blink an eye. If I remember correctly there’s a Michelin star restaurant where doing the scarpetta was part of the dish
It's the same in Germany. As an American who lived in Germany for several years, any attempt on my part to speak German was met with appreciation, as well as a more than equal effort on their part to communicate in English.
That wasn't my experience in Rome! They were somewhere between annoyed and disgusted! Of course I wouldn't generalise. I loved Italy and will be returning!
I'm italian, I know perfectly what's happening here where I live, and I still watching your wondeful videos. Who knows why... 😂 Maybe because I love to "see us" from a different point of view. Buon appetito!
Thanks! We’re glad to get “curious” viewers. In fact, we’re thinking of making some videos targeted at curiosities, comparing attitudes, beliefs, habits, etc. of Italians and Americans.
Madam this video is fantastic! Nowadays some of those situations has became a running joke on the internet, but it's really beautiful seeing a polite and kind Lady explain with such a well crafted video why stuff is the way it is in Italy. You even know the Pisa salt story, that it's not well known in Italy outside Toscana. Good job Madame!
"Greetings from Italy! As an Italian, I must say this is one of the most accurate and precise videos I've ever seen about Italian food and how the restaurant system works in Italy. Compliments to the author for such a well-made and insightful piece!"
As an Italian, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your video. It accurately captures and represents our behavior in a respectful manner. Thank you very much for your efforts.❤ Ciao!
Instead of paying your bill at the table, you can also pay by heading to the counter. This metod is preferred if you wish to split the bills, as it makes it easier for the restaurant to do. It is also used as a way of "sneakily" pay the entire bill without having to argue for it
Yes. It’s often more convenient and faster at the cassa, but for Americans that’s usually the practice only in casual breakfast or lunch restaurants. Between needing to ask for the conto and go to the cassa, I can see people waiting at the table forever!
@@OurBigItalianAdventure by the way, I love your videos, even if I'm Italian and I already know pretty much all about the subject, I find your content very interesting and entertaining. You're a lovely couple, I wish you the best
Italian here: very informative! Consider that according to Italian laws you have specific rights as a customer of a restaurant. For instance, all dishes should have a price, if they have a board with the "speciality of the day" or the waiter tells you the additional dishes, make sure you know the price, especially in touristic areas. Dishes made with frozen ingredients must be indicated, like in the menu you showed in the video. While "scarpetta" is accepted in trattorias and it should be not made in hi-end restaurants, it is often recognized as an appreciation of the dish, as a way to tell the restaurant "I like it very much!". That said, especially if you are a foreigner, if you like a dish and you want to do a scarpetta, go for it and the hell the bon-ton! 🙂 If you go in non-touristic locations or outside the main touristic routes, it is not uncommon even for Italians to chat with the waiter: ask for local specialities, tell them if you have allergies/intolerances, tell them if you want to try local dishes, they will guide you.
I have to agree with most if the comments: as an Italian I can say that your video is very accurate and I would say very useful to people visiting Italy from other Countries. 🙂
Brava Signora. Questo è il miglior video sulle abitudini culinarie degli italiani, veramente molto accurato e rispettoso verso la nostra cultura. Grazie!
I have to agree with Ilaria, you have done a really good job of describing how to eat in Italy. But please above all, enjoy our country and our food, we love sharing it with the world.
What I appreciate in Italy is their accommodation of those of us with gluten issues. Every place we went to it wasn’t a problem! We’re spending 3 weeks in Genova very soon and can’t wait to return.
As an Italian, I have to congratulate you on this video. I'm very intrigued to see how foreigners approach explaining our way of life, and this is probably one of the clearest and most accurate representations one can find. The historical insights are also very well-done and absolutely accurate. Good job! When things are done more out of love than for business, it really shows!
È stato un piacere sentirti parlare di noi in questo modo così equilibrato Grazie per la tua cordialità, cara Signora dalla bella lingua inglese/americana.
Thank you so much for creating these very informative videos. We are going to Italy in May for our anniversary, #39. This is our first time going to Italy, and your videos are extremely helpful. Thanks again or should we say Grazie !!
make "Scarpetta", in many case and Regions, especially in the more affordable Trattorias and Restaurants, means making Chefs and Waiters understand that the food was appreciated. Normally is a good use
I’m an expat living in Liguria for 29 years, married to an Italian. Complimenti on your video as it is clear, concise and for the most part accurate. Where we disagree is regarding tipping. If you experience good service for a sit down meal, a 10% gratuity is appropriate and much appreciated by your server. While they get a salary, it is quite low, on average a 1000€ or less per month. Times are changing and evolving and do should our ideas on tipping in Italy. Looking forward to following you.
Yes, I’m all for servers making more money. I would like the restaurants to just raise their prices a couple of percent, rather than encouraging a tipping culture. Tipping in the US has gotten out of hand.
Questo vlog e' fantastico! I've been to Italian four times and I still learned something. I love how you cover every little thing and also how you give some history (such as "coperto"). A lot of effort went into this vlog and I appreciate it. Grazie mille!
This gentle lady speaks the truth. The information contained in this video are 100% true and accurate. I really appreciated the lil history lesson too. I really enjoyed how detailed this video is! Your love for Italy it's cristal clear :)
Thanks! We appreciate it. It’s a wonderful country in many ways, though not without its frustrations - just like everyplace else. These days, I’m much more frustrated with the US than I am with Italy! Dio ci aiuti!
@banmadabon I fear Berlusconi is like child’s play to Trump. The US president can affect so many things worldwide. Plus, as far as I know, Berlusconi never incited a riot to try to stay in power as Trump did. He has wrecked our social fabric and ruined trust in institutions and each other.
I'm italian and i live in Italy, your analisys it's very accurate! Good job. 👍 One thing: Trattorie and Osterie have usually bigger portions and sometimes food it's better than in expensive restaurants. 😉
Davvero brava... Complimenti ! Only one thing... Agriturismi fuori dalle città! Difficili da trovare per i turisti, ma generalmente si trovano prodotti coltivati/allevati direttamente da loro ! 😊
Grazie! Siamo d’accordo sugli agriturismi. Abbiamo trascorso molti belli giorni (e alcune cene fantastici) in agriturismi. Magari un argomento per un futuro video.
@@OurBigItalianAdventureAnd also something about “vineria”, a wine bar where you can choose your wine by the glass or by the bottle with appetisers or full dishes, or to drink wine for an aperitivo. For wine connoisseurs.
As an Italian i must say you explained it very well, just a few things 1)a few restaurant they have two service shifts and when you book especially by phone but also on line if you ask for a table at 8pm for example they will inform you that they have a shift at 7.30 and another at 21.30 2)some restaurant especially the most touristic in bigger cities they do not close in the afternoon, they may serve you from 12am to 11pm continuosly 3)Coperto in the past when textile tablecloth and napkins were used covered also the expenses for washing them 4)we do not eat bread with pasta dishes, just doing scarpetta is okay in general but in a very formal restaurnat is not 5)Pepperoni is not used in Italy but you can find in many places pizza with "Salamino piccante" which is very similar and with "'Nduja" a typical Calabrian spreadable sausage with a soft consistency and very spicy taste(and if I may dare both are better than Pepperoni).Thx again for your video spreading our vast and valuable food culture in the world and by the way I recognised several places in my hometown Firenze (Florence).
Thanks for the compliment and the good additional info. We were going to say, “salame piccante”, but we feared it wasn’t right, so we cut it out. Now I know we were close!
You have well said that tap water is almost everywhere drinkable, thank you so much ! Your word counts, for many people are going to take your word for true. Let me add a curiosity about water in Rome, my town; tap water is checked more than 50 times every week by a dedicated lab located next to the Piramide in Ostiense district and therefore public fountains including the monument fountains are all part of the same safe water network, sometimes even offering mineral quality, digestive water. Congratulations for your steady progress in Italian as well as for your very honest account! Great job!
Another excellent video. One thing I have seen on mainly American posts is that people think they’ve been scammed because the price they had to pay was not the price on the menu . When selling fish , in particular , they obviously come in different sizes and what you see on the menu is price per letto . This is 100 g . For fresh fish and sometimes meat , the restaurant obviously buys by weight and so they sell by weight as well.
Yes. I can bet that the price per etto is a source of confusion. That’s not a common US practice, though fish is often listed as “market price”, where you have to ask.
Hi, I'm Italian and I really appreciate your videos. This one is perfect, except for just one little thing. Many bars in Italy offer affordable meals at lunch. That's all. 😍
@@OurBigItalianAdventure And also, our pubs offer meals for dinner. I usually have dinner in a big pub where you can eat a lot of different things, pizza, meat, fish, pasta, salad, hamburgers, everything. 👋
As Italian, even if there are some mistakes and misspelled words, thanks for clarifying such important things in our culture for the American audience. And it makes me think that we are so lucky to live in Italy because, among the other things, of the way we enjoy food, meals and life. I can see the effort and work you out to create this video. Thanks
Thanks! We are happy you could give us a positive route review despite our mistakes and mispronunciations. You might find it interesting to know that one of the more difficult things to get right when speaking is one of the most simple in theory. That’s the agreement of nouns, adjectives, and articles in gender and number. It’s easy to get in the middle of a sentence and not remember either the gender of a noun or which noun you’ve already used and what form of the adjective is needed!
Congrats, I'm really impressed!!!!!!!! A perfect explanation. E' bellissimo vedere come veramente avete capito tanto della cultura italiana. Quando vedo in giro su you tube dei video di consigli per gli stranieri, sono tutti così distanti dalla realtà (nel bene e nel male). Tutti i vostri consigli sono sempre molto utili per chi non conosce il nostro paese, e magari si aspetta delle cose diverse dalla realtà. E' anche bene informare delle cose negative, perchè ce ne sono, così come ce ne sono per tutti i popoli della Terra.... ma soprattutto è importante fare capire perchè esistono delle tradizioni, che risalgono a tempi passati, ed è la prima volta che vedo una spiegazione simile e così esauriente in un video. Cercare di far capire all'estero perchè ogni regione, o addirittura ogni paesino confinante ha delle tradizioni differenti, credo sia una impresa ardua... già far capire che NON esiste SOLO la pasta o la pizza, ma che abbiamo talmente tanti piatti di carne e di pesce, e soprattutto di verdure, è difficilissimo. Ah, una cosa: quando non si pagava con la carta di credito, ma solo in contanti, (15 o 20 anni fà) e si era un gruppo di amici, si divideva il conto tra tutti "alla romana", e ciascuno metteva la sua quota sul tavolo.
Grazie! Una cosa difficile per noi è cercare di spiegare “Italia” agli stranieri senza essere costretto a ridurre le differenze fra i regioni e paesi. È un atto di equilibrio. Vogliamo evitare gli stereotipi ma presentare un senso generale per i visitatori. Saluti!
Fra le persone civili si paga ancora alla romana Se si paga singolarmente con la Express è giusto che ti facciano pagare di più per le commissioni ed il tempo perso.
Nice and accurate vid, kudos! As for round pizza size, some places in Rome offer "normal" and "giant". An old Italian proverb says "A tavola non si invecchia" (at table people don't get older), but bad habit of hurrying customers is common mostly at "all you can eat" places. Just for you liking old stories: 1) in Italy, pouring someone a drink by holding the bottle with the palm of your hand facing up and the back of your hand facing down is considered rude due the ancient use of poison rings☠ 2) An Italian verb for "to frame", "to scam" is INFINOCCHIARE (literally, DRESSING WITH FENNEL): its bulbs, previously eaten, can (and were used by dishonest innkeepers to) hide the taste of bad wine, and fruits to "fix" rancid meat...
In tuscany finocchiona is a salame with fennel, also sausages have it there but fortunately they are not framing you and are excellent quality . Also sicily sausages can have it and there is a liquor too. But is true about infinocchiare
@@anarres1400 My fault, being myself a fan of finocchiona salami and fennel raw bulbs dipped in olive oil, salt and pepper (this sausage is called PINZIMONIO in Italian and CAZZIMPERIO in Rome's dialect) I had to be more precise
@@gerardinapanceri4013 in America mangiano qualche pezzo a testa quindi una pizza la dividono in più persone... Però credo che le loro pizze intere siano più grandi delle nostre
Di solito è possibile ordinare una pizza in molte misure: small/piccola per una persona, medium/media per 2-3, large/grande per 3-4-5, extra large/super grande per 5-6. Inoltre, a Chicago c’è la pizza “deep dish” in cui ci sono più sugo ed ingredienti, è pizza “stuffed”, con due livelli.
Very nice, as italian i like to hear what foreign feel with our way of eating outside. I didn't even know about some historical reason behind coper etc, so very weel done and very nice guide! Maybe, if you have visited any, you can also talk about agriturismi where you have the "menu fisso" formula.
lol everyone here in Italy claims that drinking "digestive" after dinner really helps digest while we all know very well that it's just an excuse to keep drinking!
@@jugoslavnamljidjiu9021 the problem is that one is not enough, for that it is better when the waiter leaves the bottle on the table, that's how you understand that you have come to the right place!
I did like this video, it s very accurate. I m Italian from Bologna but I live in Tuscany close to Livorno coast, I could add that the tasteless bred (very true, it is) is really good with salt and olio nuovo, the oil that every November comes from olives trees very common in this area. Sometimes we use to have degustazione with friends. I learned myself to love it with time.
@@MrBubu1370 torciare è una forma dialettale, scarpetta è italiano " 2. Con sign. partic. nella locuz. fig. fam. fare la s., raccogliere il sugo rimasto nel piatto passandovi un pezzetto di pane infilzato nella forchetta, o più comunem. tenuto tra le dita." fonte Treccani
I would say that the part about the chalkboard isn’t necessarily true, plenty of restaurants use those but don’t change the menu. And the fact that is both in English and Italian is more or less the norm, it’s not a marker of less authentic, on the contrary, really good (and pricy) restaurants all have both languages or two menus, one for each language (even more depending on the area). Also, about vino della casa, it’s always the worst wine the restaurant has to offer, this doesn’t mean it can’t be ok, but don’t expect something particularly good
@@OurBigItalianAdventure yes, usually when we have lunch and do not have enough time, we just eat a primo (pasta), not a second, so pasta is the main course for us.
That's the best and accurate video about eating in Italy I've ever seen! Very good job! PS: in pizzeria I'm used to pay separately, just say "Io ho preso", it usually not a problem ;)
I am italian and I must say that I seldom understood a whole english/american video as good as this time. A part the fact that you are very clear I apreciate how accurate your explanations are. I have been in the USA several times and as your food customs are very different I think that every american tourist should inform himself about the italian customs befor starting to visit Italy. This will make your visit even more interesting and probably also cheaper. So thank you for your effort and have a nice day.
A thorough lesson in civilisation! I’m tempted to suggest, just one rule: respect, relax, enjoy. (I know that sounds like three, but it’s just one, really)
Ma daiii!! La tua spiegazione è perfetta❤ You talked about our culture, and about eating out, everything was perfectly explained, I'm really thankful. I've subscribed immediately. Greetings from Rome 💐
Miss you're amazing, really. This video is simply perfect and truly represent our cousine. I've seen many "tourist video" but this is the best one i've seen about my country cousine. Well done, really !
I lived in Italy for three months and can honestly say that this is spot on! A great guide for people visiting Italy for the first time, although I would say that, in my experience, at restaurants I didn't normally see a cover charge - this might depend on the region/city/town you are in.
thanks you a lot, i will forward your videa to all my international friends. I will never be more precise in explaining how we are experiencing the "restaurant time"
Just one addition to your very exhaustive and very correct and clear explanation: not all bars are open all day long: most bars close in the evening, around 19:00-19:30, so they are good for a quick bite at lunch or an aperitivo pre-dinner, or a tea break in the afternoon, but not for dinner. Another clarification: a "tavola calda" (hot table) caters to working people, so it is also usually open just until 19:00, but if you go there after lunch hours probably you won't find all the variety of dishes you can find at lunch hours, most of all because they would be entirely consumed by all the people eating at lunch and usually they're not cooking in the afternoon, exactly because they're not open at dinner. I would add also that, if you're not interested in eating "typical" italian dishes and you need to eat out of typical lunch or dinner hours, there are also a lot of american-style "fast food", mainly MacDonald, Burger King and KFC, and also a lot of "bangla-style" fast-food (mainly Chicken Hut and Broast, but there are many different franchises) or "japan style" fast food (Sushiko) where you can eat fried chicken and hamburgers, but also kebab, chicken biryani, sushi, tempura, etc.: they're usually open all day long and they can serve food at any hour. Italian street food places (like pizzerias where you buy pizza by the slice or like "paninerie" or the ubiquitous "trapizzini") are also open and serve food all day long (not at dinner, though).
This is a very nice introduction to the Italian way of dining out! I would add or precise a couple of things here and there, but overall an excellent survey.
Thanks! We’re glad that it was mostly correct. We hope over time that we can learn more, both through our trips and through the comments to our videos.
I'm Italian and this is the most accurate video explanation of our way of eating out I watched on UA-cam
Wow! That’s quite the compliment. Thanks!
Well I absolutely agree.
Perfectly correct and incredibly thorough!
As per the "scarpetta" debate, if you are there to enjoy, go ahead. If you are there to be evaluated socially it is wiser to skip it.
@mariocioffi188 That’s a good way to put it. And thanks for the compliment.
Totally agree :) Thanks for spreading our eating culture
I totally agree with you
Sono italiano e penso che dopo aver visto tantissimi video di stranieri che parlavano di esperienze varie nei nostri ristoranti o trattorie o pizzerie finalmente ho trovato una persona non italiana che riesce a spiegare a chi non è italiano come noi viviamo il cibo in Italia.Grazie
Grazie! Questo è un commento che, come diciamo in inglese, “ci scalda il cuore.” Ci sentiamo molto soddisfatti che il video non è una distorsione della verità. Saluti!
Ah perché hai bisogno di farti spiegare come si va in trattoria tu?
@@gigieinaudi24 "...che riesce a spiegare a chi NON è italiano..."
@@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505 a volte alcuni italiani non sanno comprendere il testo che leggono.. è il grande problema di oggi
@@OurBigItalianAdventure come ho già scritto altrove questo è il miglior video su come mangiare italiano che ho mai visto....e.....vi prego...ricordate ai turisti di non ordinare in Italia cicken pizza o formaggio su piatti di pesce o ketchup su quelli di carne o sulla pizza o meatball spaghetti e di bere vino bianco coi piatti di pesce e vino rosso su quelli di carne e birra con la pizza e che oltre al Limoncello agli Amari al Mirto del contadino abbiamo la Grappa......il tipico superalcolico italiano. ancora complimenti sinceri
It is a pleasure to have you in our Country, as ambassadors of our culture. Thank you.
Grazie mille!
💐🥰
@roberta9833 👍
Do people really need to be told such simple things about how to behave and order food? How do you behave in USA?
No its not
As an italian I think you are by far the most accurate youtuber in describing our country.
Wow! That makes us feel really good.
Concordo con gli altri italiani qui che apprezzano questo video fantastico, chiaro, accurato, utile e interessante. Grazie
Wow! Un gran complimento. Molto gradito.
Anche io, sono bravissimi ❤
@Unoduetrequattro340 Grazie! Molto apprezzato.
And do you know Naples?
Thank you@@OurBigItalianAdventure
I can’t say we know it, but we were there 5 days last January. Really enjoyed it.
I'm Italian. This is an excellent starting guide for a tourist.
Thanks! We appreciate it.
@@OurBigItalianAdventureItalian food is great
@AnetaMihaylova-d6f 👍
Finalmente un video serio sulle abitudini e la cucina italiana, senza stereotipi o bufale.
Grazie! Molto apprezzato.
As an Italian I tell you that this is a very, very well done explanation. I recommend the "scarpetta" (scooping up the sauce or condiment from the plate with bread), it is something that is done, but it is not a very polite thing to do, it is absolutely not recommended in luxury restaurants or on formal occasions, such as a business lunch.
Good point about formal dinners and business. We could have mentioned that. We wanted to include it so visitors didn’t think Italians were being rude in a casual restaurant. In the US, it’s done, but much less often.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure yes the so-called "scarpetta" should never be done, in any type of pasta dish.. I personally have never done it, nor have I ever seen any other Italian do it.. perhaps in some regions, in some places it is a way of doing things.. it also depends on the type of people.
@luigivittorionasini3228 very interesting. I have seen it done with pasta. Maybe it’s a regional thing?
@@OurBigItalianAdventuremai fatta.
@@luigivittorionasini3228This seems a little excessive, I find way more disrespectful to waste some food than to use some bread to take some sauce. Do it if you want, most people wouldn’t blink an eye. If I remember correctly there’s a Michelin star restaurant where doing the scarpetta was part of the dish
I'm Italian and I tell you that you will never embarrass yourself if you try to speak Italian in Italy, people will appreciate your effort.
Thanks. I try to speak Italian 100%:of the time when I’m in Italy. Nearly everyone is tolerant, though many prefer to practice their English!
It's the same in Germany. As an American who lived in Germany for several years, any attempt on my part to speak German was met with appreciation, as well as a more than equal effort on their part to communicate in English.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure That was also my experience when in Italy.
👍
That wasn't my experience in Rome! They were somewhere between annoyed and disgusted! Of course I wouldn't generalise. I loved Italy and will be returning!
I'm italian, I know perfectly what's happening here where I live, and I still watching your wondeful videos. Who knows why... 😂 Maybe because I love to "see us" from a different point of view. Buon appetito!
Thanks! We’re glad to get “curious” viewers. In fact, we’re thinking of making some videos targeted at curiosities, comparing attitudes, beliefs, habits, etc. of Italians and Americans.
Madam this video is fantastic! Nowadays some of those situations has became a running joke on the internet, but it's really beautiful seeing a polite and kind Lady explain with such a well crafted video why stuff is the way it is in Italy.
You even know the Pisa salt story, that it's not well known in Italy outside Toscana.
Good job Madame!
Thanks! We appreciate your kind comment.
"Greetings from Italy! As an Italian, I must say this is one of the most accurate and precise videos I've ever seen about Italian food and how the restaurant system works in Italy. Compliments to the author for such a well-made and insightful piece!"
Thanks! That means a lot to us.
@OurBigItalianAdventure. Te lo meriti
As an Italian, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your video. It accurately captures and represents our behavior in a respectful manner. Thank you very much for your efforts.❤ Ciao!
Thanks for the compliment and the validation of our content!
Instead of paying your bill at the table, you can also pay by heading to the counter. This metod is preferred if you wish to split the bills, as it makes it easier for the restaurant to do. It is also used as a way of "sneakily" pay the entire bill without having to argue for it
I would say it's way more common too.
Yes. It’s often more convenient and faster at the cassa, but for Americans that’s usually the practice only in casual breakfast or lunch restaurants. Between needing to ask for the conto and go to the cassa, I can see people waiting at the table forever!
My observation, too, especially in smaller places. It’s faster and easier for everyone.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure by the way, I love your videos, even if I'm Italian and I already know pretty much all about the subject, I find your content very interesting and entertaining. You're a lovely couple, I wish you the best
@cranci Thanks! We appreciate it.
Italian here: very informative!
Consider that according to Italian laws you have specific rights as a customer of a restaurant.
For instance, all dishes should have a price, if they have a board with the "speciality of the day" or the waiter tells you the additional dishes, make sure you know the price, especially in touristic areas.
Dishes made with frozen ingredients must be indicated, like in the menu you showed in the video.
While "scarpetta" is accepted in trattorias and it should be not made in hi-end restaurants, it is often recognized as an appreciation of the dish, as a way to tell the restaurant "I like it very much!". That said, especially if you are a foreigner, if you like a dish and you want to do a scarpetta, go for it and the hell the bon-ton! 🙂
If you go in non-touristic locations or outside the main touristic routes, it is not uncommon even for Italians to chat with the waiter: ask for local specialities, tell them if you have allergies/intolerances, tell them if you want to try local dishes, they will guide you.
Great info! Thanks.
Well said!
I have to agree with most if the comments: as an Italian I can say that your video is very accurate and I would say very useful to people visiting Italy from other Countries. 🙂
Thanks! It’s great to hear and much appreciated.
Brava Signora. Questo è il miglior video sulle abitudini culinarie degli italiani, veramente molto accurato e rispettoso verso la nostra cultura. Grazie!
Grazie! Molto apprezzato.
This is the most comprehensive Italian food do/don't lists I've ever seen. Well done!
Wow! That makes us feel good.
I have to agree with Ilaria, you have done a really good job of describing how to eat in Italy. But please above all, enjoy our country and our food, we love sharing it with the world.
Thanks for both things. We really appreciate it.
What an incredible video! Packed with amazing info. Thanks a lot.
Thanks! We appreciate it.
What I appreciate in Italy is their accommodation of those of us with gluten issues. Every place we went to it wasn’t a problem! We’re spending 3 weeks in Genova very soon and can’t wait to return.
Yes, they are very adaptable to gluten. Enjoy your trip.
As an Italian, I have to congratulate you on this video. I'm very intrigued to see how foreigners approach explaining our way of life, and this is probably one of the clearest and most accurate representations one can find. The historical insights are also very well-done and absolutely accurate. Good job!
When things are done more out of love than for business, it really shows!
Thanks! We appreciate the kind words. We do do it out of love.
Absolutely the most accurate videos about Italy I have ever seen over the internet. And very enjoyable too. Complimenti!!!
Wow! That’s high praise. Thanks!
È stato un piacere sentirti parlare di noi in questo modo così equilibrato
Grazie per la tua cordialità, cara Signora dalla bella lingua inglese/americana.
Ti ringraziamo. È veramente un piacere parlare di Italia e gli italiani.
Che gentile signora !❤
@lucianatrambaglio4881 Parlando come il marito, sono d’accordo!
the best simple, straightforward presentation (without the hype) of how it is in Italy, Grazie Grazie
Grazie a Lei!
Thank you so much for creating these very informative videos. We are going to Italy in May for our anniversary, #39. This is our first time going to Italy, and your videos are extremely helpful. Thanks again or should we say Grazie !!
Prego. (You’re welcome.) spero che avrete un viaggio stupendo. ( I hope you have a great trip.)
Perfetto! Davvero null'altro da aggiungere, bravissima :)
Ti ringraziamo! Davvero un commento da ricordare per noi.
make "Scarpetta", in many case and Regions, especially in the more affordable Trattorias and Restaurants, means making Chefs and Waiters understand that the food was appreciated. Normally is a good use
Good to know! Thanks.
I’m an expat living in Liguria for 29 years, married to an Italian.
Complimenti on your video as it is clear, concise and for the most part accurate.
Where we disagree is regarding tipping. If you experience good service for a sit down meal, a 10% gratuity is appropriate and much appreciated by your server.
While they get a salary, it is quite low, on average a 1000€ or less per month.
Times are changing and evolving and do should our ideas on tipping in Italy.
Looking forward to following you.
Yes, I’m all for servers making more money. I would like the restaurants to just raise their prices a couple of percent, rather than encouraging a tipping culture. Tipping in the US has gotten out of hand.
@@OurBigItalianAdventureA great man once said "I don't believe in tipping." 😂
@danbelle Was it you? 😉
going to Rome this May for the Jubilee , thank you, its so informative.
Thanks! We appreciate it. Have a great trip.
Questo vlog e' fantastico! I've been to Italian four times and I still learned something. I love how you cover every little thing and also how you give some history (such as "coperto"). A lot of effort went into this vlog and I appreciate it. Grazie mille!
Thanks! We appreciate it.
Great empathy with Italian habits. Bravissimi! 😊
Thanks! We appreciate it.
Good explanation of lots of things which are obvious to an Italian resident but perhaps mysterious for a visitor or tourist.
Thanks! Every country has its own interesting habits with interesting histories.
Thank you so much for this video! I’m planning a solo trip to Italy, and this was incredibly helpful. Grazie Mille
Thanks! We appreciate it. Glad it’s helpful.
Brava signora lei ha spiegato perfettamente le nostre abitudini italiane. Complimenti.
Grazie! Molto apprezzato.
This gentle lady speaks the truth. The information contained in this video are 100% true and accurate. I really appreciated the lil history lesson too. I really enjoyed how detailed this video is! Your love for Italy it's cristal clear :)
Thanks! We appreciate it. It’s a wonderful country in many ways, though not without its frustrations - just like everyplace else. These days, I’m much more frustrated with the US than I am with Italy! Dio ci aiuti!
@@OurBigItalianAdventure Is your source of frustration orange coloured? 😉
@banmadabon Assolutamente. E a dir la verità, è molto più di frustrazione. È una sincera paura per il futuro del nostro paese.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure We survived Berlusconi so...🙂
@banmadabon I fear Berlusconi is like child’s play to Trump. The US president can affect so many things worldwide. Plus, as far as I know, Berlusconi never incited a riot to try to stay in power as Trump did. He has wrecked our social fabric and ruined trust in institutions and each other.
I'm italian and i live in Italy, your analisys it's very accurate!
Good job. 👍
One thing: Trattorie and Osterie have usually bigger portions and sometimes food it's better than in expensive restaurants. 😉
Thank!
Great points about trattorie e osterie.
Bravissima, tutto ineccepibile! Excellent ambassador of our culture, so informed.
Grazie! Molto apprezzato.
Davvero brava... Complimenti ! Only one thing... Agriturismi fuori dalle città! Difficili da trovare per i turisti, ma generalmente si trovano prodotti coltivati/allevati direttamente da loro ! 😊
Grazie! Siamo d’accordo sugli agriturismi. Abbiamo trascorso molti belli giorni (e alcune cene fantastici) in agriturismi. Magari un argomento per un futuro video.
@@OurBigItalianAdventureAnd also something about “vineria”, a wine bar where you can choose your wine by the glass or by the bottle with appetisers or full dishes, or to drink wine for an aperitivo. For wine connoisseurs.
I'm Italian myself and I couldn't have explained anything in this video better than you did. I hope I'll see you around one of these days!
You’re very kind. Maybe we’ll have that chance meeting. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you so much for your clear, concise and useful information. Love your posts❤
Thanks! We appreciate it.
I really like how you explained the "scarpetta". Brava, greetings from Italy 😊.
Thanks! We appreciate it.
Sono un cameriere italiano, complimenti video davvero molto ben fatto, ottimi consigli e aneddoti molto interessanti
Grazie! È davvero un onore ricevere un commento come questo da un cameriere. Saluti!
This video was so good! It was well paced and I feel more confident about my upcoming trip to Italy. ❤
Thanks! We appreciate it. Enjoy your trip!
As an Italian i must say you explained it very well, just a few things 1)a few restaurant they have two service shifts and when you book especially by phone but also on line if you ask for a table at 8pm for example they will inform you that they have a shift at 7.30 and another at 21.30 2)some restaurant especially the most touristic in bigger cities they do not close in the afternoon, they may serve you from 12am to 11pm continuosly 3)Coperto in the past when textile tablecloth and napkins were used covered also the expenses for washing them 4)we do not eat bread with pasta dishes, just doing scarpetta is okay in general but in a very formal restaurnat is not 5)Pepperoni is not used in Italy but you can find in many places pizza with "Salamino piccante" which is very similar and with "'Nduja" a typical Calabrian spreadable sausage with a soft consistency and very spicy taste(and if I may dare both are better than Pepperoni).Thx again for your video spreading our vast and valuable food culture in the world and by the way I recognised several places in my hometown Firenze (Florence).
Thanks for the compliment and the good additional info. We were going to say, “salame piccante”, but we feared it wasn’t right, so we cut it out. Now I know we were close!
Actually both "salamino piccante" and "salame piccante" are correct! Basically it's a matter of diameter, salamino is smaller!
Perfect and useful explanation. Very clear. Thanks.
Thanks! We appreciate it.
You have well said that tap water is almost everywhere drinkable, thank you so much ! Your word counts, for many people are going to take your word for true.
Let me add a curiosity about water in Rome, my town; tap water is checked more than 50 times every week by a dedicated lab located next to the Piramide in Ostiense district and therefore public fountains including the monument fountains are all part of the same safe water network, sometimes even offering mineral quality, digestive water. Congratulations for your steady progress in Italian as well as for your very honest account! Great job!
Interesting. Thanks!
Thank you very much for all your work on this video! Very nicely done in every way. Brava, Maestra!
Thanks! We appreciate it.
Another excellent video.
One thing I have seen on mainly American posts is that people think they’ve been scammed because the price they had to pay was not the price on the menu .
When selling fish , in particular , they obviously come in different sizes and what you see on the menu is price per letto . This is 100 g .
For fresh fish and sometimes meat , the restaurant obviously buys by weight and so they sell by weight as well.
Yes. I can bet that the price per etto is a source of confusion. That’s not a common US practice, though fish is often listed as “market price”, where you have to ask.
embarrass yourself, and make lots of mistakes, that is how you learn, and most people are happy to help you learn. great video straight up
Great advice and thanks!
Hi, I'm Italian and I really appreciate your videos. This one is perfect, except for just one little thing. Many bars in Italy offer affordable meals at lunch. That's all. 😍
Interesting. I’ve never noticed that. I’ll need to look more closely.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure And also, our pubs offer meals for dinner. I usually have dinner in a big pub where you can eat a lot of different things, pizza, meat, fish, pasta, salad, hamburgers, everything. 👋
@alan12de good point. Thanks.
As Italian, even if there are some mistakes and misspelled words, thanks for clarifying such important things in our culture for the American audience. And it makes me think that we are so lucky to live in Italy because, among the other things, of the way we enjoy food, meals and life.
I can see the effort and work you out to create this video. Thanks
Thanks! We are happy you could give us a positive route review despite our mistakes and mispronunciations.
You might find it interesting to know that one of the more difficult things to get right when speaking is one of the most simple in theory. That’s the agreement of nouns, adjectives, and articles in gender and number. It’s easy to get in the middle of a sentence and not remember either the gender of a noun or which noun you’ve already used and what form of the adjective is needed!
Se venite a Venezia sono felice di ospitarvi e guidarvi nella vostra gita.
Siete molto carini.
Bravi
Grazie. Molto apprezzato.
Very authentic, clear and precise explanation. Complimenti!
Grazie! Molto apprezzato.
Congrats, I'm really impressed!!!!!!!! A perfect explanation. E' bellissimo vedere come veramente avete capito tanto della cultura italiana. Quando vedo in giro su you tube dei video di consigli per gli stranieri, sono tutti così distanti dalla realtà (nel bene e nel male). Tutti i vostri consigli sono sempre molto utili per chi non conosce il nostro paese, e magari si aspetta delle cose diverse dalla realtà. E' anche bene informare delle cose negative, perchè ce ne sono, così come ce ne sono per tutti i popoli della Terra.... ma soprattutto è importante fare capire perchè esistono delle tradizioni, che risalgono a tempi passati, ed è la prima volta che vedo una spiegazione simile e così esauriente in un video. Cercare di far capire all'estero perchè ogni regione, o addirittura ogni paesino confinante ha delle tradizioni differenti, credo sia una impresa ardua... già far capire che NON esiste SOLO la pasta o la pizza, ma che abbiamo talmente tanti piatti di carne e di pesce, e soprattutto di verdure, è difficilissimo. Ah, una cosa: quando non si pagava con la carta di credito, ma solo in contanti, (15 o 20 anni fà) e si era un gruppo di amici, si divideva il conto tra tutti "alla romana", e ciascuno metteva la sua quota sul tavolo.
Grazie! Una cosa difficile per noi è cercare di spiegare “Italia” agli stranieri senza essere costretto a ridurre le differenze fra i regioni e paesi. È un atto di equilibrio. Vogliamo evitare gli stereotipi ma presentare un senso generale per i visitatori. Saluti!
Fra le persone civili si paga ancora alla romana Se si paga singolarmente con la Express è giusto che ti facciano pagare di più per le commissioni ed il tempo perso.
your video is a real treasure !
we have to say that the quality of the food is better if you avoid the big cities.
Thanks! I agree about the quality. And the prices, too.
Brava! Good job!
Thanks! We appreciate it.
Really an exhaustive guide!
Super job👍
Grazie mille! I appreciate it.
Bravissima veramente!!!!❤
Grazie! Molto gentile.
In Italy for my first time today. Thanx for this.
Thanks! We appreciate it. Enjoy your trip!
Nice and accurate vid, kudos! As for round pizza size, some places in Rome offer "normal" and "giant". An old Italian proverb says "A tavola non si invecchia" (at table people don't get older), but bad habit of hurrying customers is common mostly at "all you can eat" places.
Just for you liking old stories: 1) in Italy, pouring someone a drink by holding the bottle with the palm of your hand facing up and the back of your hand facing down is considered rude due the ancient use of poison rings☠
2) An Italian verb for "to frame", "to scam" is INFINOCCHIARE (literally, DRESSING WITH FENNEL): its bulbs, previously eaten, can (and were used by dishonest innkeepers to) hide the taste of bad wine, and fruits to "fix" rancid meat...
That’s excellent information. I love to keep learning about Italy and modi da dire are always fun to know.
In tuscany finocchiona is a salame with fennel, also sausages have it there but fortunately they are not framing you and are excellent quality . Also sicily sausages can have it and there is a liquor too. But is true about infinocchiare
@@anarres1400 My fault, being myself a fan of finocchiona salami and fennel raw bulbs dipped in olive oil, salt and pepper (this sausage is called PINZIMONIO in Italian and CAZZIMPERIO in Rome's dialect) I had to be more precise
Folks ..thanks for such a fantastic vid …beautifully presented by both of you ..
Thanks! We appreciate it.
As an Italian this in 99% accurate... But 1 pizza is for 1 person no doubt about it 😂😂
One size pizza is an unusual concept for most Americans.
@@gerardinapanceri4013 in America mangiano qualche pezzo a testa quindi una pizza la dividono in più persone... Però credo che le loro pizze intere siano più grandi delle nostre
Di solito è possibile ordinare una pizza in molte misure: small/piccola per una persona, medium/media per 2-3, large/grande per 3-4-5, extra large/super grande per 5-6.
Inoltre, a Chicago c’è la pizza “deep dish” in cui ci sono più sugo ed ingredienti, è pizza “stuffed”, con due livelli.
Very nice, as italian i like to hear what foreign feel with our way of eating outside. I didn't even know about some historical reason behind coper etc, so very weel done and very nice guide! Maybe, if you have visited any, you can also talk about agriturismi where you have the "menu fisso" formula.
Thank you! Perhaps we can do a video about the menu fisso and agriturismi
lol everyone here in Italy claims that drinking "digestive" after dinner really helps digest while we all know very well that it's just an excuse to keep drinking!
I love it! You’re right.
And what is the problem in piccolo digestivo
@@jugoslavnamljidjiu9021 the problem is that one is not enough, for that it is better when the waiter leaves the bottle on the table, that's how you understand that you have come to the right place!
Planning our first trip to Italy, and this is one of the most helpful videos I've seen. Thank You!!
Thanks! We appreciate it. Enjoy the trip!
The scarpetta is not elegant, but it’s the right thing to do!
👍
I did like this video, it s very accurate. I m Italian from Bologna but I live in Tuscany close to Livorno coast, I could add that the tasteless bred (very true, it is) is really good with salt and olio nuovo, the oil that every November comes from olives trees very common in this area. Sometimes we use to have degustazione with friends.
I learned myself to love it with time.
@betsy1789 We have a few olive trees and I concur that bread is better with the oil, especially fresh-pressed oil.
In nord Italia non si dice scarpetta ma “tociare” o almeno qui nel nord-est.
@@MrBubu1370 torciare è una forma dialettale, scarpetta è italiano " 2. Con sign. partic. nella locuz. fig. fam. fare la s., raccogliere il sugo rimasto nel piatto passandovi un pezzetto di pane infilzato nella forchetta, o più comunem. tenuto tra le dita." fonte Treccani
I really enjoyed your video. Great job.
Thanks so much!
I would say that the part about the chalkboard isn’t necessarily true, plenty of restaurants use those but don’t change the menu. And the fact that is both in English and Italian is more or less the norm, it’s not a marker of less authentic, on the contrary, really good (and pricy) restaurants all have both languages or two menus, one for each language (even more depending on the area).
Also, about vino della casa, it’s always the worst wine the restaurant has to offer, this doesn’t mean it can’t be ok, but don’t expect something particularly good
Good points. Thanks.
@@OurBigItalianAdventureil vino della casa conviene assaggiarlo, a volte è buonissimo e conveniente.
If the house wine is bad the meal will be even worse. Enough said.
Good point. Correlation makes sense. Thanks for the comment!
Planning a trip to Italy this year, thank you for your tips and information!
Thanks! We appreciate it. Enjoy your trip!
The main meal is not the second, is the first .....simple.
Interesting. I never would have thought that. Thanks for letting us know.
@@OurBigItalianAdventure yes, usually when we have lunch and do not have enough time, we just eat a primo (pasta), not a second, so pasta is the main course for us.
@lucagarofani-ow8cl Aha! That makes sense.
By far the most accurate video how deal in Italy with food! ❤
Wow! Thanks! We appreciate it.
Your presentation was really excellent.
Thanks! We appreciate it.
That's the best and accurate video about eating in Italy I've ever seen! Very good job! PS: in pizzeria I'm used to pay separately, just say "Io ho preso", it usually not a problem ;)
Thanks! We appreciate it.
Good info about the pizzeria.
That was so informative- Thank you!
Thanks! We appreciate it.
Very informative video! We've been traveling in Italy for years and still love to go there . Very beautiful country. Like 445
Thanks! We appreciate it.
Great advice! I was fortunate to travel through Italy with my sister and much of your advice is extremely helpful and spot on.
Thanks! We appreciate it.
I am italian and I must say that I seldom understood a whole english/american video as good as this time. A part the fact that you are very clear I apreciate how accurate your explanations are. I have been in the USA several times and as your food customs are very different I think that every american tourist should inform himself about the italian customs befor starting to visit Italy. This will make your visit even more interesting and probably also cheaper. So thank you for your effort and have a nice day.
Thanks! We appreciate such a supportive comment.
A thorough lesson in civilisation! I’m tempted to suggest, just one rule: respect, relax, enjoy. (I know that sounds like three, but it’s just one, really)
Yes. You have put it well. Thanks!
I listen very carefully to learn English. You speak slowly and I can understand everything. Grazie 🙏 mille! 😊💐🥰
Thanks! We’re glad it was helpful.
This description is simply perfect. Congratulations (I'm Italian)!
Grazie!
Excellent video. I wish I had watched this before my last trip.
Thanks! We appreciate it.
sapete che vi dico!!! mi e' venuta fame🤤😜
buon appetito a tutti✌
Grazie! E ci dispiace aver creato fame!
Ma daiii!! La tua spiegazione è perfetta❤
You talked about our culture, and about eating out, everything was perfectly explained, I'm really thankful.
I've subscribed immediately.
Greetings from Rome 💐
Grazie! Molto apprezzato. Speriamo che i prossimi video ti soddisfino allo stesso livello!
Saluti da South Carolina.
Miss you're amazing, really. This video is simply perfect and truly represent our cousine. I've seen many "tourist video" but this is the best one i've seen about my country cousine.
Well done, really !
Thanks!
I lived in Italy for three months and can honestly say that this is spot on! A great guide for people visiting Italy for the first time, although I would say that, in my experience, at restaurants I didn't normally see a cover charge - this might depend on the region/city/town you are in.
Thanks! We appreciate it.
I am Italian. Well done, accurate, and well explained.
Grazie!
Complimenti. Raramente sentiamo una descrizione così precisa e accurata. Grazie.
Grazie! Molto apprezzato.
Very, VERY helpful. I was intimidated my last trip. Going again in April and will keep ur tips in mind. Thank you.
Thanks! We appreciate it. Glad it was helpful.
Complimenti per il video, per l'accuratezza e per l'amore che mostrate per il mio paese!
Grazie! Molto apprezzato.
tis is an excellent and complete and accurate instruction on how to behave in a restaurant!!! compliments
Thank you!
thanks you a lot, i will forward your videa to all my international friends. I will never be more precise in explaining how we are experiencing the "restaurant time"
Thanks! We appreciate the compliment and are glad it will be useful for your friends.
Just one addition to your very exhaustive and very correct and clear explanation: not all bars are open all day long: most bars close in the evening, around 19:00-19:30, so they are good for a quick bite at lunch or an aperitivo pre-dinner, or a tea break in the afternoon, but not for dinner.
Another clarification: a "tavola calda" (hot table) caters to working people, so it is also usually open just until 19:00, but if you go there after lunch hours probably you won't find all the variety of dishes you can find at lunch hours, most of all because they would be entirely consumed by all the people eating at lunch and usually they're not cooking in the afternoon, exactly because they're not open at dinner.
I would add also that, if you're not interested in eating "typical" italian dishes and you need to eat out of typical lunch or dinner hours, there are also a lot of american-style "fast food", mainly MacDonald, Burger King and KFC, and also a lot of "bangla-style" fast-food (mainly Chicken Hut and Broast, but there are many different franchises) or "japan style" fast food (Sushiko) where you can eat fried chicken and hamburgers, but also kebab, chicken biryani, sushi, tempura, etc.: they're usually open all day long and they can serve food at any hour. Italian street food places (like pizzerias where you buy pizza by the slice or like "paninerie" or the ubiquitous "trapizzini") are also open and serve food all day long (not at dinner, though).
All,excellent points. I hope many of our viewers read them.
Will be in Italy in early March and this is a FANTASTIC video! Thank you!!
Thanks! We appreciate it. Thanks for watching!
Another Italian here! Great content and... hai un ottimo italiano Anne!
Grazie! Molto apprezzato.
This is a very nice introduction to the Italian way of dining out! I would add or precise a couple of things here and there, but overall an excellent survey.
Thanks! We’re glad that it was mostly correct. We hope over time that we can learn more, both through our trips and through the comments to our videos.
Pretty good video on eating in a restaurant in Italy. Been living here for 15 years and pretty much accurate.
Thanks! We appreciate it.
Come italiana sono contenta del vostro gradimento e rispetto verso la nostra cultura. Grazie 🙏💗🌟
Grazie! Molto apprezzato.
I'm almost moved to tears by how respectful, informed and clear this video is.
Ps. You can ask for tap water in a restaurant, they'll charge you less
Grazie!
Very comprehensive and accurate. Well done !!!
And thank you for promoting Italy among you followers !
Grazie mille!