The number one burning question I get asked is about the food in Italy?

Eating in Italy is as much about the experience as it is about the food. Here are some tips to help you enjoy Italian cuisine to the fullest and watch your budget. 

1. Embrace Local Specialties: Each region in Italy has its own culinary specialties. Eat local dishes and ingredients specific to the area you're visiting. This can also be less expensive too. For example, enjoy seafood in coastal regions and truffles in the north. If you go with the “tourist” or “capocuoco” (chef) menu of the day, it can be great value. They often advertise it as a set menu and could even come with wine, these are normally amazing food at a lower cost ! Be aware that you could end up with 3 or more courses
    
2. Follow the Meal Structure: Italian meals typically follow a structured in order and do not rush. Enjoy the process of dining is an important thing in Italy 
   
   🍴 Antipasti:** Appetizers (anything not pasta ie olives, salami etc)
   🍴 Primi:** First course (pasta, risotto) 
   🍴 Secondi:** Main course (meat, fish) 
   🍴 Contorni:** Side dishes (vegetables, salad) 
   🎂 Dolci:** Desserts 
   ☕ Caffè:** Coffee (usually espresso) 
    
3. Order Like a Local: In many places, especially in tourist-heavy areas, English menus might not reflect authentic Italian dining. Try ordering in Italian or ask the staff for recommendations. Look for the “tourist” menu which is the daily specials and offer great value for money.
    
4. Respect Dining Times: Italians eat later than many other cultures. Lunch typically starts around 1 PM and dinner around 8 PM. Be aware that some restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Often when you go for a drink or aperitif you may be offered complimentary food that is included with your drinks. This happens around 6-8pm and sometimes its included in your tariff. Many times it has been enough for my dinner then I need to face the 5 courses my family produces for dinner!
    
5. Avoid Tourist Traps but have your wine in a Carafe: Look for eateries that are frequented by locals and are away from the tourist sites. They often offer more authentic and reasonably priced food. You can also order house wine as it’s often very good and comes in a Carafe. Something I would never do in Australia but in Italy it’s very economical and very good too. Ask your waiter for recommendations.
    
6. Drink Like an Italian and Savour your Coffee: Italians take their coffee seriously. Enjoy espresso, cappuccino (usually only in the morning), or macchiato as a quick and delightful coffee break. Most Italian’s will stand and drink their coffee at the bar. If you sit in a cafe the cost is always more than standing at the bar. It is worthwhile people watching at a local Italian bar as they come in and out drinking espresso. Also note that many Italian bars (and shops) have a system ie you pay in one area, you collect in another so always good to watch a few locals and follow suit.

By following these tips, you'll have a richer and more enjoyable culinary experience in Italy. 

Buon appetito!