What should I order at an Italian restaurant? – guide to authentic Italian gastronomy

Italian cuisine is one of the most beloved culinary traditions worldwide, yet many guests feel uncertain when handed an Italian menu and find themselves asking: what should I order at an Italian restaurant if I truly want to understand and enjoy this cuisine? Most people instinctively choose pizza or a familiar pasta dish, even though Italian gastronomy is far more complex, layered, and exciting than that. A well-chosen order not only delights the taste buds but also offers insight into a culinary culture shaped over centuries.

This guide helps you understand how to read an Italian menu, what to pay attention to when ordering, and how to get the most out of an Italian dining experience—whether in a classic trattoria or a modern, contemporary restaurant.

The structure of an Italian menu – what comes after what?

At first glance, the structure of an Italian menu may seem complicated, but in reality it is highly logical. For Italians, dining has a rhythm, and each course plays a specific role. Menus usually begin with antipasti, or appetizers, followed by primi piatti, the first courses, typically consisting of pasta, risotto, or soups. These are followed by secondi piatti, where meat and fish take center stage. Side dishes, known as contorni, are listed separately, and finally come the desserts.

It is important to emphasize that Italians rarely order from every category. An antipasto and a primo, or a primo and a secondo, already constitute a complete meal. This approach ensures that dishes complement rather than overpower one another, creating a cohesive dining experience. It also helps avoid overeating while allowing each course to receive proper attention.

How to read an Italian menu with confidence

The question “what should I order at an Italian restaurant” often arises because the menu can be difficult to interpret at first. Terms such as artigianale, fatto in casa, or tradizionale indicate that the dish is handmade or prepared using artisanal methods. Regional references — such as alla romana or alla siciliana — help guide expectations, as northern and southern Italian cuisines differ significantly in flavor and style.

The length of the menu is revealing

A shorter, seasonally changing selection often signals higher quality, while an excessively long menu may suggest compromises. In wine-focused establishments, menus are frequently designed around dishes that pair well with the wines, making selection easier for guests. Many Italian restaurants also host wine dinners, creating custom menus that harmonize with the various wines being tasted.

Antipasti – how a great Italian meal begins

If you are wondering what to order as a starter at an Italian restaurant, the world of antipasti is an ideal entry point. These dishes aren’t meant to satisfy hunger but rather to gently prepare the palate for what follows. A well-made bruschetta, for example, perfectly expresses the philosophy of Italian cuisine: toasted bread, fresh tomatoes, basil, and high-quality olive oil, without unnecessary embellishments.

The same simplicity appears in carpaccio, where the freshness of thinly sliced meat or fish and restrained seasoning dominate, as well as in the classic pairing of prosciutto and melon, built on the harmony of sweet and salty flavors. In quality restaurants, antipasti often rely on seasonal ingredients, and the relationship between food and wine is already emphasized at this stage.

Primi Piatti – the true role of pasta and risotto

For many casual diners, one of the biggest dilemmas in an Italian restaurant is whether to order pizza or pasta. According to Italian culinary tradition, however, primi piatti—pasta and risotto—form the backbone of the meal. These dishes best reveal a restaurant’s technical skill and regional identity.

The relationship between pasta shapes and sauces is never accidental. In a proper carbonara, eggs, pecorino cheese, and guanciale form a perfect unity, without any cream. Tagliatelle al ragù carries the essence of Bolognese tradition, while the Roman cacio e pepe proves that a refined and complex flavor profile can be created from just a few ingredients. If the menu indicates that the pasta is homemade, it’s almost always worth choosing, as this is one of the most important indicators of quality.

Risotto – a standalone dish, not a side

Risotto is often mistakenly treated as a side dish, even though in Italian cuisine it is a complete course. A well-prepared risotto is creamy yet structured and requires precise technique. Whether made with mushrooms, seafood, or squid ink, it clearly demonstrates the kitchen’s competence—but it should only be ordered if you can be confident it’s prepared fresh. In authentic Italian restaurants, risotto is often one of the menu’s highlights.

Pizza – when is it a good choice?

For many people, pizza is the first answer to the question of what to order at an Italian restaurant. It’s worth knowing, however, that in Italy pizza is typically a standalone meal, and other courses are not ordered alongside it. The secret of a good pizza lies in thin, elastic dough, balanced tomato sauce, and restrained use of toppings. A classic Margherita is an excellent benchmark: if it’s done well, chances are the restaurant’s pizzas are of high quality overall.

Secondi piatti – meat and fish in the spotlight

Secondi piatti are intended for those seeking a more substantial, protein-rich course. This is where meat and fish dishes appear, while side dishes must be ordered separately. A veal saltimbocca, a slowly braised ossobuco, or a simply yet precisely prepared steak all demonstrate how Italian cuisine is built on respect for ingredients. Seafood dishes—such as whole roasted sea bass or grilled squid—are particularly enjoyable when made from fresh produce. These dishes almost demand a well-chosen wine, and a venue that also functions as a wine bar, such as Oinos Bistro and Wine Bar, offers significant added value in this regard.

An Italian dessert as a worthy conclusion

An Italian meal is rarely complete without dessert. The coffee-infused creaminess of tiramisu, the silky texture of panna cotta, or a freshly filled cannoli are all classic choices. A good dessert not only concludes the meal but often reveals more about a restaurant’s standards than any other course.

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