Antipasti (1-3 courses)
Must-SeeThe opening salvo — a buffet or served antipasti of seafood, cured meats, bruschetta, and fritti. This alone would be a full meal elsewhere. Pace yourself.
Primi (2-3 courses)
Must-SeeTwo or three pasta courses — typically one seafood (risotto ai frutti di mare) and one meat (lasagna or tortellini in brodo). Sometimes a soup course too. Yes, this is before the main.
Secondi + Contorni
Must-SeeThe main event — usually both fish and meat options (grilled branzino AND roast veal). With 2-3 vegetable side dishes. By now you've been eating for 3 hours.
Dolci + Torta Nuziale
Must-SeeThe wedding cake (often millefoglie or profiterole tower), plus a sweet table with regional pastries, fruit, and the confetti (sugar-coated almonds) in bomboniere bags.
Caffè + Ammazzacaffè
Must-SeeEspresso, limoncello, grappa, amaro — the "coffee killer" digestivo round. Dancing begins. The meal technically never ends.
Where to start
Italian food traditions are the soul of the culture. Understanding them transforms your trip from tourism into genuine connection.