Italian restaurants are friendly places with delicious cuisine. All in all, the expected etiquette, at least in the United States, is not too different than at any other type of fine-casual eatery. However, there are a few quirks of Italian dining and tradition. If you are planning to enjoy private dining at an Italian restaurant soon, then follow these tips to look the part.
Let the host take the lead.
In the Italian dining tradition, the person who invited others to dinner is considered the host. Even at a restaurant, that person is responsible for taking the lead in a few different ways during dinner. If there is something to be ordered for the group, they should order it. They should take the first bite of each course, too, so leave your fork down until the host picks up theirs and starts eating.
Order water or wine.
Italians don't traditionally drink soda or iced tea with a meal. So while the restaurant may have these drinks on the menu, if you want to really look the part and blend in, you are best off avoiding them. Order a white wine with lighter chicken dishes, seafood, or anything that comes with a cream sauce. Red wine is traditionally paired with red sauce dishes and anything with beef.
Eat the salad last.
If your dinner comes with a salad, don't be surprised when it comes after the main course. If you order a salad separately, order it after the main course, not as an appetizer. Americans often eat salad first, but Italians eat it after the meal because they believe it aids in digestion.
Share by passing a plate.
Italians are all for sharing food. It's a big part of the culture, in fact. That being said, if you want to offer a bite of your food to someone else at the table, the proper way to do it is to put that food on a salad plate and pass it to the other person. Don't dig your fork into someone else's meal or pass a fork across the table.
Don't ask for condiments.
In Italian cooking, seasoning is done in the kitchen. The chef seasons food appropriately, and asking for additional condiments is a sign that you either don't trust the chef's skills or don't like the food. If there is salt and pepper on the table, you can use a bit — but don't request ketchup or other sauces.
If you follow the tips above, you'll look the part and fit in well at any Italian private dining event.