Italian Do's and Don'ts

Dining in Italy is a celebration of flavors, tradition, and togetherness. Whether you're visiting Italy or dining at Vinny’s Italian Cafe in Baltimore, understanding Italian dining etiquette can enhance your experience and deepen your appreciation for authentic Italian food. From the way you order your pizza, pasta, and dessert to the unwritten rules of the dinner table, here’s a guide to help you dine like a true Italian.

Do Take Your Time and Enjoy the Meal

One of the biggest differences between Italian and American dining culture is the pace. In Italy, meals are meant to be savored, not rushed. At Vinny’s Italian Cafe in Baltimore, we embrace this tradition by encouraging guests to relax, enjoy their wine, and indulge in every bite of their authentic Italian food without feeling hurried.

Don’t Ask for Extra Cheese on Everything

While it’s common in the U.S. to sprinkle extra Parmesan on every dish, in Italy, this isn’t always appropriate. For example, seafood pasta dishes traditionally do not have cheese, as it’s believed to overpower the delicate flavors of the seafood. At Vinny’s Italian Cafe we never judge how you like your food. We do recommend that you taste our authentic Italian cooking fist before changing its flavor profile.

Do Follow the Italian Meal Structure

Traditional Italian meals are served in courses, and each one is meant to be enjoyed in its own right:

• Antipasto (Appetizer) – A small dish like bruschetta or Caprese salad

• Primo (First Course) – Usually a pasta dish like spaghetti carbonara or fettuccine Alfredo

• Secondo (Main Course) – A meat or fish dish, such as chicken Parmesan or veal marsala

• Contorno (Side Dish) – Vegetables or salad, served alongside the main course

• Dolce (Dessert) – Classic treats like tiramisu or cannoli

At Vinny’s Italian Cafe in Baltimore, we offer a full-course dining experience to ensure you can enjoy Italian cuisine the traditional way.

Don’t Cut Your Pasta with a Knife

Pasta is meant to be twirled, not cut! Italians use a fork to gently roll spaghetti or linguine against a spoon or the side of the plate. If you're eating at Vinny’s Italian Cafe, embrace this technique to fully enjoy your pasta the Italian way.

Do Eat Your Pizza with Your Hands (In Casual Settings)

In casual pizzerias, it’s perfectly acceptable to eat pizza with your hands, especially if it’s a Neapolitan-style pizza with a soft, foldable crust. However, in more formal settings, you might see Italians using a fork and knife. At Vinny’s Italian Cafe, we welcome both methods, just be sure to enjoy every bite of our delicious, handcrafted pizza!

Don’t Order a Cappuccino After a Meal

In Italy, cappuccinos are typically reserved for breakfast, as milk-based drinks are considered too heavy to have after a meal. Instead, Italians opt for an espresso or macchiato to finish their dining experience. If you visit Vinny’s Italian Cafe, try pairing your dessert with a classic Italian espresso for an authentic experience.

Do Enjoy Dessert and Digestifs

No Italian meal is complete without dessert! Whether it’s a creamy tiramisu, rich cannoli, or refreshing limoncello cake, finishing your meal with something sweet is a must. Italians often follow dessert with a digestivo, such as limoncello or amaro, to aid digestion. At Vinny’s Italian Cafe in Baltimore, our selection of Italian desserts and after-dinner drinks will transport you straight to Italy.

Experience Authentic Italian Dining at Vinny’s Italian Cafe

At Vinny’s Italian Cafe in Baltimore, we take pride in serving authentic Italian food with the same traditions and etiquette you’d find in Italy. Whether you're indulging in our handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, or decadent desserts, we invite you to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy the full Italian dining experience.

Ready to experience true Italian hospitality? Visit us today and taste the difference!