Italy has a reputation for world class cuisine, that is so much more than pizza and pasta. Every region of Italy has its own take on the Italian staples. In the north polenta, risotto, pork and cheeses are common ingredients. In the south tomatoes are king, as are peppers, olives, olive oil and garlic. Spaghetti and pasta, the foods most people associate with Italy, originate from central regions in the country.
Italians take their food very seriously and love to gather family and friends together to enjoy long, sociable lunches. Most meals start with ‘antipasti’, bite-sized pieces to share, usually cured meats, cheese, and olives. This is followed by ‘primo’, the first course, which is usually pasta or risotto, then ‘secondi’, the main course - meat or fish served with vegetables. Dolce or sweets are then served, usually with coffee.
On the subject of coffee, one thing you will probably never see in Italy is someone drinking a cappuccino with a meal, the locals drink it most of the time for breakfast. After the one milky coffee, locals generally stick to espresso for the rest of the day
