Italian restaurants
 

This might seem like a dumb question, but can anyone tell me what to order in Italian restaurants? Is it "proper" to order a pasta dish only? My DH and I do NOT want to eat in expensive restaurants while in Rome and Venice. How does one pick out the inexpensive(cheap) places? any tips, anyone?

Order as much or a little as you want, any single course or combination of courses (pasta and side veg, salad and fish, meat and dessert, e.g.). Look at prices posted outside.

You can also pick up inexpensive panini (sandwiches) at any coffee bar. One way to save: if you sit down at a coffee bar or cafe, the prices are doubled (you pay extra for table service).

The full package in an Italian restaurant is antipasti (starters); primi (first main course, typically a pasta dish); secondi (second main course, typically meat or fish); dolci (dessert); coffee.

It's quite acceptable in most establishments to omit some courses, and many people skip either primi or secondi.

In tourist areas there are many establishments that specialise in pasta and/or pizza, and where customers take one course, perhaps with some wine, and coffee.

They are so use to us tourists!!!-My husband and i just returned last week and were worried about the ordering also-you can order as much or as little as you want. WE even shared at times. No problem.

You don;t have to eat in restaurants at all i fyou don;t want to . there are tons of pizzerias, sandwhich shops, tavola caldas (hot dishes - casuale bistro like places). And in casuale restaurants you're free to order whatever courses you want.

Just be aware that portions will not be gargantuan as they are in many place in the US. Also - most main courses do not include veggies or pasta/rice - often everything has to be ordered separate. But a side order of veggies is usually enough for 2/3 people.

And the menu will be in the window to make all clear. Just avoid the places with menus in 14 languages and pictures of the food.