How to Dine Like A Real Florentine
By Nina Prenosil
Content
As a part of my study abroad series in Italy, it only makes sense to talk about the food! As I am sure you know Italy is famous for its cuisine and rightfully so. A large aspect of my time so far in Florence has been enjoying Italian dishes, whether that be pizza, pasta, or paninis. There is also a wide selection of beverages, desserts, and snacks that are not as often enjoyed in the U.S. In this blog, I’ll guide you through what to eat in Italy and how to dine like a real Florentine.
Constructing an Italian Meal
Eating in Italy is an all around indulgent experience. During an average dinner, you will enjoy a starter to begin the meal, usually referred to as the antipasto, which can include hot and cold appetizers like cheese, soppressata, bread, and dressed vegetables. This is followed by your “primi piatti” or first course which could be pasta or rice. If you choose you can follow with a “secondo piatto” which would be the protein dish. Eating out is generally inexpensive, so ordering more than one dish won’t break the bank.
If you have any room left after your meal, dessert and coffee are offered at the end of the traditional Italian dinner. From the rich and creamy tiramisu to the delicate sweetness of panna cotta, Italian desserts offer a symphony of flavors. The dessert is then accompanied by the quintessential Italian coffee, usually a shot of espresso. As I said before, dining in Italy is an indulgent experience and I’m sure now you can see why.
Finding Favorite Spots
Nearly every meal I have had while in Italy has been absolutely delicious, so it was hard to pick a favorite dish. However, after some careful consideration, I decided that my best meal so far was pesto gnocchi from Ristorante dei Priori, which I enjoyed on my first night in Florence.
I have also been ordering spinach-stuffed ravioli as often as possible – and of course pizza. My favorite pizza place, Mister Pizza, is located just around the corner from my apartment. It is open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. so I have coined it as my Italian Antonio’s.
In terms of how to choose where to eat when you’re studying abroad, I would suggest simply just walking through the streets and picking a place that looks good. In Florence, most restaurants will have their menu posted outside of the establishment to give patrons the chance to see what the restaurant has to offer. If you want to enjoy a fancier dinner, I recommend picking a place beforehand and making a reservation. This is especially important when dining with large groups, as some restaurants are quite small.
Last But Not Least
Now I must discuss one of the most important parts of Italian food… the gelato! Wherever you turn you will likely find a gelato shop, but be careful because some shops are known to be tourist traps. You can easily spot a gelato tourist trap if the gelato is in a large mountainous heap. The real, authentic Italian gelato will be kept in either closed metal containers, or flat in a metal container. They say it's a good sign if you cannot actually see the gelato, because that means it is being kept at the perfect serving temperature. My favorite flavor of gelato is pistachio, which is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. Pistachio is not only a popular gelato flavor, but also often found in croissants and flavored coffee.
Dining in Italy is not just about nourishment; it's a cultural experience that encompasses history, tradition, and passion for food. Exploring the streets of Florence and stumbling upon charming trattorias, I've learned that sometimes the best dining experiences come from spontaneity. Whether it's enjoying a casual meal at a local pizzeria or indulging in a fine dining experience, the diversity of options caters to every palate and preference.
Buon appetito!