The Italian menu rules

Italian formal meals involve more courses than is the norm in three-course Britain, but they’re often quite small. These days, the full menu is usually reserved for special occasions, but here are the age-old rules for a traditional feast. Don’t forget to start with a glass of prosecco as an aperitivo and finish with a limoncello, amaro or grappa as a digestivo. Need wine to serve with your meal? Check out expert Susy Atkins’ pick of the nine best Italian wines to buy right now.

Antipasto

Something to get the appetite going before the eating starts in earnest – the name means “before the meal”. Usually cold, antipasti (the plural of antipasto) might include vegetables dressed simply with oil and vinegar, artichoke hearts, cured meats such as salami and bresaola, pickled anchovies, seafood salads, olives or mozzarella. Various kinds of bruschetta can also be served as an antipasto.

Primo

The first ‘proper’ course, usually pasta, risotto or soup. Often vegetable or seafood-based if meat is to be served later in the meal. We have heaps of Italian pasta recipes to choose from, such as creamy pasta alla norcina (with porcini mushrooms and fried sausage) and ziti with ‘nduja and salted ricotta (pictured).

Secondo

The second or main course. Generally meat, poultry or fish, often simply cooked and served in small portions, particularly if it’s following pasta or rice. It’s not usual to serve many vegetables with the secondo. Often it will come with a single veg (known as a contorno) such as wilted spinach, grilled courgettes or a few small roasted potatoes. These are usually served separately alongside. Browse our favourite Italian chicken and pork dishes.

Insalata

The salad course is optional, but sometimes served as a light interlude between main course and cheese. The salad should be simple and fresh. It’s never served alongside pasta.

Formaggio

Cheese is often served alongside fresh fruit – for example, gorgonzola dolce with a few ripe figs or pears. Discover the cheeses particular to different parts of Italy in our full guide to the 20 regions.

Dolce

The sweet or pudding course is a portion of something rich, such as tiramisu or pannacotta, a fruit crostata or tart, or a seasonal gelato or sorbet. Usually served with a coffee. We have cannoli, affogato and traditional tortes in our Italian desserts collection.

Italian dinner party menu ideas

Head of food Tom Shingler has combined dishes from Italy’s four corners to create three non-traditional menus to suit a casual drinks-and-nibbles gathering to a hearty meal for friends.

Aperitivo hour

• Mondeghilli (fried breaded meatballs)
• Angela Hartnett’s gnocco fritto (deep-fried pasta)
• Bicicletta cocktail

“I’d like to thank the Italian genius who came up with the idea of a snack and a drink before dinner at 6pm – or aperitivo hour, as it’s known in Italy. These dishes are perfect for entertaining, as both the meatballs and the dough can be prepared in advance, then fried as your guests arrive. The bicicletta is my spritz of choice; give it a go if you’re getting tired of Aperol.”

Sicilian supper

• Insalata pantesca (Pantelleria-style cherry tomato salad)
• Chicken with capers, lemon, chillies and thyme
• Almond granita ‘affogato’

“Sun-kissed Sicilian flavours sing out in this trio of dishes, ideal for the end of summer. The tomato and potato salad is the perfect side for the chicken – perhaps with some good bread to mop up the juices. And while granita is traditionally a breakfast dish on the island, it makes a fantastic pud – especially when the weather’s still warm enough to eat outdoors.”

Northern Italian feast

• Farinata with prawns, chickpeas and peppers
• Risotto alla milanese
• Theo Randall’s torta barozzi (flourless chocolate, almond and rum cake)

“Liguria, Lombardy and Piedmont are the culinary powerhouses of the north – and this menu is for when you want to impress. Slices of prawn-topped chickpea pancake set things up nicely, followed by a knockout saffron risotto and a flourless chocolate cake for dessert.”

Hungry for more? Take a culinary journey the length and breadth of Italy with our full guide. We’ve got recipes from all 20 Italian regions, along with their top traditional dishes, star produce and memories from delicious. team of their favourite Italian food experiences. Buon appetito!