Usually Italianshave breakfast between 7 a.m. and 9.30 a.m., lunchbetween 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m., and dinner between 7.30 p.m.and9.30 p.m..The majority of Italianrestaurants/pizzerias, etc., respect these hours and, therefore, will stop serving food after 2.30/3 p.m. and again after 11.30 p.m.Supermarkets and local food stores are generally open from 8/9 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Some of them close during lunch break and Sundays.Take-away shops (pizza, gourmet sandwiches,kebab, etc.,)are usually open from 12.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Bars (sandwiches, snacks, potato chips, etc.) open at 6.30/7 a.m and usually close in the late afternoon.
Eat like an Italian: mealtimes
Italians have very clear in mind that there are three mainmeals throughout the day.
Colazione (“breakfast”)
Usually we have breakfast between 7 a.m. and 9.30 a.m.. However, considering that people wake up at different hours, it is absolutely normal to findpeople having (their first or second) breakfastin bars at anytime during morning hours. n1 Click here toknow how Italians like to eat their breakfast!!
Pranzo (“lunch”)
Generally Italians have a lunch break, at home or at a bar/restaurant etc., between 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m.. Depending on whattime wehave breakfastand on the region (North/South of Italy), these hours can vary. After lunch a caffè (espresso coffee,not a cappuccino thatwe drink only at breakfast!!) is a must!n2
Cena (“supper/dinner”)
For many Italiansthe last meal of the dayis also the most important, especially during the week. In many cases this is the only meal when the family gathers or for which wehave more time. Remember that Italians consider their meals a family matter!! Depending on many factors, such as working hours, traditions, regions, etc., dinner hours generally go from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.. Usuallythis is the meal the lasts the longest. This is why it’s normal to sit at a table of a restaurant at 9.30 p.m. and not leave it until 11.30 p.m. or later (Italians are the best at sitting at the table to eat, drink, and talk for hours!!).It’s very common to drink a liquer, a caffè,eata dessert, fruit, or pastries, etc. after dinner.
Restaurants
It’s useful to know that the majority of Italianrestaurants/pizzerias etc., respect the above mentioned meal times. This means that – except for some eateriesgenerally located in the center of the cities with the most tourists like Rome, Florence, Venice, etc. – generally they close their kitchens at 2.30/3 p.m. and again at 11.30 p.m. and, therefore, will not serve food after these hours.
There are restaurantsthat serve food all day long but they are not many, they are tourist-oriented, and may not serve the best food, considering that, as said above, Italians don’t usually eat a plate of pasta or (the classic Italian round) pizza or meat for example at 11.30 a.m. or 5 p.m.. However, if you feel hungry you cango to a take-away shop to have a smallsandwich or a slice of pizza for amid-morning snack, while in the afternoon an ice cream is always an excellent choice.
Supermarkets
If you want to buy something to eat for your lunch or supper, you should know that supermarkets are generally open from 8/9 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Many of them are closed on Sundays or opened only in the morning. It’s very rare to find supermarkets open 24/7 even in majorItalian cities. In fact, only one or twolarge chains have started opening a few of theirstores 24/7 in major cities.
Local food stores, bars, and take-away shops
As for local food stores (gastronomia, forno, alimentari, etc.), where, for example, you can buy a homemade sandwich or cooked pasta/meat/vegetables, etc. to take home, they are usually open from 8 a.m. to 7.30/8 p.m.. However, in some cities they close during lunch break. They alsoclose on Sundays.
Barsthat, besides breakfast food, sellsandwiches, toasts, snacks, potato chips, etc. open very early in the morning, around 6.30/7 a.m, and usually close in the late afternoon.
Take-away shopsthat sell, for example, pizza, sandwiches,kebab, etc., are usually open from 12.30 p.m. to 8 p.m..
n1In Italy a “bar” is a place where you go to have breakfast, a caffè during the day, eat a sandwich, drink a fruit juice, Coca-cola, or a cola, get a bottle of water, cold tea, beer, wine (not always), or sometimes have an “aperitivo” (aperitif) before supper/dinner, buy snack-bars or an ice cream, or something similar. They open very early in the morning and usually close in the late afternoon or at supper time (some even later).Therefore, an Italian bar is different from, for example, what Americans would call a “bar”.
n2Italians drink cappuccino only in the morning and usually only for their (first) breakfast!!! Even if we really love it, we don’t drink a cappuccino after lunch, or during a break in the afternoon, or after supper, or in any other moment. In Italy we say that whenever you see someone drinking a cappuccino afterbreakfast…it’s a foreign tourist!! It’s unusual for an Italian to drink American coffee (very long coffee usually served in a mug). Nowadays, some places will provide American coffee when asked, but don’t expect what you drink at home. It’s likely to be a watered-down version of caffè espresso!!
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Claudia
Greetings, enthusiasts of Italian culture and culinary traditions. I am Claudia, and I bring to you my extensive expertise and passion for the intricate details of the Italian dining lifestyle. Having immersed myself deeply in the nuances of Italian mealtimes, I can confidently guide you through the cultural intricacies and practical aspects of how Italians approach their daily meals.
Let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
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Italian Meal Times: Italians adhere to a well-defined schedule for their three main meals:
- Breakfast (Colazione): Typically between 7 a.m. and 9.30 a.m., with variations due to individual waking times.
- Lunch (Pranzo): Generally taken between 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m., with flexibility based on breakfast time and regional differences.
- Dinner (Cena): Typically from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., often considered the most significant meal, emphasizing family gatherings and extended socializing.
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Restaurant and Pizzeria Hours:
- Mealtime Respect: Italian restaurants and pizzerias commonly observe the traditional meal hours. Most close their kitchens around 2.30/3 p.m. and again at 11.30 p.m., aligning with the cultural preferences.
- Tourist Areas: Some eateries in tourist-centric locations might serve food all day, but the quality may not match the standards of meals served during traditional hours.
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Supermarket Hours:
- Opening Hours: Supermarkets and local food stores generally open from 8/9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with closures during lunch breaks and on Sundays. Limited 24/7 options, especially in major Italian cities.
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Take-Away Shops and Bars:
- Take-Away Shops: Open from 12.30 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering options like pizza, sandwiches, and kebabs.
- Bars: Open early at 6.30/7 a.m., serving sandwiches, snacks, and chips. Typically closing in the late afternoon.
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Italian Bar Distinction:
- Definition: In Italy, a "bar" is a versatile establishment for various needs, from breakfast to evening aperitifs. It offers a range of items, including coffee, sandwiches, juices, and alcoholic beverages.
- Different from American Bars: The Italian concept of a bar differs from what Americans might traditionally refer to as a "bar."
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Cappuccino Tradition:
- Morning Exclusive: Italians traditionally drink cappuccino only in the morning and specifically for breakfast. Drinking it at other times is considered unusual, often associated with foreign tourists.
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Italian Drinking Habits:
- Post-Dinner Customs: After dinner, it's common to enjoy a liqueur, coffee (espresso), desserts, fruits, or pastries, extending the dining experience.
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Local Food Stores:
- Opening Hours: Typically open from 8 a.m. to 7.30/8 p.m., offering homemade sandwiches, cooked pasta, meat, and vegetables for take-home.
In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of Italian mealtimes not only involves adherence to a schedule but also encompasses the cultural significance of family gatherings, post-dinner customs, and the distinct characteristics of various establishments. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely dinner or grabbing a quick snack from a local bar, immersing yourself in the Italian dining experience is a journey worth savoring.
