Exercise 10.3: Do’s and Don’ts of Italian Dining

Exercise 10.3: Do’s and Don’ts of Italian Dining 🍝🚫 #

Eating in Italy isn’t just about food—it’s an art. One wrong move and you could end up with shocked stares from locals (or worse, a disapproving nonna).

Let’s see if you’ve learned the golden rules of Italian dining—or if you’ll be the one putting ketchup on pasta.

1. Fill in the Blanks – What Would You Say? #

Complete the sentences with the correct words: cappuccino, parmigiano, secondo, ketchup, lento.

  1. In Italy, you should never order a ___ after noon—unless you enjoy judgmental stares from waiters.
  2. Putting ___ on spaghetti alle vongole is an insult to both pasta and seafood.
  3. Italians love to eat at a ___ pace, because meals are about enjoying the moment.
  4. If you ask for ___ with your pasta, Viktor will pretend he doesn’t know you.
  5. The meal structure in Italy includes antipasto, primo, and then a ___ (usually meat or fish).

2. Match the Dining Rule – Find the Correct Meaning #

Match each Italian dining rule to its explanation.

  1. Never cut spaghetti with a knife.
  2. The bill won’t arrive unless you ask for it.
  3. Pineapple on pizza is a crime in Italy.
  4. Meals are meant to be slow and social.
  5. Bread is served without butter.

A) If you’re still waiting for the bill, you’re probably renting the table now.
B) It’s about enjoying the company and the food, not speed-eating like a tourist.
C) If you do this, an Italian nonna will appear out of nowhere and shake her head at you.
D) Twirl your pasta with a fork—scissors are for arts and crafts, not for eating.
E) Italians dip their bread in sauce, not butter—unless they’re feeling rebellious.

3. Multiple Choice – Pick the Right Answer #

  1. How do you correctly order a coffee after a meal?

    • A) Un cappuccino, per favore!
    • B) Un caffè, per favore!
    • C) Posso avere un tè al latte?

  2. Why should you never put cheese on seafood pasta?

    • A) It’s an unwritten Italian food rule.
    • B) It’s illegal in some parts of Italy.
    • C) The waiter will take away your fork in protest.

  3. What’s the proper way to eat pizza in Italy?

    • A) With a fork and knife, like an aristocrat.
    • B) With your hands, folded if necessary.
    • C) However you want—there are no rules!

4. Situational Practice – What Would You Do? #

Imagine you’re in these dining situations. What would you say?

  1. Your friend asks for ketchup with their carbonara. How do you react?

    • Your response: _____________________________________

  2. You’re waiting for the bill, but it hasn’t arrived. What do you say to the waiter?

    • Your response: _____________________________________

  3. Your Italian friend sees you cutting spaghetti with a knife and gasps. What do you do?

    • Your response: _____________________________________

Answers #

Answers

1. Fill in the Blanks #

  1. cappuccino (Cappuccino is only for breakfast!)
  2. parmigiano (Never put Parmesan on seafood pasta!)
  3. lento (Italian meals are meant to be slow and social.)
  4. ketchup (Adding ketchup to pasta is a crime against Italian cuisine.)
  5. secondo (After primo, comes secondo—usually meat or fish.)

2. Match the Dining Rule #

  1. D) Never cut spaghetti with a knife. – Twirl it with a fork!
  2. A) The bill won’t arrive unless you ask for it. – No bill? No problem! Just ask.
  3. C) Pineapple on pizza is a crime in Italy. – Some things just aren’t meant to be.
  4. B) Meals are meant to be slow and social. – Relax, enjoy, and sip that wine.
  5. E) Bread is served without butter. – Just dip it in the sauce!

3. Multiple Choice #

  1. B) Un caffè, per favore! – Italians drink espresso, not cappuccino, after meals.
  2. A) It’s an unwritten Italian food rule. – Parmesan and seafood do not mix!
  3. B) With your hands, folded if necessary. – Italians eat pizza by hand unless it’s very fancy.

4. Situational Practice – Example Responses #

  1. No! In Italia la carbonara si mangia senza ketchup! (No! In Italy, carbonara is eaten without ketchup!)
  2. Scusi, il conto per favore! (Excuse me, the bill please!)
  3. Oops, scusa! Imparo ancora! (Oops, sorry! I’m still learning!)

✨ Bravo! Now you can eat in Italy without breaking any sacred food rules. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍷