Italians adore their own cuisine.
Over the coming summer, many people travel south to Tessin, often into Italy. There, they can be enchanted by Italian cuisine. In this article, we’ll show you which restaurant offers what
Nothing beats an old family recipe, and our southern neighbors have plenty of those. Anyone who has ever vacationed in Italy may have wondered what the different restaurants are all about. There’s the osteria, the trattoria, the ristorante, the enoteca, and the taverna.
But what do these names mean? And what kind of food is served in each restaurant? We’ll show you the small but subtle differences that exist from concept to concept.
The Restaurant
The classic restaurant. Usually a bit more upscale, but not always. Here you’ll often find an extensive menu and a diverse wine selection. Service is usually provided at the table.
Here, a meal is often structured over several courses. It’s not mandatory, but traditionally, you’ll have an antipasto (starter), followed by a primo piatto (first main course), and a secondo piatto (second main course).
The Trattoria
The trattoria could be described as the heart of everyday cuisine. Usually a simple, small, family-run restaurant, where taste takes precedence over glamour. Regional specialties and dishes are served, the atmosphere is very informal, and you often feel like you’re staying with friends. The menus are usually small and seasonal, and you can often find reasonably priced food.
The ambiance is rather rustic and cozy, with checkered tablecloths. Many trattorias have been family-owned for generations. Here, you’ll find tourists and locals, construction workers sitting next to bankers—all enjoying the good food.
The Osteria
Osterias also focus on select, local cuisine. Often family-run, they serve a cozy atmosphere. The osteria was originally a tavern that primarily served wine, and at most a few simple dishes to keep you hydrated. Today, it has evolved, but has remained true to its original, uncomplicated spirit. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a rather rustic feel. The decor is simple, lacking in luxury, but with maximum charm and authenticity. The menu features homemade, local specialties, usually with a daily special. Portions can sometimes be smaller than in a trattoria, because the focus isn’t solely on the food.
In summary, the boundaries are often blurred these days. Many modern osterias now offer a full menu, and trattorias can almost feel like restaurants. The difference lies more in philosophy than in fixed rules.
The Enoteca
It is a combination of an upscale wine shop, a delicatessen, and a restaurant.
