If you’re a lover of Italian food, you probably have your favorite spots that have been around for decades showing how authentic they can be. But did you know there are different types of italian restaurant? Understanding these traditional Italian restaurant types will give you a better idea of where to go for the best dishes.
Ristorante (Ristorante, pronounced ris-tore-tehn)
A ristorante is the more formal of the traditional Italian restaurant types. These restaurants will generally serve multiple courses to their guests. Typically you will be served appetizers, or antipasti, then your main course, or secondo, followed by vegetables or sides, and finally dessert. The ristorante is also often where you will find some of the most authentic food.
The osteria (pronounced os-tee-ra) is a little bit like the neighborhood cafe that you might be used to stateside. A typical osteria will have a counter where you can sit, as well as tables. It will offer a selection of wine by the bottle or glass, as well as a range of pre-cooked food. Some osterias will also have their own bakery, where they might sell fresh bread and pastries.
The pizzeria (pronounced puh-zee-a) is a place that specializes in making pizzas. These establishments will usually have a large oven where the pizza is baked. They may also have other foods such as pasta or meats on their menu.
Most of the pizzerias in Italy are family owned, and they will usually be very traditional in their approach to cooking and serving food. This style of restaurant is also very popular in the United States.
In the United States, a lot of pizzerias will also be known as delis or sub shops. A lot of the time, they will have a wide variety of sandwiches on their menu as well as other food items such as pasta and salads.
As the first stop for most immigrants from Italy, it is no surprise that New York City would have more Italian restaurants than any other city in America. Manhattan specifically has been a hub for these restaurants from their earliest days through today.
The Italian restaurant is one of the most iconic cuisines in the world, and there is no shortage of great places to enjoy a meal. Whether you’re craving a classic slice of pizza, or want to try something new, there is sure to be an Italian restaurant in NYC that is perfect for you!
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