Familiarize yourself with common Italian dining phrases. Purchase an Italian phrase book that has an extensive dining section.
Determine what kind of meal you are in the mood to eat. For a quick and cheap bite, try a bar. For a casual dining experience, visit a pizzerie. Visit a tavola calda if you want a hot meal to go. When eating at full-fledged restaurants like ristorantes or trattorias, multiple courses are encouraged.
Choose your beverage. You'll typically be asked to order your beverage before your meal. Mineral water or wine are acceptable choices.
Decide if you want to order a la carte or off of a "menu turistico." A "menu turistico," which translates to a tourist's menu, offers three or four set courses at a fixed price.
Order one course at a time if you are ordering a la carte. Start with an antipasto (appetizer). Then choose your primo piatto which is usually pasta or soup. If you're still hungry, order a secondo piatto which is typically meat or fish.
Save room for dolci (dessert). Cannoli is always a fabulous choice.
Order coffee last.
