Breakfast (7.00 – 11.00)
This is always a light meal. It may consist of a cappuccino or coffee & brioche (type of croissant) at a bar (often standing up) or coffee and biscuits at home. The brioche can be plain (liscia), filled with jam (con marmellata), or with chocolate (con cioccolata).
Lunch (12.30 – 14.00 in the north, 13.30-14.30 South)
Antipasti (starters) light starters typically salumi (cold hams, salami)
Primo piatto (1st course) usually rice (risotto) or pasta (or soup)
Secondo piatto (2nd course) meat or fish
Contorni (side dish) vegetables (verdure) or salad (insalata)
Dolce (desert) includes cakes, ice creams etc
Caffé espresso
During the week most Italians eat a much lighter meal (a primo piatto or just a salad)…whereas a special lunch would include all courses.
Merenda (16.00)
Snack for children (we all grew up with bread and nutella!)
Dinner (20.00 – 22.00)
Depending on the person, dinner may be a lighter meal e.g. salad or either il primo or il secondo piatto. Many Italians (especially if eating out) will have the full menu again. Going out for a pizza is very popular on a Saturday night.
