What is the Galateo: its history
Way back in the 16th century, a certain Monsignor Della Casa was commissioned to write a book outlining the rules of civil life, and a guide to good manners and Italian etiquette: this was how the Galateo ‘overo de Costumi’ was born, published in 1558, the book that we all know today simply as Galateo. It was not the only example of rulebook for good conduct: Erasmus of Rotterdam created a series of guides for good manners addressed to children, without distinction of social class, to set them on the road to good manners from an early age.
Even today, regardless the passing of the centuries, the Galateo, the set of good manners and Italian customs, with the necessary changes, is a code that many continue to observe in certain situations.
And it is a good habit when traveling in a foreign country, to know and try to respect their customs.
Italian Etiquette at the Restaurant
Here are some simple little rules of Italian table manners to remember, especially if you are in one of the beautiful restaurants that Dragonfly Tours will have selected for you, during your organized trip to Italy.
- It may seem ridiculous, but the habit that most Italians have of saying “buon appetito“ at the beginning of the meal or a classic “cin cin“ for the toast, is frowned upon by Galateo, while for the majority of diners it’s just a way to make lunches or dinners more convivial.
- Your napkin? You can open it and place it open upon your lap, so as not to dirty your clothes with food. Never use it like a bib!
- Always serve drinks to your guests first, and then drink, it is not a question of etiquette but also of simple kindness.
- Attention, absolutely forbidden to speak with your mouth full.
- We could open a very long aside on the use of the mobile phone at the table. What is certain is that they didn’t have this problem in 1500, while today in the social and #foodporn era, food is perhaps one of the most photographed subjects. So how does Galateo deal with it? If dinner is between friends then just a quick photo of the dish, because you know you’ll want to share it on social media, and then store your phone in your pocket or bag if you can resist!
- Enjoy dinner, converse in a moderate tone of voice, and know that the position of the cutlery on the plate for Galateo has a specific meaning.
Cutlery placed in parallel indicates that your meal is finished, regardless of what you have left on your plate while resting the cutlery on the opposite sides of the plate with the ends crossed only means that you are taking a break. So be careful or the waiter will take away your dish!
Language tips for a perfect dinner
If it’s your first trip to Italy and you are ready for your special dinner, below you will find some phrases that can help you order your meal easily respecting the Italian etiquette, even if the serving staff will be ready to respond to every request in your mother tongue.
– Let’s start with the water: “liscia o gassata?”, “frizzante o naturale?”, “effervescente o leggermente?” are all ways to ask the guest what kind of water they want to drink with dinner. If you do not have specific preferences, just decide between smooth or sparkling water.
– “Al dente” indicates the degree of cooking of pasta. Usually, many Italians prefer pasta al dente which is not too soft and is more digestible.
– “Sa di tappo “ is an expression that is generally used when tasting a wine that isn’t so great. In Italy, when choosing a wine at the restaurant, unless it is a “house wine” which is generally less refined and served in a carafe, the waiter arrives at the table uncorking the bottle in front of the diners and asks who is going to have first sip to decide if the product is appreciated or should be changed.
Just a few tips to better enjoy the goodness of Italian cuisine!