Page 581 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

WHERE T O EA T AND DRINK  579

Vegetarians
Italian restaurants offer plenty of
choices for vegetarians, as the
menu will always feature a
selection of seasonal vegetables
and pulses. Many pasta and
antipasto dishes use no meat at
all and for a main course you can
ask for an omelette (frittata) with
a side dish of vegetables from
the contorni. Most menus are
adaptable because dishes are Diners enjoying a meal alfresco in Chianti, Tuscany
prepared to order – tell your
waiter that you are vegetariano Dress Wheelchair Access
(female – vegetariana) and they Italians generally tend to look Few restaurants have special
will advise you accordingly. smart but don’t necessarily facilities for people in
expect visitors to do the same. wheelchairs, but if you book
However, very scruffy or dirty in advance the establishment
Wine and Drinks clothes are unlikely to get you can reserve a suitable table and
Many regions have their own good, efficient or particularly be ready to help if necessary
aperitivo served before the meal friendly service. when you arrive.
and a digestivo for afterwards.
Universal alternatives are
prosecco (dry, fizzy white wine) Children
or an analcolico (non-alcoholic) Children are welcome in all but
aperitif, and grappa as a digestif. the smartest establishment and
House wine (red or white) will restaurants are likely to be filled
be a simple local wine served by with extensive Italian families
the litre or by the glass and will for Sunday lunch. Facilities such
generally be perfectly palatable. as highchairs or special menus
In addition, all but the cheapest are rare, but most places will
eateries have a range of other provide a small or half portion
local and regional wines specially (mezza porzione).
selected to accompany the food
on the menu, with smarter
establishments also offering Smoking The charming interior of U’Giancu in
foreign vintages. Smoking is still popular in Italy. Rapallo, Liguria (see p590)
Tap water (acqua del rubinetto) However, smoking laws now Recommended
is always drinkable and often mean that all restaurants in
very good, but Italy has a large the country are non-smoking Restaurants
range of mineral waters. Fizzy establishments. Unless a The restaurants listed in this
ones (frizzante) may contain smokers’ room is provided, guidebook cover a wide range of
carbon dioxide, while naturale you should step outside if you eateries, from the simple pizzeria
can mean still or naturally want to light up. and tavola calda (cafeteria) to
sparkling. If you particularly family-run trattoria and elegant
want a still water, ask for non ristorante. Each restaurant has a
gassata. Espresso bars usually cuisine type listed beneath the
charge more for table service. name of the establishment. Most
of these descriptions are self-
explanatory but the Places to Eat
Paying section (opposite) will provide
Tax and service are usually more information on what you
included in the menu prices, can expect from the menu.
but it is normal to leave a tip of The DK Choice label indicates
around 10 per cent. Note that a restaurant that has out-
many restaurants include a cover standing qualities and is highly
charge (coperto) on the bill (il recommended. It may serve
conto), which covers bread delicious local dishes, offer
(whether you eat it or not) and excellent value for money, be in
is charged per person. a beautiful location, have a
Credit cards are not always romantic atmosphere or be
accepted in Italy, particularly in particularly charming. Whatever
smaller towns, so it is wise to Outdoor tables at the seafood restaurant the reason, it is a guarantee of
check before you order. Il Riccio on Capri (see p600) a great meal.

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