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PASTICCERIA

Pastry shop, often connected to, or part of a bar. Such a sign usually means a wider selection of pastries available. Many serve foods other than pastries, such as sandwiches (”panini” — literally, “little breads.”) If “panini” is advertised on a sign, again, you could expect a larger selection. These are excellent places to get a quick, inexpensive snack or lunch. As in a bar, you pay first, and order second.

TAVOLA CALDA

Literally, “hot table.” The closest U.S. translation is “grill.” These are more elaborate than panini shops, featuring hot dishes. Some are small with only a few choices each day, and you select what you want from a glass-enclosed display. Most have a few tables. More elaborate ones are similar to U.S. self-service cafeterias.

ROSTICCERIA (Girarrosto) / Pizza al Taglio

These shops sell rotisserie-cooked meats, most often whole chickens; sometimes advertised as a “polleria.” They also offer “suppli’” or a bowl of fried rice with mozzarella inside , crocchette a bowl of fried mash-potatoes, Pizza al Taglio ( means Pizza by the slice) and other inexpensive lunch or quiick dinner.

RISTORANTE

A restaurant offering a large-selection menu and full waiter service. These range from small and intimate to very large and ornate (and sometimes expensive).

PIZZERIA

Just like America…it sells pizza. Pizza was invented in Italy, but they are quite different from the pizzas served by the US Pizza Chains. They are individually-sized or no more than 10-12 inches in diameter and come covered in a wide variety of toppings. Most pizzerias also sell other foods, and many other types of eating places also sell pizza. For example, a ristorante-pizzeria offers pizza as an alternative to its full restaurant selection.

TRATTORIA

With full waiter service, a smaller, usually family-run restaurant. The menu is more limited, the decor usually less ornate, and the prices usually lower than a full ristorante.

BAR

Not a U.S. - style bar. Those places, usually hotels, that have U.S - style bars will advertise “American bar.” While you can buy beer, brandy or other alcoholic beverages at Italian bars, the central feature is the espresso coffee machine. You can have a Caffe or Espresso ( about Euro 0.70 ) or a Cappuccino for about Euro 80 cents to 1 Euro. Italians visit bars throughout the day, but especially in the morning, when pastries are served with the coffee.

ENOTECA

Place where you can drink wines. You can usually buy whole bottle or consume by the glass.


GELATERIA

Serves Home made Icecream Giolitti is One of the Most renown in Rome and it is surely worth a walk in that general area - I Tre Scalini a Piazza Navona is Famous for its ‘Tartufo Icecream’ but somebody has to pay for the location.

PUB / BIRRERIA

Like a British pub or American “bar,” these have become popular in Rome and Italy. A variety of beers on tap, plus cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. A 0.4cl ( about 1 pint) beer is around Euro 4 to 5, Cocktails € 6 -7; Glasses of wine Euro 2 to 4.

HOSTARIA

The “more popular” version of the Enoteca ( which is the more Yuppy version) - Usually Osteria serves home-made wines.