How does an Italian Day look like on a terrace?

Traditional breakfast in Italy is a quick process – a Cappuccino or Caffè (also called Espresso) with a Cornetto or Brioche (the Italian version of a Croissant) either plain or filled with different jams, chocolate or custard. This often happens at one of the many little bars on the way to work standing up at the counter – in many places the coffee is cheaper as when one sits down.

Lunch in Italy is a very important meal period, traditionally it was the most important meal of the day and still is in some areas of Italy, mostly on the countryside. On Sundays lunches can be long and very rich with several courses, containing a starter (antipasto), a primo piatto (in form of pasta or risotto), a secondo (with meat or fish served with vegetables or salad) and a dessert, often fresh fruit.

In Italy, the afternoon break is a so-called riposo and comparable to the Spanish siesta. It is a break in the afternoon after a big lunch to unplug, have a coffee or a gelato, and then go back to work with a recharged body and mind. Refresh yourself at the Gritti Terrace on the Grand Canal or have a coffee at the Sesto on Arno Bar with the perfect view over Florence.

When talking about Aperitivo, Italians do not mean Happy Hour in the traditional sense. Aperitivo is not a discount, often beverages are sold even with a surcharge to compensate for the snacks or buffet. The food provided in some cases replace dinner, as buffets can be extensive.

Dinner normally is lighter than lunch in Italy, however can also be very extensive with five courses on a weekend evening. Even though restaurants already open at 7pm, Italians start their meal commonly not before 8pm, in the south of Italy it can get quite late, around 10pm.