Italy is renowned for delicious foods and some travellers even make the trip solely to embark on a culinary tour of the country. Food is a very serious affair in Italy and there are a number of places where you can get your fill of the fabulous feasts on offer. But which do you choose from when it comes to the ristorante, trattoria or osteria? How are they different? Which suits your tastes best?
They all form a part of Italy’s illustrious history and refer to a system of classification that traditionally related to the class of people that would be in attendance in the eateries.
History of the Term: Ristorante
The ristorante was initially classified as the most superior of eating outlets where patrons could choose from elaborate food choices that held an air of sophistication. Typical patrons included the elite of the area, very wealthy people and celebrities who dined on delicious meals that weren’t necessarily in season. Nothing was too much for the patrons of the ristorante and their tables were waited on by skilled, professional waitrons.
What to expect from a ristorante today:
- Full-service restaurant
- Professional waitrons
- A sommelier or wine expert
- Properly printed menu with fixed prices per plate
- Not necessarily better food than a trattoria or osteria – take note!
History of the Term: Trattoria
The trattoria was classified as a slightly lower class dining experience when compared to the ristorante. It still offered the quality food experience but the atmosphere was possibly less ostentatious. Patrons of the trattoria would be treated to a delectable selection of traditional foods that changed with the seasons and the availability of produce. The prices would also be lower than the ristorante and served in a more informal setting.
What to expect from a trattoria today:
- Mostly family-run businesses
- More rustic appeal and environment
- Casual dining experience
- Selection of quality, traditional food
History of the Term: Osteria
The osteria was originally classified as the most informal dining experience. Often the osteria didn’t even serve food, but had a store of wine available for purchase. Patrons would bring their own food and dine, taking full advantage of the wine offered by the osteria. Many osterias were actually inns where travellers could take refuge for the night and enjoy a hearty, affordable meal.
What to expect from an osteria today:
- Osterias have evolved into today’s wine bars
- Serve simple, traditional meals that are based on the wine they’re served with
- No real menus are printed and the meals can change daily with what’s available from the markets
For a first-time traveler to Italy, I’d recommend heading to an osterie to sample authentic, local dishes at cheap prices. Osteries tend to offer local regional specialties, so that will give you a chance to try food that’s unique to each region. Food is often served at shared tables — don’t miss out on the chance to mingle with locals. Osteria del Cappello in Bologna is one of the oldest osteries in Italy, established between the 14th and 15th centuries. With its six hundred years of history, the Osteria del Cappello is a historical symbol of food and hospitality in Bologna. A must-try is the tortellini or tagliatelle with Bolognese ragù sauce, a true classic in Bologna. – Nellie, WildJunket
Italian Dining Options Today
Today the classification of these three types of Italian eateries has become somewhat confused. You don’t necessarily get the premium level of service and quality of food at a ristorante that you would have been guaranteed back in the day. You also might find that many high-end restaurants are now claiming the title of an osteria purely for the authentic Italian impression it evokes in a traveller.
For eateries sticking to their Italian heritage, you can use these titles as somewhat of a guide, but it’s always best to do a little bit of research into the venues you’re considering to see what previous patrons have had to say about them. Better yet, have a local guide on hand to save you from winding up somewhere mediocre – if that’s even possible in Italy.
So judging by your tastes in food, ambience and culinary experiences, where would you be seeking out a table? At the ristorante, trattoria or osteria?
