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Italian Restaurant Menu Cheat Sheet: Arrabiata, Vitello And More

How To Speak Italian: A Restaurant Menu Cheat Sheet
By 

Co-Owner and Sandwich Pusher at Pop+Dutch

As Mario Batali has said (probably hundreds of times) before, “There are two kinds of people in the world: those who are Italian, and those who wish they were Italian.” When considering the cuisine Italian kids usually grow up with on their dinner tables, we have a hard time disagreeing with him.

If you've ever had the experience of plunking yourself down in a trattoria or osteria, perusing a menu and promptly realizing you have no idea what you're doing: we're here to help. For example, do you know what Vitello Tonnato is? You probably should before you order it (it's cold, sliced veal in tuna mayonnaise sauce -- SEE, aren't you glad you know that??). We are all for experimentation, throwing caution to the wind and seeing where a guess can take us -- but sometimes it's nice to know what you're talking about, so we created a little Italian menu cheat sheet for you. If nothing else, you may impress a few friends.

We might not all speak Italian, but we can all fake it.

The Breakdown
Flickr: pravin.premkumar
Your menu will usually be broken down into courses something like these: antipasto, primo, secondo, contorno, dolci. DON'T PANIC -- those just mean: before the meal, first course, second/main course, sides, dessert. Photo via Flickr user pravin.premkumar
Antipasti
Flickr: star5112
We know this list can be dizzying sometimes. By now, you probably know that bruschetta is toast with stuff on top and a caprese involves thick slices of tomato and mozzarella, dotted with basil. But how about these: Involtini - usually eggplant or zucchini wrapped around ricottaBurrata - fresh mozzarella that's been stuffed with soft curds from the cheese making process - DO NOT MISSMozzarella en Carozza - these are fried mozzarella grilled cheeses - EAT THEMFritto Misto - all the fried stuff!Antipasto Caldo - don't be fooled by how this sampler plate sounds -- 'caldo' means 'hot' in ItalianPhoto via Flickr user star5112
Zuppa/Minestre
Flickr: kawanet
Italians make a mean soup. Don't be afraid of the ones with the funny names!Minestrone - brothy soup with lots of seasonal vegetables, sometimes pastaPasta e Fagiole - thick, hearty stew of pasta, beans and tomatoesPappa al Pomodoro - tomato and bread soupTortellini en Brodo - broth-based soup, with tortellini floating around (ultimate cure for a cold)Photo via Flickr user kawanet
Let's Talk Sauce
Flickr: marikoiv
Most Italian restaurants in America will top just about any kind of pasta with any kind of sauce. Here are some you may have overlooked: Amatriciana - tomato sauce with bacon -- YEAHAlla Norma - tomato sauce with eggplantArrabiata - 'arrabiata' means 'angry' in Italian, which is why this tomato sauce is always spicy (also 'fra diavolo' some places)Carbonara - creamy egg-based sauce with (again!) baconPuttanesca - literally translates to 'whore' in Italian (we don't make this stuff up, guys), the legend says the name originates from its salty and spicy nature -- olives, capers, anchoviesPhoto via Flickr user marikoiv
Mystery Meat
Flickr: thepinkpeppercorn
Having a basic grasp on the Italian words for meat can really help guide you in the Secondi portion of the meal. Pollo - chicken (in Italian, you pronounce the 'L's!Maiale - porkBistecca - beefVitello - vealFegato - liverPolpette - little meatballsPesce Intero - whole fish (okay, it's not technically meat, but still really good to know)Photo via Flickr user thepinkpeppercorn
Contorni/Verdure
Flickr: Maggie Hoffman
Vegetables tend to come as a la carte sides in Italian restaurants. They are frequently our most favorite parts of the meal. Don't skip the weird ones: Scarola - escarole, bitter leaf in chicory (think radicchio) family, can be raw, sautéed, braisedBroccoli Rabe (or Rape/Rapini) - broccoli's slightly bitter cousin, best friends with garlic and crushed chilisFunghi - you probably guess this one -- mushroomsScaffata - all the bright greenest stuff -- peas (piselli), fava beans, zucchini, romaine, braised togetherPhoto via Flickr user Maggie Hoffman
Dolci
Flickr: Ewan-M
We wouldn't leave you without dessert! We hope you've had tiramisu and cannoli by now, so here are some of the sweets you may have been skipping: Affogato - means 'drowned' in Italian -- for the less sweet-inclined, a scoop of ice cream or gelato topped with a hot espressoZabaglione - pronounced za-ball-YO-nay, fresh Italian custard usually made with brandySpuma - mousse, you've had mousse before, right?Torta di Ricotta - Italian cheesecake, made with ricottaPhoto via Flickr user Ewan-M

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