A Complete Guide to Italian Full Course Dining: From Amuse to Digestif

Italian cuisine may have a casual image, but in Japan, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy an authentic full-course Italian meal. Top-tier establishments that offer course menus are often called ristorante. By understanding the structure of the course and the pairing of wines with dishes, you can elevate your dining experience and fully savor refined Italian cuisine.

Table of Contents

1 Amuse
2 Antipasto
3 Primo Piatto
4 Secondo Piatto
5 Formaggio
6 Dolce
7 After-Dinner Coffee

Amuse

Just like in French cuisine, the course begins with a light amuse-bouche. It is typically enjoyed with an aperitif such as sparkling wine.

Antipasto

After the amuse, the antipasto (starter) is served along with the beginning of the wine. It usually starts with a cold appetizer, followed by a warm one. The photo shows a cold antipasto.

Next is the warm appetizer: sautéed foie gras. But don’t be fooled—it’s still not the main dish!

Primo Piatto

“Primo Piatto” means “first dish.” This marks the start of the main portion of the course. Pasta is the standard for this dish. While Japanese cuisine often finishes with noodles, in Italy, pasta comes before the main dish.

Secondo Piatto

“Secondo Piatto” means “second dish.” It may include both fish and meat dishes. The photo shows “Herb-Crusted Lamb.”

You may use your hands to eat meat with bones.

It’s perfectly fine to use your hands to eat meat with bones. If your fingers get dirty, use the finger bowl to cleanse them.

Formaggio

After the main course, savor the lingering flavors with some cheese and the remaining wine. It is common to choose a few varieties from a cheese cart. The pairing of cheese with honey is simply superb.

Dolce

The Italian course still isn’t over. Hold off on the coffee and enjoy a sweet dessert wine with a dolce such as tiramisu.

After-Dinner Coffee

After dessert, it’s time for coffee. It’s typically served with petit fours. Coffee signals the end of the course meal. In Italy, it’s common to transition to a digestif, often a distilled liquor called “grappa.”

We’ve walked through a full-course Italian meal. While the order may vary by ristorante, understanding the basics will ensure a smooth experience. Enjoy your Italian fine dining with exquisite wines!