This is a brief guide to eating and drinking in Italy and was given to us by 'Il Pinocchio Ristorante' in central Frascati, Lazio.

We quote:

Some people may think that Italian meals are excessively large and that they go on forever.

Leisurely they are, but portions are smaller than those served in the United States or the United Kingdom.

Thus, it is possible to eat a complete meal without feeling you have indulged or damaged your waistline.

And since all chefs take great pride in selecting the freshest of local ingredients, menus can change seasonally.

This means you won't be eating pears in June or green peas in December. When in doubt let your waiter help you to decide.

Italians love to discuss food and conferring with the waiter before ordering is almost expected.

In many restaurants written menus are only a guide to what an establishment offers.

Although most restaurants try to meet individual requests, just remember the old Italian adage "If you dont see what you love, love what you see".

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To eat like an Italian, follow a few general rules.