Italians take their food traditions seriously. Things to avoid:
- Cappuccino after 11:00: Italians drink it only in the morning, never after a meal or in the afternoon.
- Parmesan on fish or seafood pasta, breaking spaghetti before cooking it, and pineapple on pizza.
- Eating bread as a starter: bread goes with the meal, usually to mop up sauce.
- Ice in wine: it dilutes the flavour; wine should be served at the right temperature.
- Shorts at dinner, especially in smart restaurants. Rushing your meal or asking for the bill before it's offered is also seen as rude.
Italian cooking values fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple recipes.