Definitions

Bar: A bar in Italy typically does not serve alcohol. It is a place visited at all times of the day by locals for an espresso and a small bite to eat, especially in the morning when a selection of pastries is available.

Enoteca: An enoteca serves wine by the bottle or the glass. Snacks may or may not be available.

Gelateria: A gelateria is an old-fashioned (Italian style) ice cream (gelato) shop. No one knows how to make ice cream better than the Italians.

Pasticceria:  A pasticceria is a pastry shop. Typically during the morning hours of operation it will have a large selection of sweet pastries, cookies and cakes. In the afternoon, the inventory usually changes to breads and rolls, although there are also dessert selections.

Tavola Calda: Similar to a grill in America, the tavola calda offers a selection of hot plates ordered cafeteria style.

Ristorante: As the name would imply, this is a  restaurant with large menuand a full wait staff. It can be small and intimate or large, but it is almost always the most expensive way to dine in Italy.

Trattoria: Trattorias are usually family-run eating establishments with full wait service. Menus are smaller than that of a ristorante, and consist mainly of pasta dishes. They are also less expensive than a ristorante.

Pizzaria: Although you can find pizza many places in Italy, the pizzaria specializes in these unique pies, either whole or by the slice, that are quite different than those found in the United States at the pizza chains. A pizzaria can have a few tables inside or outside at which to sit, or it can be nothing more than a street-side window.