Types of Italian Restaurants 

While vacationing in Italy, you may not be invited to dine in a private home, but restaurants of all types abound throughout the country. There is, however, a distinction between types of restaurants. Just as Americans have fast food, diners, casual and up-scale, Italy's restaurants have their own classifications. 

Bar -- Although some do serve liquor, a bar in Italy is a place to get morning coffee and sweet roll, a mid-morning cappuccino, a Campari and soda on the way home from work and a glass of wine during the afternoon passagiata. Some bars also serve sandwiches. $ 

Caffe -- Much the same as a bar, but the emphasis may be more on coffee at outdoor tables. $ to $$ 

Gelateria -- An Italian ice cream shop where you might be able to grab an espresso as well, but don't count on it. $-$$ 

Osteria -- A simple, local eatery that dishes up the equivalent of home cooking. $$ 

Paninoteca -- A sandwich shop. $-$$ 

Rosticceria -- A very informal eatery with food served cafeteria style. Spit-roasted chicken is a main feature of this type of restaurant. $$ 

Pizzaria -- Casual dining where you won't find much beyond pizza. Most are only open in the evening except in tourist areas where they are open both day and evening. All pizzas are single servings. There is no small, medium or large. Each diner orders his own pizza. Most pizzas are thin crust -- very thin in comparison to what American's know as thin-crust pizza. You will also find pizza sold by the slice at shops that might only be a window on the street or where there is no seating. $ 

Trattoria -- A step above an osteria, the trattoria is usually a family-run establishment serving home-style cooking, especially fresh pasta. $$ - $$$ 

Ristorante -- Equivalent to an up-scale restaurant with prices to match. $$$-$$$$