If you’ve ever found yourself staring blankly at a menu in an Italian restaurant, unsure whether to go for the carbonara or the arrabbiata, you’re not alone. Despite Italian food being quite popular, not everyone knows how to order it. Ordering like a local entails more than just selecting a fancy-sounding dish; it also requires knowing the essential vocabulary, the structure of an authentic Italian meal, and what not to do at all.
Discover how to order like a local in an Italian restaurant in Singapore, allowing you to enjoy your meal as authentic as possible.
Understand the Structure of an Italian Meal
Unlike the typical appetiser-main-dessert flow of Western meals, Italian dining follows a specific sequence: antipasto (starter), primo (first course), secondo (main), contorno (side), and dolce (dessert). This structure is still respected in many authentic Italian restaurants. Locals might not order every course at once, but they usually know how to navigate the structure without ordering two carb-heavy dishes back-to-back.
For example, starting with a light antipasto like a bruschetta, followed by a pasta dish (primo), then a protein-based second course like pollo alla cacciatora, is a typical combination. Be cautious of ordering pasta and pizza in the same sitting – that’s a red flag in Italian culture unless you’re splitting it across multiple diners.
Know the Regional Differences
Italian food often pulls from various regions, and knowing this helps you order smarter. Northern Italian cuisine (think Milan, Veneto) leans towards creamier sauces, butter, and risottos. Southern regions (like Naples and Sicily) go for bold tomato bases, olive oil, and spicy seafood dishes.
So if you’re in an Italian restaurant offering a Risotto alla Milanese and Spaghetti alle Vongole side by side, they’re pulling dishes from different ends of Italy. This difference matters when ordering wine or pairing dishes – for instance, a bold Chianti might work better with a Tuscan meat dish than with a light seafood pasta.
Don’t Overload on Cheese and Sauce
One mistake diners often make is expecting every Italian dish to be buried in cheese or overloaded with sauce. Authentic Italian food, even in Singapore, is generally simpler and more ingredient-driven. Pizzas will not be drowning in toppings, and pasta is never swimming in sauce. It’s about balance, texture, and letting each ingredient speak for itself.
Ordering Pasta al Pomodoro may sound basic, but a well-executed version signals a kitchen that respects tradition. Skip the urge to ask for extra cheese or spicy sauce unless it’s offered – it signals that you don’t trust the dish as it is.
Ask the Staff – But Know What to Ask
Staff at a good Italian restaurant will know the menu well. Instead of asking, “What’s good?”, try more specific questions like “Which pasta is handmade?” or “Is this dish closer to Roman or Neapolitan style?” These indicate that you’ve done your homework and are interested in the dish’s authenticity, not just the taste.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask about wine pairings. Italian food and wine go hand in hand, and a local-style meal often includes at least a glass of red or white matched to the course. A Sangiovese for meat dishes or a crisp Pinot Grigio for seafood are reliable choices.
Embrace Simplicity, Avoid Customisation
Italians rarely customise dishes, and doing so in an Italian restaurant may throw off the chef-intended balance. If a pasta is made without cream, resist the urge to ask for it. Likewise, if a pizza doesn’t have pineapple – that’s not a mistake, it’s deliberate. Customisation is seen as undermining the authenticity of the cuisine.
Instead, embrace the menu as it stands. Order dishes that naturally work well together, like a Caprese salad with a wood-fired Margherita, or a seafood linguine followed by grilled fish. You’ll have a more authentic Italian food experience when you avoid mixing clashing flavours.
Conclusion
Ordering Italian food in Singapore like a local isn’t difficult – it just takes a bit of cultural awareness and a willingness to follow the traditions. With many high-quality Italian restaurants in the city-state offering authentic fare, your next meal can be as close to Rome or Florence as you can get without boarding a plane. Respect the cuisine, be aware of the structure, avoid making needless adjustments, and let the Italian kitchen be your guide.
Visit Publico today to experience authentic Italian dining without leaving the city.
