A traditional Italian meal is not one big plate. It is a sequence of courses, each with its own purpose, designed to be enjoyed slowly with good company. Understanding the Italian meal courses makes it easier to read a menu, order for the table and eat the way Italians do. Here is how it works, with examples from the Bianca menu.
The traditional Italian meal structure
A full Italian meal can include up to seven stages. Most everyday meals use only a few of them.
- Aperitivo: a light drink to open the appetite.
- Antipasto: starters, often shared.
- Primo: the first course, usually pasta, risotto or soup.
- Secondo: the main course of meat or fish.
- Contorno: a vegetable side served with the secondo.
- Dolce: dessert.
- Caffè and digestivo: espresso and an after-dinner drink.
Aperitivo: opening the appetite
In Italy, the aperitivo is a ritual: a drink before dinner, often with a small snack. It signals the end of the working day and the start of a relaxed evening. At Bianca, an Italian soda such as Pesca Arancia (฿160) or something from our drinks and wine menu fits the role.
Antipasto: starters to share
Antipasti are designed to be shared and to set the tone for the meal. Classic Italian antipasti include cured meats, cheeses, bruschetta and fried bites. At Bianca, try the Italian Cold Cut Selection (฿540), Bruschetta Collection Trio (฿390), Truffle Arancini (฿420) or a burrata such as Burrata & Tomato & Parma (฿640).
Primo: pasta, risotto and soup
The primo is the first proper course. In Italy, a primo portion is often smaller than the large pasta plates many people know, because a main course follows. At Bianca, our fresh pasta is the star: Truffle Pasta e Basta (฿690), Romana Carbonara (฿490) or Risotto Tartufo e Funghi (฿690). Sharing one or two primi across the table is a very Italian way to eat.
Secondo and contorno: the main course and sides
The secondo is meat or fish, usually served simply so the quality of the ingredient stands out. It comes with a contorno, a vegetable side ordered separately. At Bianca, pair Bistecca alla Griglia (฿990) or Bella Vista Seabass (฿690) with Sautéed Mushrooms (฿190), Spinach Gratin (฿190) or Garlic Roasted Potatoes (฿140).
Where does pizza fit?
Pizza sits outside the traditional course structure. In Italy, it is usually a meal on its own, often shared casually with friends. At Bianca, our 13-inch pizzas work either way: as a centrepiece for the table or alongside antipasti. See our guide to Bianca’s pizzas.
Dolce: dessert
No Italian meal is complete without something sweet. Tiramisu is the most famous Italian dessert, and Bianca’s Tiramisu (฿320) is our signature. Other favourites include Frutti Rossi Panna Cotta (฿290), Bombolone Caramel Praline (฿290) and Veneto Cheesecake (฿380). Read about the tiramisu tradition.
How to order like an Italian at Bianca
- Order to share: pick a few antipasti for the table rather than one starter each.
- Choose one primo per two people: then add a secondo or a pizza.
- Do not skip the contorno: vegetables balance a meat or fish main.
- Take your time: Italian meals are meant to be slow and social.
- Always leave room for dolce.
Browse the complete Bianca menu. Prices are in Thai baht and subject to 10% service charge and 7% VAT.
Frequently asked questions
What are the courses of an Italian meal?
Aperitivo, antipasto, primo, secondo, contorno, dolce, and finally caffè and digestivo.
Do Italians eat every course at every meal?
No. A full sequence is usually for special occasions and long Sunday lunches. Everyday meals often include only one or two courses.
Is pasta a main course in Italy?
Traditionally, no. Pasta is a primo (first course) served before the secondo.
Where can I try a full Italian meal in Bangkok?
At any of Bianca’s five restaurants. See our Bangkok locations guide.
Buon appetito! Book a table at Bianca and try ordering the Italian way.