The Ultimate Italian Restaurant
Guide To Newcastle

How to Order at an Italian Restaurant

We all know that most Australians enjoy a pub lunch, an afternoon tea with the girls, or a family Friday night dinner consisting of takeaway fish and chips.

But when you want to impress your colleagues, throw a dinner party for friends or simply want to wow that special someone in your life — there's nothing quite like Italian food.

The only problem is that not everyone knows how to order at an Italian restaurant.

So, I'm here to answer that question and help you take advantage of what this beautiful country has to offer on your next Italian dining adventure.

Whether you're going for breakfast (colazione), lunch(pranzo), snack(merenda), or dinner (cena), here are the tips on How to order at an Italian restaurant in Newcastle.

Italian dining etiquette

Having a pleasant experience at an Italian restaurant in Newcastle, Australia, requires following a few simple guidelines. This will ensure that you have a wonderful time and don't offend the other patrons or the staff in any way.

• The day is defined by coffee rituals:a cappuccino with breakfast, a caffè macchiato – or two – as an afternoon pick-me-up, and espresso after dinner.
• Order sparkling water instead of tap water. You'll be surprised at how much better your food will taste with it.
• Pasta is a holy food, so it would be sacrilegious to request ketchup or any other sauces with it.
• Waiters should be addressed as "signore" and "signora"
• If someone offers you Limoncello as part of their hospitality, then accept it graciously
• If you reserve a table, it is polite to arrive at the restaurant on time.
• Diners should wait until everyone is served before beginning to eat or drink.

There is more, which we will tell you all about it, in upcoming writings.

If you like Italian food, you'll love Casa Nova It's an excellent place for a first date, a business lunch or dinner, and for your family to get together. There's truly something for everyone on their menu.

Casa Nova is an Italian Restaurant in Newcastle, Australia which goes with the tagline:

BUON CIBO. BUON BEVE. BUON AMICI.

Good food. Good drinks. Good friends

What to order at Casa Nova

1. Always start with bruschetta or antipasto

Start with an antipasto platter for two people or more if you're feeling adventurous.

Antipasti are typically served before the main course as an appetizer or as part of a shared starter for several people. This will give you an opportunity to try a variety of dishes from our menu without having to order them individually.

2. Order pasta and/or risotto

You’ll never go wrong with pasta! If you're in the mood for pasta, we recommend any one of Casa Nova house pasta: GF Pasta, Ravioli, Fettuccine Carbonara, Spaghetti Meatballs, Spaghetti Vegetarian, and Lasagna.

3. Choose your drinks

Once you've chosen your food, it's time to choose your drinks. Ask for water or lemonade if you want something non-alcoholic, or get any type of wine or beer if that's what you like better. If it's a special occasion like your birthday, ask for champagne!

4. Follow with secondi (meat/fish course), then insalata mista or contorni (vegies)

After your main dish, don't forget about insalata mista and contorni (vegies). These are usually served with every meal in Italy and are meant to be eaten between courses and with breadsticks or focaccia bread. They're often served with oil and vinegar dressing, so make sure you get some!

If you're not sure what kind of meat or fish you want, tell the waiter and they'll help steer you in the right direction.

5. Finish with dolce (dessert)

Of course, we shouldn't forget dessert! Finish off your meal with dolce (dessert. At Casa Nova, there are so different kinds of desserts to choose from.

On top of the dessert menu is, of course, Tiramisu! Casa Nova also has Homemade Sticky Dates Pudding, Gelato cups, and Fried doughnuts served with Nutella to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Please note that our menu items, ingredients, and drinks selections may change occasionally; please use these recommendations as a general guide.

In our experience of Italian cuisine in Australia, there's no doubt that Italian food is genuinely good food for the soul.

So, if you're looking for a good time and great food in Newcastle, it’s in Casa Nova.

Casa Nova is sure to make your Italian dining experience more memorable.

There you have it. Everything you need to know about how to order at an Italian restaurant. When in Rome, or in this case Newcastle, do as the Romans do and order like a pro.

Buon Appetito!