The Unspoken Drink Rule Tourists Should Know Before Dining At Fancy Restaurants In Europe

Visiting Europe can be a stark change in pace for some foreigners, namely Americans, who are accustomed to the daily hustle and bustle. One of

the major differences between dining in Europe vs. the U.S.

is that European countries value slowing down and taking time to socialize rather than rushing through dinner as if it's just another thing on the to-do list. This is why most European dinners, particularly in Italy and France, begin with an aperitif at a wine bar or cafe — a different venue from the highly anticipated, fancy restaurant where you'll be enjoying your main Italian or French meal.

An aperitif — or aperitivo if you're in Italy — is a pre-dinner drink meant to stimulate your appetite for your forthcoming meal. It's enjoyed an hour or two before the main meal begins. So don't be surprised if your aperitif lasts quite a while — the whole point is to kick back and unwind in good company. While countries all over Europe partake in this pre-dinner ritual, the act is most common in France and Italy, from where the ritual gets its name. The French word aperitif and the Italian word aperitivo both originate from the Latin verb aperire, which translates to "to open." With an aperitif, you are opening up several things: your conversation with friends, your appetite, and your evening, overall. You can think about this simple aspect of Italian dining etiquette as an appetizer in drink form. So before you depart for your trip to a dreamy coastal town in Southern Italy, slow down and brush up on this pre-dinner tradition to fit right in with the locals.

Drink choice matters when it comes to selecting an aperitif. Different countries favor different cocktails or wines to serve as their pre-dinner drink, but it will typically be a lighter libation, with a dry or bitter flavor, to avoid filling you up before dinner and even stimulate the appetite. In Italy, you might enjoy a vermouth aperitivo like Martini or a bitter aperitivo like Campari or Aperol, which can serve as the basis for spritz and other drinks. When you dine in France, it is common to see drinks like Pastis, Kir, Dubonnet, or Noilly Prat grace your table. If you're unsure what to order, you can always ask for recommendations from the waiter if you are at a restaurant. If you're lucky enough to be attending a dinner party in a French or Italian person's home, don't be afraid to ask your hosts. 

Typically, only one or two drinks are consumed during the aperitif, and these should be sipped slowly over the course of a few hours. Keep in mind that you're not pregaming for an American college football game, so save the drink chugging for a night out. In Italy, the aperitivo may also include snacks like antipasti or a small meat and cheese tray. You'll want to graze on the appetizer as slowly as you sip your drink, since overloading on food and alcohol before dinner can spoil your dinner. And you certainly wouldn't want to do that when you're in either France or Italy. After you've finished your aperitif, consider going for a stroll to further perk up your appetite before you head off for dinner at your chosen restaurant. In Italy, this relaxing evening ritual is known as the passeggiata.