Meal times in Italy were pretty standard until recently. We enjoyed a set breakfast, lunch and dinner with little snacking in between – Gelato being a very important exception.
In the past 10 years, the lines between breakfast and lunch have blurred, leaving us with a whole new meal combining the two, especially for later diners who enjoy a lie-in on Sundays. While the rest of the world gets into a tizzy about smashed avocado and poached eggs, we Italians do Brunch in our own special way. There are many qualities that make an Italian brunch stand out from the crowd, and here are some that have been adopted in restaurants.
Incorporate Pasta
Aside from an Italian restaurant, where else would you find pasta on the menu so early? Italians believe that delicious food, especially our signature homemade pasta, should be enjoyed any time of the day and not kept for a special occasion.
That’s why new brunch menus in Italian restaurants have a selection of our favourite pasta dishes including homemade ravioli, carbonara, spaghetti & meatballs and of course, an all-round favourite, lasagne. You may have dreamed of eating pasta for breakfast as a kid and now as an adult, you can realise your childhood fantasy with our unique Sunday Brunch!
Local Ingredients Ensure A True Taste of Italy
Look for an authentic Italian restaurant. For example, there are a couple of Italian-style restaurants in Dublin offering their version of an Italian-American brunch but if you’re looking for a truly authentic meal, L’Enoteca Di Napoli is your best choice.
Not only their chefs and servers Italian – the majority of their ingredients are imported directly from our trusted suppliers in Italy to ensure a genuine taste of Italy in every bite. Their brunch dishes range from their delicious pasta, a lighter, healthier salad option and some more local dishes like a gourmet burger or some light and fluffy pancakes so there is something for everyone.
Drink like an Italian: Coffee and Mimosas
Not only can you eat like an Italian – you can also drink like an Italian, with a fantastic selection of Italian drinks.
A leisurely brunch is a great way to wake up with a smile and everyone knows how much a great Italian coffee can help with that! Some authentic Italian restaurants are proud importers and advocates for Tico Espresso Napoletano, what we believe is Italy’s best coffee.
If you fancy a boozy brunch (and let’s face it, that’s the best kind!) you can also choose from a great selection of Italian beers, wines, prosecco and spirits, which are perfect as an aperitivo. If you’re celebrating a special occasion you might even take a look at an Italian bar’s impressive cocktail menu. They make an excellent Aperol Spritz – a mixture of prosecco, Aperol and soda water which is very popular in Northern Italy.
Until then, remember to eat well because Il buon giorno si vede dal mattino (a good day starts in the morning).
Author Bio: Katie Mcgarr is a lifestyle writer for L’Enoteca Di Napoli, an Italian restaurant, showcasing the best of Italian food in Dublin city centre. Next to eating pizza and sipping wine, this self-proclaimed foodie enjoys discovering hidden gems and writing engaging articles about food, travel, and lifestyle.
