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Since Italian meals usually come in what we would call 'courses' consisting of individual dishes served family style, from a serving dish, the presentation is usually rather simple, but often includes an artistic garnish of some sort.

Even in a restaurant, sliced meats (especially cold meats) are usually presented 'family style' on a large platter so that each slice is displayed in a pleasing arrangement. Pasta dishes and salads are also frequently presented family style, even in restaurants.

At formal affairs for groups and in larger restaurants, you will find elaborate buffet-style presentations, often with branches and blossoms arrayed among the serving dishes, which may be on pedestals of different heights.

I guess the short answer to this question is that many dishes are presented "family style", with each guest serving him or herself, so the presentation is that of the serving dish, rather than individual portions.

The only place each dish would be presented separately would be at an upscale restaurant, where each course will be presented in an artistic manner and beautifully garnished. At most of the less expensive restaurants, one chooses various dishes from a glass display counter, already on plates. Then these are warmed up and brought to your table.

In certain cities, there are food bars where patrons eat standing up! Unlike the Macdonalds (which you can also find in some Italian towns) this is usually not 'fast food' in the sense of fast cooking. It is 'slow cooking' served quickly for fast eaters. This is especially noticeable in Milan, where everyone is in a hurry, and in tourist meccas. You can find every kind and price range of restaurant in most towns and cities, but if you look for the ones featuring traditional food of the region, you are more likely to get real home-cooking and a feeling of being a guest in the owner's home.

Many restaurants in Italy have websites, so check your guidebook for the Italian names and website addresses to see more about presentation.

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17y ago

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