As I mentioned in the last blog post on this topic, when I first traveled to Italy as a college student, I had difficulty at first when I tried to read and order at an Italian restaurant. I thought back to how many lessons I had had in Italian through high school and college and then realized that the reason was simple: Italian courses in school did not focus on the vocabulary I needed as a traveler.
Years later, when members of the Italian-American Society of Peoria asked me if I could help them with Italian before a trip to Italy they had planned—for vacation or to visit long-lost Italian relatives—I remembered my own difficulties, and I created the Conversational Italian for Travelers series of books. These books focus on the vocabulary and phrases we all need to know to enjoy our trip to Italy!
Along these lines, members of the Conversational Italian! Facebook group have been discussing their favorite main course dishes and, of course, these include fish dishes. The Italians know many wonderful ways to prepare fish—as you would expect, because they are surrounded by the sea and fresh fish are in abundance. They also import fish from their Scandinavian neighbors.
Fish is also important as an appetizer in Italy. One of my favorites is called “fritto misto,” fresh fish and shellfish fried in a light batter and presented beautifully on a large platter for all to share.
I’d love to hear about more Italian favorites! Continue the conversation on this blog, and join us on our Facebook group if you like!
Read the list below of common fish and shellfish that are served as a delicious main course or appetizer in Italy, taken from Chapter 17 of Conversational Italian for Travelers. See if this list reminds you of one of your favorite Italian dishes!
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Fish and Shellfish in Italian
| la sogliola | filet of sole |
| la trota | trout |
| il merluzzo | cod |
| il baccalà | cod (dried) |
| il pesce spada | swordfish |
| il branzino | sea bass |
| il tonno | tuna |
| il salmone | salmon |
| i calamari | squid |
| la seppia | cuttlefish (like squid) |
| i gamberi | shrimp |
| gli scampi | large, shrimp-like crustacean from the |
| Mediterranean Sea | |
| le capesante | scallops |
| l’aragosta | lobster |
| le cozze | mussels |
| le vongole | clams |
| le ostriche | oysters |
| le acciughe | anchovies |
| le sardine | sardines |
| l’anguilla | eel |
| i granchi | clams |
| le lumache | snails |
| il polpo | octopus |
| l’aringa affumicata | smoked herring |
A great list to know for ordering in restaurants. I’ve never been a fan of the whole fish that is served to you in Italian restaurants. It’s a little scary! ; )
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Yes, well in different cultures we learn to like different foods. Luckily, in Italy there is something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to food!
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