An Italian menu can look long if you are not sure where to start. Here are ten dishes worth ordering at an Italian restaurant — and how to put them together into a proper Italian meal. Menus change, so ask the team at Merchant of Venice what is on today.
1-3: Antipasti and Starters
- Bruschetta — toasted bread with ripe tomato, basil and olive oil.
- Burrata — creamy, soft mozzarella served with tomatoes or greens.
- Arancini — crisp risotto balls with a soft centre.
4-7: Pasta, Pizza and Risotto
- Tagliatelle or pappardelle with ragu — slow-cooked meat sauce on fresh ribbons.
- Spaghetti carbonara — egg, cheese and cured pork, no cream.
- Margherita pizza — tomato, mozzarella and basil, the benchmark of a good pizzeria.
- Mushroom risotto — creamy, patient and comforting.
8-10: Mains and Dessert
- Chicken or veal milanese — golden and crisp, with lemon.
- Grilled fish with seasonal vegetables — light and fresh.
- Tiramisu — coffee, mascarpone and cocoa, the classic finish.
How to Order Like an Italian
A traditional meal moves from antipasto to primo (pasta or risotto) to secondo (meat or fish) and then dolce. You do not need all four — many diners share a starter, choose one main and finish with dessert and an espresso. Our guide to ordering coffee like an Italian covers the last step.
Ready to try? Browse the menu and book a table in Leicester or near Nottingham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with a shared starter such as bruschetta or burrata, choose a fresh pasta or a margherita pizza, and finish with tiramisu.
A traditional meal has antipasto, primo, secondo and dolce, but most diners choose two or three courses.
Yes. Italian cooking has many vegetarian options, including risotto, margherita pizza and pasta with vegetable sauces.
No. All Merchant of Venice restaurants are closed on 25 December. Our Christmas menu runs from 1 December.
Order a little of everything, share generously and leave room for dessert.
