When do Italians typically eat dinner in Tuscany?

In Tuscany, dinner times reflect the Italian tradition of enjoying meals later in the evening, often as a social and leisurely affair.

🕗 Typical Dinner Hours

• Urban Areas (e.g., Florence, Siena): Dinner usually starts around 8:00 PM, with many locals dining between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM. Restaurants often begin serving dinner from 7:30 PM, but peak hours are later.

• Countryside and Smaller Towns: In rural areas, it's common to dine slightly earlier, typically between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

In the countryside of Tuscany, the country folks eat earlier. Generally they start dinner between 7pm and 7:30pm and they are done within one hour.

🍷 Aperitivo: The Pre-Dinner Tradition

Before dinner, many Italians enjoy an aperitivo—a light drink accompanied by small snacks. This typically occurs between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, serving as a social prelude to the main meal.

8-9pm, and I aperitivo beforehand. In real life I definitely eat dinner between 6-7:30 but Italy is a different ballgame.

🕰️ Restaurant Opening Hours

Most Tuscan restaurants open for dinner around 7:30 PM and may serve until 10:30 PM or later. It's advisable to make reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Many Italians, especially in some regions of the centre and northern Italy, eat between 19:00 and 20:00 when they go in a restaurant, with 'rush hour' being 21:00.

✅ Tips for Travelers

• Avoid Early Dining: Dining before 7:00 PM is uncommon and may mark you as a tourist.
• Embrace the Pace: Meals are unhurried; expect dinner to last 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Reservations Recommended: Especially in popular areas, booking ahead ensures a table during peak hours.

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Curious about dining customs or need restaurant recommendations in Tuscany? Ask me here, and I'll help you plan your culinary experiences!