Italian Terms

Bomboloni is Italian for “doughnuts”, usually filled with cream or custard. 

Frati are Tuscan donuts flavored with anise seeds. Unlike bomboloni, frati are unfilled and ring-shaped.

Cornetti are Italian pastries similar to croissants.

Semifreddo is a chocolate and hazelnut semi-frozen mousse.

Spuntini is Italian for “snacks.”

Salumi is an umbrella term for Italian cured meats predominantly made from pork, such as prosciutto, speck, pancetta, salami, bresaola (beef), etc.

Salatini refers to savory bar snacks, often in the form of breadsticks or crackers.

Tramezzini is Italian for “tea sandwiches”.

Caffè con la schiuma is espresso whipped with sugar into a rich cream.

Caffetterìa translates to “coffee bar”.

Pasticcerìa translates to “pastry shop”.

Gastronomìa is the art or practice of cooking food.

Aperitivi are pre-dinner drinks to stimluate the appetite.

Digestivi are post-dinner drinks to aid digestion.

Amaro is an herbal liqueur enjoyed after dinner, typically featuring both sweet and bitter notes.

Grappa is a grape-based brandy made by distilling pomace, the grape stems, skins, seeds, and pulp leftover from the winemaking process.

Pisellino translates to “little pea” and is a play on an Italian term of endearment.