Pizza Etiquette in Italy: Hands or Fork and Knife?

In Italian eateries and pizza places, you’ll observe pizza Napoletana being enjoyed both ways. Many alternates between using their hands and cutlery during a single meal. While etiquette suggests using cutlery for formal settings, it’s not a rigid rule.

This table reflects the opinions of Italians regarding whether it’s acceptable or not to eat pizza with a fork rather than using hands.

Response	Percentage
Acceptable	82%
Unacceptable	13%
Don’t Know/Undecided	5%

So here’s how do Italians eat pizza! When dining in upscale restaurants, you might notice more patrons opting for cutlery. However, in your typical pizzeria, the opposite might be true.

As a true lover of Neapolitan pizza, I always cut it into four slices, grab it by the crust, and fold it in half. I only use a fork to fold the tip if it’s too soft, to prevent the toppings from falling off. And I’m not the only one who eats pizza this way.

If you’ve ever been perplexed about how to appropriately eat Italian pizza, whether in a restaurant or at a friend’s gathering, this guide is for you.

Hold up with that Parmesan! Before you shower your pizza with it, take a quick peek at what I’ve shared in the link. It might just save your pizza experience! 😉

In Italy, there are countless situations where Neapolitan pizza is the meal of choice, but the method of eating it essentially boils down to two main styles. This leads to the age-old debate: do Italians eat pizza with a fork? Yes! Do Italians eat pizza with hands? Also yes!

How to eat Neapolitan pizza according to etiquette (with cutlery)

Continuing from our previous discussion, you remember how most folks (myself included) in authentic pizzerias prefer using their hands. But what does etiquette have to say?

When you’re indulging in the majesty of pizzas in Italy, etiquette might surprise you. Ah! Before ordering a Pepperoni Pizza, please read that link!

Contrary to what many believe, proper manners suggest you should wield a knife and fork, regardless of whether you’re in a formal setting or a casual pizzeria.

So, with a knife and fork, cut the pizza into four slices or eight if you prefer. Then, using your utensils, start eating each individual slice starting from the tip, in small bites, being careful not to lose any toppings.

As you take each bite, remember to bring the pizza to your mouth instead of leaning down, ensuring those delicious toppings stay in place. This becomes especially relevant as luxury gourmet pizzerias are on the rise. Ad this is how Italians eat pizza “with cutlery”.

How to eat Neapolitan pizza with your hands?

Setting etiquette aside for a moment, let’s dive into the authentic experience of savoring a genuine Neapolitan pizza, best enjoyed with your hands. Embracing this tactile approach offers an undeniably Italian experience that I wholeheartedly recommend.

A quick note: Neapolitan pizza isn’t your typical crispy slice that stays rigid when lifted (Just like frozen pizzas often are… even we Italians enjoy them from time to time.). It’s soft and airy. Some might find it easier to use cutlery to avoid the slice sagging and toppings spilling. But for the seasoned pizza lover, there’s an art to this.

Here’s the Italian way: After dividing the pizza into four (or perhaps eight) slices, grasp each piece by its puffy crust edge and fold it lengthwise, from the crust to the tip. If the tip feels too soft, give it a little tuck with a fork, ensuring toppings like mozzarella and tomato sauce stay put.

Remember, in Italy, enjoying pizza is as much about the touch as it is about the taste. There are multiple ways to relish it, and individual preferences always play a part.

Did you know that certain hearty toppings can even double the weight of a pizza? Talk about a loaded slice!

So.. now you know how to eat pizza in Italy, ultimately the choice is yours: adhere to etiquette with a knife and fork or dive in the traditional way, savoring every bite with your hands.

Enjoy a Pizza in Italian Restaurants: Tips and Pitfalls to Sidestep

1. Temperature Matters: Enjoy your pizza hot. Wait if it’s too hot, but don’t let it go cold.
2. Starting Point: Begin from the center or tip of the slice, not the crust.
3. Even Slices: Aim to cut the pizza into uniform slices, ideally four or six, to maintain presentation and topping distribution.
4. Crust Etiquette: Leaving the crust indicates carb-consciousness. Leaving toppings suggests dissatisfaction.
5. Utensil Use: Using a fork and knife is acceptable, but avoid making screeching noises when cutting.
6. Ordering Strategy: Instead of ordering two pizzas for one person, start with one. If you’re still hungry, then request another.
7. Sharing is Caring: Splitting a pizza with a friend is customary. When doing so, you’ll be provided an extra plate. Use cutlery to ensure cleanliness.
8. Tasting Swap: Exchanging pizza slices with friends to sample different toppings is common. When sharing, use your fork and knife, and transfer slices using utensils.

Eating Pizza by the Slice in Italy: A Quick Guide

In Italy, besides traditional round pizzas in restaurants, you’ll also find pizza by the slice, a popular street food. Typically served as rectangular or triangular pieces, it’s handed to customers with just a napkin or a paper plate.

Etiquette-wise, eating this type of pizza with your hands is totally okay. Asking for cutlery might even be considered out of place. Just some tips: Avoid oversized bites, keep clean, and maybe opt for less-topped slices to keep it mess-free.

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