Trattoria

A characteristic trattoria in Tolmezzo, Friuli

A trattoria (plural: trattorie) is an Italian-style eating establishment that is generally much less formal than a ristorante, but more formal than an osteria.^[1]

Trattoria sign in Tuscany

A trattoria rooted in tradition may typically provide no printed menu, casual service, wine sold by the decanter rather than the bottle, and low prices, with an emphasis on a steady clientele rather than on haute cuisine. Food tends to be modest but plentiful, mostly following regional and local recipes),^[2] sometimes even served family-style, at common tables. This homely tradition has waned in recent decades. Many trattorie have taken on some of the trappings of a ristorante, providing relatively few concessions to the old rustic and familial style. The name trattoria has also been adopted by some high-level restaurants.^[1]

Optionally, trattoria food could be bought in containers to be taken home. Etymologically, the word is cognate with the French term traiteur^[3] (a caterer providing take-out food). Derived in Italian from trarre, meaning 'to treat' (from the Latin tractare/trahere, i.e. 'to draw'),^[4] its etymology has also been linked to the Latin term, littera tractoria, which referred to a letter ordering provision of food and drink for officials traveling on the business of the Holy Roman Empire.^[3][5]

References[]

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