Trattoria facts for kids
A trattoria (say "trah-TOH-ree-ah") is a type of Italian restaurant. It's usually less fancy than a ristorante (a more formal restaurant) but a bit nicer than an osteria (a very casual place, often like a pub). Trattorias are known for serving tasty, simple Italian food.
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What Makes a Trattoria Special?
Traditionally, trattorias have a relaxed and friendly feel. They might not even have a printed menu! Instead, the owner or a server might tell you what's fresh that day. The service is usually casual, and the prices are often quite good.
You might find wine served in a simple decanter or carafe, not always in a fancy bottle. The focus is on regular customers and good, hearty food. The dishes are often local recipes from the region where the trattoria is located. Sometimes, food is even served "family-style" at shared tables.
How Trattorias Have Changed
In recent years, many trattorias have become a bit more like formal restaurants. They might now have printed menus and a more structured service. Some high-end restaurants even use the name "trattoria" to sound more traditional, even if they are very fancy.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The word "trattoria" comes from the Italian verb trarre, which means 'to treat' or 'to draw'. It's also connected to the French word traiteur, which means a caterer who provides food to take away.
Long ago, the word might have come from the Latin term littera tractoria. This was a special letter that ordered food and drinks for officials traveling for the Holy Roman Empire.
See also
In Spanish: Trattoria para niños
