translation

by Nicolina
(Montréal, QC, Canada)

Italian hors d'oeuvres

I am looking for the proper way to translate the french expression "Hors d'oeuvres" in Italian. In french hors d'oeuvres is not the samething as appetizers.

Hi Nicolina,
The most proper way to translate "hors d'oeuvres" in Italian is antipasto. You're right - appetizer is not the same as antipasto, as this one is the very first course, coming before the first dish (usually pasta or risotto).

An Italian appetizer may be olives, cheese, some bread, sausages and so on. It is usually eaten with some Italian drink in a bar or preceds a traditional meal, but before seating on the table.

The antipasto is served as first course, in a small plate that is already on the table, placed on the other two plates (one for the first dish and one for the second). Typical Italian starters are: raw ham with melon (like the photo), Caprese salad (mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil), cold cuts with olives and cheese and seafood salad.
All the best, Nicolina.