Food Habits

Breakfast

Italians do not usually have a very elaborate breakfast. Italians start the day simply, perhaps with a cornetti (croissant) or slice of brioche, accompanied by a cappuccino, or just an espresso taken standing up at a local coffee bar. Having a cup of coffee at the bar is a daily Italian ritual, at breakfast, mid-morning or after lunch.

Lunch

The Italian word for lunch is Pranzo, traditionally this was the main meal of the day and in the countryside it still is for many workers. In urban areas the lunch has become lighter, although it is still a three course meal. The product differ per region, this can be find under the tab 'food habits per region'

Antipasto (appetizer)
Primo piatto (first plate), usually pasta, soup or rice (risotto)
Secondo piatto (second plate), usually a meat or a fish dish vegetables or salad. This is often followed by fresh fruit or perhaps a dessert at the weekend.

The product differ per region, this can be find under the tab 'food habits per region'

Mid afternoon

Coffee break with cakes and pastries

Diner

The Italian word for diner is Cena and is about the same as the lunch but lighter, (soups, salad, cold meats, cheeses, vegetables and fruit) but in the larger cities many people are not able to return home for lunch and may now have their main meal in the evening when the whole family can gather round the table and discuss the day’s events. Italians consider dinner an opportunity to relax with friends and family, to chat and gossip, laugh and share. Typically, Italians eat later than many Americans and northern Europeans -- lunch at 1 p.m. and dinner never before 8 p.m., often later in summer. Waiters will not bring a check until one is requested, and no one will be asked to hurry up and eat to free a table.

Drinks

Italian people drink wine with their dinner. Bars and restaurants will often serve a free bite next to a drink when this is the only thing a customer ordered. This snack usually varies from a bowl of peanuts, chips or olives to a slice of pizza.

After dinner, coffee is usually served. Each region has its own specialty with the coffee: grappa in northern Italy, Sambuca in Central Italy or Limoncello in southern Italy.

References:

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/culture-food-habits-italy-11428.html

http://www.study-in-italy.it/about/eating.html