When going on a tour to Italy, expect to eat and eat well. But it might be a good idea to identify the type of restaurant you are eating in.
Trattoria: probably the most common type of eating establishment in Italy, a trattoria is a family-owned establishment. In Florence, we at ate Trattoria al Trebbio.
Fattoria: like a trattoria, a fattoria is usually family-owned. However, a fattoria usually produces all of their own food products. It's like a farm-to-table restaurant here in the U.S. On the Amalfi Coast near Positano, we ate at one of my favorite spots Fattoria La Tagliata.
Osteria: As it was explained to me, an osteria is more of a rustic type of place that serves food, but the emphasis is on wine. If we could make a comparison, it would be like a pub (with wine instead of beer) that serves good, hearty comfort food.
Enoteca: An enoteca is a casual wine bar. Most of the time they will serve light food, more like snacks. If the right enoteca is found, the food is served free when wine is purchase. My favorite enoteca is Natalino in Florence.
For more information about The Traveling Professor tours to Italy, see www.travelingprofessor.com.