Italian culture revolves around food. Meals in Italy are meant to last for hours and have multiple courses. The restaurant wait staff will leave you alone until you request the check — a significant difference from the rushed meals we favor in the U.S., per Georgetown University. At the root of this cultural difference is the importance Italians place on food and the pleasure it brings them.

Meals are meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, indulging in conversation. Italian recipes generally have few ingredients, allowing you to savor the taste of each element without masking the flavor with too many additions. This cuisine requires quality ingredients, which is why Italian food is popular globally. According to a survey by YouGov, 86% of Americans polled voted Italian food as their favorite ethnic cuisine.