These are all either recommended or places that I've been to myself.You will find many different types of eateries in Abruzzo as in the rest of Italy. Mostly the food is fresh and incredibley cheap compared to the UK.

Italians seldom eat much for breakfast but in many bars they may choose una 'pasta' ( the word pasta means dough in Italian and is used for a cake using una or as the pasta we are more familiar with ) and a coffee mid -morning.

At 1pm most shops close for a 3 hour lunch, but this trend is changing in cities and now most large supermarkets are open at lunch time.Lunch is generally a larger meal than in the UK and served with wine and mineral water.

A little explanation of Italian Meals and their various courses is appropriate!

Primo the first course: The first course is pasta, soup, or risotto although I find that its not so popular in Abruzzo There are several pasta choices normally.Most pasta will be home-made and of a fantastic quality!

Secondo:the second or main course The second course is usually meat, poultry, or fish.if you are veggie this is the course you will have to skip.Instead choose something from the primo course.you are normally able to order a larger portion if it will form your main meal thogh personally having eaten an antipasti course I have a problem with a 'normal' sized primo!I don't eat meat but I've dined with meat eaters and the general opinion seems to be that the meat served grilled or roasted is a bit 'chewy' !!!

Contorni: the side dishes could be insalata (salad) vegetable (verdura), potato,(patate).Salad is generally green leaves with dressing.

Dolce: the dessert most italian restaurants seem to shine where it comes to mains but offer very little to temp on the desserts front.It's probably best to stick to cheese or fruit which should be superb.Or seek out the nearest place serving Gelato ( icecream ) which is bound to be excellent!

Antipasti Literally means before the meal and normally consists of cheeses, meats, marinated vegetables and breads. Being vegetarians we specifically requested antipasto 'senza carne' and got this delicious assortment. Another vegetarian option was a selection of locally produced Peccorino cheeses with pepper,saffron, fennel and walnuts.This was served with honey and a homemade sweet chutney.Wonderful!

An important part of Italian life is the evening 'passageatta' (walking italian style) when either an ice cream, beer or aperitivo is taken.Don't be surprised if you order an aperitivo and are presented with a large tray of nuts,olives and sandwiches as well as your drink! Sometimes after eating all this you feel you really don't need a full meal!