A ''trattoria'' (plural: ''trattorie'') is an Italian-style eating establishment that is generally much less formal than a '' ristorante'', but more formal than an '' osteria''. A ''trattoria'' rooted in tradition may typically provide no printed menu, casual service, wine sold by the decanter rather than the bottle, and low prices, with an emphasis on a steady clientele rather than on '' haute cuisine''. Food tends to be modest but plentiful, mostly following regional and local recipes, sometimes even served family-style, at common tables. This homely tradition has waned in recent decades. Many ''trattorie'' have taken on some of the trappings of a ''ristorante'', providing relatively few concessions to the old rustic and familial style. The name ''trattoria'' has also been adopted by some high-level restaurants. Optionally, ''trattoria'' food could be bought in containers to be taken home. Etymologically, the word is

cognate In historical linguistics, cognates or lexical cognates are sets of words in different languages that have been inherited in direct descent from an etymological ancestor in a common parent language. Because language change can have radical ef ...

with the

French French (french: français(e), link=no) may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to France ** French language, which originated in France, and its various dialects and accents ** French people, a nation and ethnic group identified with Franc ...

term ''traiteur'' (a caterer providing take-out food). Derived in Italian from ''trarre'', meaning 'to treat' (from the Latin ''tractare''/''trahere'', i.e. 'to draw'), its etymology has also been linked to the Latin term ''littera tractoria'', which referred to a letter ordering provision of food and drink for officials traveling on the business of the

Holy Roman Empire The Holy Roman Empire was a political entity in Western, Central, and Southern Europe that developed during the Early Middle Ages and continued until its dissolution in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars. From the accession of Otto I in 962 unt ...

References

Italian cuisine Italian restaurants Restaurants in Italy Restaurants by type {{italy-cuisine-stub

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