A Secondi Course is the Italian term for the second of the main courses in a traditional Italian meal sequence, typically featuring meat, seafood, or poultry served after the Pasta Course, known as the Primo. Many diners pass on it simply because they are unaware it exists as an independent course within a multi-course meal. At Trattoria Il Panino in Boston’s North End, the Secondi are listed as House Specials and include some of the finest dishes on the menu. This article describes what the course is and how to approach ordering it.
What does Secondi mean in Italian?
In Italian, “Secondi” translates literally to “seconds,” referring to the second main course in a traditional multi-course Italian meal. The courses follow a deliberate order: Antipasto (Appetizer Course), Primo (Pasta or Risotto Course), Secondi (Meat or Seafood Course), and Dolce (Dessert Course). Each is intended to complement the one before it rather than overwhelm the table all at once. That pacing is a major part of what makes Italian dining feel so different from a traditional American restaurant, where everything arrives at the same time. For a closer look at what defines the Italian dining tradition, the structure of the meal is a good place to start.
How is a Secondi Course different from a traditional main course?
The Secondi Course serves the same function as a main course in American dining, but the context is different because of what precedes it. In Italian tradition, the Primo is not a starter portion. It is a complete course in its own right, so the Secondi arrives after the diner has already finished their pasta or risotto. Italian portions reflect that reality: focused on the quality of specific ingredients rather than the quantity of food on the plate. A Bistecca is intended to be enjoyed on its own terms. In traditional Italian cooking, quality is paramount and quantity is secondary.
What types of dishes are typically offered as a Secondi Course?
Secondi dishes generally fall into three categories: meat, seafood, and poultry. The choice typically depends on the current season and what the rest of the meal includes.
- Slow-braised meats, such as Ossobuco, develop a depth of flavor over hours of cooking that is difficult to find outside of a traditional Italian kitchen.
- Grilled meats, such as Bistecca or Lamb Scottadito, allow the quality of the cut to speak for itself through minimal preparation.
- Seafood offerings range from grilled fish to shellfish broth, reflecting what is freshest on any given day.
Do I need to order Secondi after pasta, or can I choose Secondi over pasta?
This is the question most first-time guests encounter, and the honest answer is that it depends on appetite. In the traditional method of dining, it is customary to order a full Pasta Course followed by a Secondi, and that approach works best for groups sharing courses together. Dining alone or looking to keep the evening simpler, choosing the Secondi in place of the Primo is entirely acceptable. There is no wrong answer. Understanding the tradition helps determine what works best for the evening.
Recommended options for Secondi at Trattoria Il Panino
The House Specials Menu at Trattoria Il Panino covers the full range of Secondi, from slow-braised preparations to grilled meats and fresh seafood. The Bistecca is a Ribeye grilled to the guest’s specifications. The Ossobuco alla Milanese is braised veal shank with saffron risotto. The Grigliata di Pesce brings together grilled scallops, shrimp, calamari, and the catch of the day on one plate. Each reflects the traditional Italian cooking that has drawn guests back to Boston’s North End for decades. Make a reservation and plan on experiencing the full dining progression.
Reserve your table and enjoy a genuine Italian dining experience
The Italian dining experience is best when the meal unfolds as intended. The Secondi Course is where the kitchen has the opportunity to present the ingredient-driven cooking that Trattoria Il Panino has built its reputation on in Boston’s North End. Whether the choice is the Bistecca, the Lamb, or the fresh seafood, the House Specials menu gives every guest a reason to stay for the full meal. Reserve your table online and we will take care of the rest.