Italian restaurant sparks debate with mandatory two‑course rule

A restaurateur in Liguria, Italy, has been criticized for requiring each person to order at least two courses. She argues that this measure ensures the highest quality of service without compromising on ingredients.

According to the local daily " Il Secolo XIX, " this holiday controversy erupted in the small, renowned, and previously highly rated establishment in the town of Camogli, near Genoa.

Valentina Mura, the owner, explained that the decision to mandate a minimum of two courses was not made lightly. She emphasized that this policy helps maintain the quality of the dishes served without cutting back on ingredients or staff in the restaurant, which boasts only 18 seats and allows guests to linger at the table for as long as they like.

"The choice was either to introduce a fixed-price menu or to require the ordering of both a first and a second course. In the end, we chose the latter option," the restaurateur explained.

She assured me, "There are no speculative intentions here; we don't want to earn more. It's just about being able to remain consistent in our service."

Italian media note that this move goes against the current restaurant trend of sharing a single portion of pasta or pizza, whether for financial reasons or to maintain a healthy figure. Despite the criticism, the restaurateur from Liguria remains firm in her decision, receiving support from gastronomy industry associations.