Why You Won't See Italians Dip Bread In Oil Before A Meal

Exclusives

Why You Won't See Italians Dip Bread In Oil Before A Meal By Joe Hoeffner Oct. 17, 2025 8:20 pm EST

Few things enrich a piece of bread quite like a generous helping of fat. That might sound a bit crude, but it's true: that's basically what butter is, and bread and butter is such a staple that it's become a byword for "basic." And if you've ever visited an Italian restaurant, you'll find that the little dish of olive oil they provide with their baskets is the perfect accompaniment for hearty, crusty bread. But if you're the sort of person who worries about authenticity, you might find yourself wondering if you're really eating your bread like they do it in the old country. We asked Anthony Scotto Jr., restauranteur of Avenue T Hospitality Group (behind fine Italian re