Italian appetizers, called antipasti – the name comes from the Italian expression "before a meal", are traditionally served as a starter before the main course. Antipasti usually include sliced ham, cheese, seafood, mushrooms, olives, artichokes or other vegetables and bread. Such entrees served before dinner are varied due to the nature of regional Italian cuisines. In the south fish and seafood are served, while the north ones are dominated by meat, cheese and mushrooms. Formerly antipasti was one of the dishes included in dinner, but today it is more often consumed separately as an evening snack with wine.
