When dining out at a restaurant, the first course of the meal is often an appetizer. These small dishes, known as Appetizers, are meant to whet your appetite and prepare your taste buds for the main course. From classic favorites to trendy new options, there is a wide variety of appetizers typically served in restaurants.
Here are 15 Appetizers Usually Served in Restaurants:
Italian Appetizers
1. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer made with toasted bread, tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. This dish is perfect for those who love simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients. It’s a great appetizer to start a meal, whet the appetite and share with friends and family.
You can find it in most Italian restaurants. The combination of toasted bread, fresh tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil creates a delicious balance of flavors.
2. Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a popular appetizer made with breaded and fried mozzarella cheese. They are often served with a marinara sauce for dipping. They are a great appetizer to share and perfect for those who love cheese and fried foods.
These are popular appetizers and can be found in most restaurants, bars, and pubs. Perfect for those who are looking for a cheesy and crispy appetizer.
3. Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is also a classic Italian appetizer made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Seafood Appetizers
4. Calamari
Calamari is a popular seafood appetizer made with fried squid. It’s often served with a side of marinara sauce or tartar sauce for dipping. It’s a dish that can be found in most seafood restaurants, bars, and pubs. The squid is usually coated in a batter or breading and deep-fried, which gives it a crispy texture and a delicate flavor.
5. Oysters
Oysters are a great appetizer to share and perfect for those who love raw seafood. This dish can be found in most seafood restaurants and oyster bars. They are usually shucked to order and served with a side of lemon and cocktail sauce, which enhances the natural briny flavor of the oysters.
6. Shrimp Cocktail
A shrimp cocktail is a classic seafood appetizer made with chilled cooked shrimp served with a side of cocktail sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love seafood and looking for a refreshing and light appetizer.
The shrimp is usually boiled, chilled, and then served with a side of cocktail sauce which is a combination of ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice.
Mexican Appetizers
7. Guacamole
Guacamole is a classic Mexican appetizer made with mashed avocados, lime juice, cilantro, diced onions, and tomatoes. This dish is perfect for those who love avocados and Mexican flavors. It’s a great appetizer to share and can be found in most Mexican restaurants.
Guacamole is a healthy and flavorful appetizer that can be enjoyed with tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetables.
8. Queso Fundido
Queso Fundido is usually made by melting cheese in a skillet and then adding diced vegetables or meat, and spices. The dish is often garnished with additional herbs and a sprinkle of sea salt which enhance the flavor of the dish. It’s a perfect appetizer to start a meal or to enjoy as a snack. It’s a great option for those who love cheese and Mexican flavors.
Asian Appetizers
9. Egg Rolls
Egg Rolls are a popular Asian-American appetizer made with a mixture of meat or vegetables wrapped in a thin flour wrapper and deep-fried to crispy perfection.
Mediterranean Appetizers
10. Hummus
Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern appetizer made with a blend of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and various spices. It’s a great appetizer to share and can be found in most Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants. Hummus is usually made by blending cooked chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices in a food processor.
Hummus can be enjoyed with pita bread or vegetables. It’s a healthy and flavorful appetizer that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
11. Nachos
Nachos are a popular Tex-Mex appetizer made with tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and various other toppings. Nachos are usually made by layering tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapenos, and other toppings such as diced tomatoes, onions, and beans. They are then baked or broiled in the oven until the cheese is melted. The combination of the crispy tortilla chips and the flavorful toppings make it a delicious appetizer.
Vegetarian Appetizers
12. Lettuce Wraps
A light and healthy option often filled with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and flavorful sauces. It’s a delicious and satisfying appetizer that is perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Spicy Appetizers
13. Jalapeno Poppers
Spicy and cheesy, these deep-fried appetizers are a popular choice for those who love a little heat in their food. It’s a perfect appetizer for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their food.
14. Stuffed Mushrooms
These bite-sized appetizers are often filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. It’s a classic appetizer that can be found in most restaurants.
15 Wings
A popular bar food, wings are often deep-fried and tossed in a variety of sauces such as buffalo, BBQ, or sweet and sour.
Word From Delish Sides
These are just a few examples of the many appetizers typically served in restaurants. From small plates to share with the table to individual dishes, appetizers are a great way to start off your meal and explore new flavors.
