assaggio

Assaggio is an Italian noun that denotes a taste or sample of food or drink. Derived from the verb assaggiare (to taste, sample), it can refer to a single bite, a small portion offered to a guest, or to the practice of sampling multiple items in a meal. In English-language culinary writing, assaggio is sometimes used to describe a tasting portion or a tasting course, though it remains most commonly understood in Italian contexts.

In Italian dining, an assaggio is often a small, curated portion designed to introduce flavors or to showcase seasonal ingredients. It can appear as a single plate placed before the main courses, or as part of a larger tasting menu, known as a menù di assaggi or degustazione. The concept emphasizes exploration and discovery of textures, aromas, and combinations rather than a full course.

Linguistically, assaggio is contrasted with degusta(z)ione, which more specifically denotes a formal tasting, especially of wine. Related terms include assaporare (to savor) and degustare (to sample extensively). The word is widely used in Italian culinary writing and menus to signal hospitality and a focus on flavor exploration.