Italy’s “out-of-home” dining sector has seen extraordinary growth in the past half-century, evolving into one of the country’s most vital social infrastructures. In 1970, there were just under 154,000 food service businesses; today, that number has more than doubled to over 323,000, according to FIPE–Confcommercio, the Italian Federation of Public Establishments.
Back in 1970, Italians spent the equivalent of €20.9 billion dining out. By 2000, that figure had climbed to €51.4 billion, marking a real growth of 146%. Since then, progress has slowed but continued steadily: between 2000 and 2024, the sector expanded by another 5.5% in real terms. Today, with consumption surpassing €96 billion, eating out has become a true mass-market habit.
Beyond the economic numbers, bars and restaurants have served as key social spaces—places of connection that strengthen Italy’s community spirit. While the industry was once dominated by small, family-run businesses, new forms of entrepreneurship have since emerged, diversifying business models and service formats while maintaining the deep local roots that define Italian hospitality.