When Tuscans eat in restaurants they do so in a succession of courses. Tuscans will start out with an antipasto of cured meats such as prosciutto, or their beloved local finocchiona, dried sausage studded with fennel seeds, or maybe fettunta, the Tuscan name for bruschetta, (note, the sch in bruschetta is pronounced "sk" not "sh") grilled bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil. 
The first course, called a primo piatto, is next and can be a soup like riboletta (pictured here) or a pasta such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or pinci. The second course (secondo piatto) brings a choice of meats. The most famous is bistecca fiorentina, a thick beef steak served rare. Or there are special seasonal meats like cinghiale (boar) or duck. There are also fish, such as triglia, and poultry, with contorni (vegetable side dishes) that might include green vegetables of the season like Swiss chard or fried zucchini flowers.
Green salad is a separate course, usually served after the meat course and dressed simply with extra-virgin olive oil, good wine vinegar, and salt. Don’t expect croutons, grated cheese, or bottled dressings. During the course of the meal, wine or bottled water, either still or carbonated is served(in Italy they'll ask you, "Gas or no gas?").
In finer restaurants a cheese course may be offered. In Tuscany the choices might include locally produced pecorino cheeses, young or aged like marzolino or caciotta.
Most often dessert is an assortment of fresh whole fruits in season, such as pears, figs, melon, strawberries, apples, oranges and grapes brought to your table in a bowl of water. Use a knife to 
cut away the skin of oranges, and cut apples into segments. Use a fork, not your hands, to eat these fruits. Another popular dessert is biscotti served, as in this photo, with a glass of sweet vin santo for dipping. Of course, there's often gelato, fruit tarts, and other pastries.
When your bill (conto) arrives, study if carefully. In Italy the service (servizio) and taxes are usually already included in your meal price. However, the service charge goes to the house, not the waiter, and if you've had good service, please do leave a cash tip for the waiter.
