Skip to Content
Features

The Benefits of Being around the Table with Others

Our health and wellness expert shares some practices and benefits of cherishing time around the table with others.

group of people seated at dinner table

Friends around the table at Cebu Bar & Bistro in Brooklyn celebrating the release of Andrew Cotto’s novel PASTA MIKE.

“Being around the table is my church,” shared Andrew Cotto, Editor-in-Chief of Appetito magazine, at his recent Columbus Citizens Foundation lecture. Andrew, like many Italians, sees food as a muse. 

This sense of devotion inspired me to think about how meals for Italians are about so much more than the cuisine. In Italy, meals are spiritual: a social occasion, to gather as a family or friends, to connect and show love. It starts with locally sourced ingredients, which are prepared into a thoughtful meal by family members with love, ultimately shared leisurely as a group. 

This way of cooking and eating has many benefits, including healthful digestion and a sense of satisfaction. Even more, Italians understand the healing power and emotional benefits of sharing a meal around a table and eating with other people. And for good reason, too. Research shows that home cooking and socialization during meals is important for psychological and physiological outcomes. 

Andrew reflected on growing up in an Italian-American household with a family that would gather every Sunday for a family meal (whether they wanted to or not). In Italy, it’s common to gather daily for late lunches and dinner. More than just eating food for its nutrients and taste, it’s a time to catch up, share a laugh, and cultivate relationships. This stands in contrast to what’s become ubiquitous in American culture today. Meals have become increasingly solitary and often on-the-go, eating fast food while driving or mindlessly chomping while scrolling on our phones. 

Though it might not be feasible to gather as a group for a daily meal, we can all find ways to join others regularly and to slow down during meals to cultivate mindfulness and joy. 

  1. Plan a meal with family or friends in person, and if that’s not possible, schedule a Facetime or phone call to share a meal from afar.
  2. Whenever possible, avoid eating on-the-go and sit at a table.
  3. Celebrate mealtime as an intentional form of self-care and create an enjoyable ambiance.
  4. Avoid multitasking: put your phone and laptop away.
  5. Take at least 20 minutes to eat a meal – this is how long it takes for your brain to realize you are full.

Italian culture teaches us that eating together is a form of intimacy that provides comfort, a sense of stability, and sensory stimulation. Gain inspiration from the Italians to use food and mealtime as a moment to feel connected to community and yourself, celebrate delicious flavors, and practice mindfulness.

Let's all eat like Italians!

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Sunday Shop: Fall 2025 Standouts 

Morgan Hines seeks out the best in not only food and drink but style, housewares, and more. Welcome to Appetito’s Sunday Shop!

October 26, 2025

How to Make Chef Andrea Congiusta’s Sacchetti from Legami

Chef Andrea Congiusta shares his Sacchetti recipe from Legami Charleston — a comforting fall pasta filled with leek and Parmigiano Reggiano and topped with mushroom ragout and goat cheese.

October 23, 2025

San Francisco’s Italian Heritage Parade Lights Up North Beach

Music, food, and family brought North Beach to life as the San Francisco’s Italian Heritage Parade honored Italian culture, community pride, and generations of tradition.

October 22, 2025

How to Make Nonna Approved Cacio e Pepe

Celebrate World Pasta Day with Italian Street Kitchen’s nonna approved Cacio e Pepe, the most searched pasta in Italy. Creamy, simple, and full of Roman flavor.

October 22, 2025

Where Is Pizza Going to Go?

The Co-founder and Owner of iconic Roberta's muses on his experience with pizza and what the future holds for this beloved offering.

October 21, 2025
See all posts