Planning a trip to Italy? You might be wondering: What’s the difference between an osteria and a trattoria? What about an enoteca? And does ristorante just mean restaurant? As you travel around the country, you’ll discover many different types of dining establishments, and the distinctions between them aren’t always clear.

Now that I’ve been living in Rome for nearly five years — and have traveled around the country trying to dine at as many different types of restaurants as possible — I’ve learned a thing or two about the differences between them. That said, the lines between the various kinds of Italian eateries have blurred.