Opting for a vegetarian starter opens up a whole new world of fantastic, colourful and by no means less satisfying dishes to impress your guests. Many classic Italian starters – think risotto, pasta and gnocchi – work beautifully without meat or fish, offering a tasty and indulgent start to a meal. If you are catering for vegetarians it would be worth finding out in advance their attitude to cheese – some Italian cheeses, such as Parmesan, pecorino and Gorgonzola, are made with animal rennet and your guests might feel more comfortable with a vegetarian alternative.

Test your plating skills with Fabrizio Marino's beautiful Butterfly salad, or try his vegetable tempura recipe – which also happens to be gluten-free – served with a sweet and sour dip. The Costardi Brothers' Chilli and garlic risotto recipe makes an easy and filling starter dish, while Alessandro Gavagna's Barbecued potato salad is the perfect start to an al fresco feast.