Aperitivo vs. entrada
While both entrada and aperitivo relate to the beginning of a dining experience, they serve different purposes and occur at different stages. Generally, aperitivo refers to pre-meal drinks or snacks to stimulate hunger, often consumed casually, while entrada is the formal first course served at the table.
Aperitivo
B1This word usually refers to a drink, often alcoholic, taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It can also refer to small, simple snacks like olives, nuts, or chips served alongside these drinks, often while standing or waiting for a table.
Gostaríamos de pedir um vinho branco como aperitivo enquanto esperamos.
(We would like to order a white wine as an appetizer while we wait.)
O restaurante serviu azeitonas e tremoços de aperitivo.
(The restaurant served olives and lupin beans as an appetizer.)
Eles não quiseram nenhum aperitivo antes de se sentarem à mesa.
(They did not want any appetizer before sitting at the table.)
Este bar é famoso pelo seu aperitivo de final de tarde.
(This bar is famous for its late afternoon appetizer.)
Entrada
A2This term refers to the first official course of a seated meal. Distinct from the main dish, an entrada is plated and served at the table. Common examples include soup, salads, melon with ham, or savory pastries.
Para a entrada eu vou querer a sopa de legumes.
(For the starter I will have the vegetable soup.)
A entrada estava deliciosa, mas aguardo ansiosamente pelo prato principal.
(The starter was delicious, but I am anxiously waiting for the main course.)
O menu de casamento inclui três opções diferentes de entrada.
(The wedding menu includes three different options for the starter.)
Nós dividimos uma salada de polvo como entrada.
(We shared an octopus salad as a starter.)
Summary
In short, use aperitivo for drinks or finger foods like nuts consumed to open the appetite before the meal begins. Use entrada to describe the prepared first course, such as soup or salad, which is eaten at the table immediately before the main course.