or more restaurateurs, managing all or part of the processes of booking, payment, and delivery. In this framework, the legal classification of the relationship varies depending on the contractual structure adopted by the parties and the degree of independence of the platform. It may be classified as a contract of mandate with representation, an intermediation contract, or a service procurement contract, depending on the specific configuration52. Within this framework, the platform may assume different legal roles: mandatary with representation: the platform acts in the name and on behalf of the restaurateur. The contract is concluded between the customer and the restaurateur, while the platform has the authority to enter into agreements on behalf of another party (Article 1704 of the Italian Civil Code). Mandatary without representation or intermediary: the contract is concluded between the customer and the platform, which in turn enters into a separate agreement with the restaurateur (Articles 1705 et seq. c.c.). Independent provider of logistic services: where the platform manages only the delivery service, it may be classified as a service contractor (Articles 1655 et seq. c.c.), without interfering in the commercial relationship between restaurateur and customer. In all such cases, the restaurateur remains liable for the choice of platform. If, however, the customer follows a more “traditional” approach and consumes the meal on-site, then, as previously discussed, the applicable legal framework is generally that of a service procurement contract, referring specifically to services such as table setting, meal preparation, table service, and beverage pouring, all offered by the restaurateur in exchange for payment. In all the scenarios examined, the restaurateur bears general liability for any damage suffered by customers during the use of any service provided, as well as liability for the proper preparation of meals and for compliance with all applicable hygiene regulations governing the production and sale of foodstuffs. X. NAVAL AND INFLIGHT CATERING The legal characterization of catering services entails significant complexities, principally arising from the diverse range of contractual arrangements utilized in commercial practice, which precludes their straightforward inclusion within a single, coherent legal category. These challenges remain even in scenarios 52 Typical companies of this second model are Justeat, Deliveroo. 49 ITALY, FOOD, CONTRACTS
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