The ostensible subject of this Satire is an invitation to dinner extended by Juvenal to his friend Persicus, with a description of the proposed menu, which gives rise to comments drawing an unfavourable comparison between Juvenal's meal and the prevalent dining habits of his day. In his justly famous study Professor Highet accepts this ostensible subject at its face value as the real subject of the Satire—his chapter on it is entitled ‘Dinner at Home’ (ch. 20)—and on p. 279, note 3, he tabulates the structure of the Satire as follows:

(a) lines 1–55: introductory chat.

(b) lines 56–63: the invitation.

(c) lines 64–89: the food (with reflections on old Roman manners).

(d) lines 90–135: the furniture and dishes (with reflections on manners old and new).

(e) lines 136–61: the servants and the wine.

(f) lines 162–82: the entertainment.

(g) lines 183–208: conclusion, the preliminary relaxation and comfortable bath.