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Everyone gets ripped off at one time or another while traveling and it happens in Italy just like everywhere else. We like to think it’s rare, but as your expert travel guides it’s our duty to make you aware of a few of the most common scams. Armed with just a little bit of knowledge, youcanavoid being ripped off in Italy’s restaurants and cafesso you can get back to the serious business of eating some ofItaly’s most delicious foods.
From where to eat to avoid a fiasco to begin with to tipping culture,here are our top tips for how to eat without getting ripped off.
Avoid tourist traps
The farther away from a tourist site you eat, the less likely you are to be ripped off!
As in any country, it’s a sad truth that in some less-than-honest Italian establishments, tourists can be seen as easy prey. Restaurants and cafes right near the big tourist sites are the most likely candidates. It’s not always the case of course, but well-located eateries that don’t cater to a local (and therefore repeat) market are more likely to charge inflated prices.
This view of Rome’s Piazza Navona is lovely – but eating at a restaurant while appreciating it can cost your wallet!
For the record, yes, high-risk establishments include those on popular piazzas, like Rome’s Piazza Navona or Venice’s St. Mark’s Square. A rule of thumb: In general, whenever you see as many non-Italians as Italians, be on your guard.
Another tip-off that you’re in a touristy establishment: There’s a “host” outside the door asking you to come in (any Italian restaurant catering to locals, won’t have this, since they’ll rely on word-of-mouth), there’s a menu with pictures, or there’s a big sign that says “Tourist Menu” or even “No service!” or “No cover charge!”. (More on that later).
Don’t sit down in an Italian cafe. No, really. Don’t!
Unless your feet are justkillingyou, avoid sitting down in the kind of place that Italians call a “bar” and we call a “cafe.” Why? Because as soon as you sit down, the price of whatever you’re eating doubles, triples… or worse. That’s why you see Italians usually taking their coffee andcornettistanding up. The price of coffee in Rome is capped at a set maximum price, so regardless of your location, a standing coffee will never set you back too much.For a masterclass on coffee, check out our blog post onHow to drink coffee like an Italian.
Drink coffee standing up at the bar, like the Italians do!
How not to get ripped off if you reallyhaveto sit down at a cafe
If you do decide to sit down, before you order anything or make yourself comfortable at the table, always walk in and look at the prices usually listed above the counter. In most cases there is one column for “banco” and one for “tavolo.” “Banco” is the price if you stand at the bar; “tavolo” is if you’re sitting. If it’s still worth it to you, then by all means, sit – but keep in mind roughly what those prices were and be sure to double-check the receipt to make sure they match up.
At restaurants, know what you do and don’t have to pay for
Yes, you do have to pay for water. (You can ask for “acqua dal rubinetto,”tap water, but it’s often seen as a bit rude. Plus, those glasses of tap water will take ages to get refilled by your waiter, if they’re refilled at all!). At moderately-priced places, a large bottle of mineral water for the table should cost no more than 2 euros, maybe 3 in more expensive cities like Venice.
Yes, you do also have to pay for bread. This is the“pane e coperto”charge — more on what that is in a moment.
Yes, you do have to pay for that antipasto orfoccacia, even if the waiter offered it rather than you ordering it outright.
And yes, you have to pay for thatdigestivoof limoncello or amaro or grappa. Well, sometimes. Here’s how to tell: If the waiter asks you if you want an after-dinner drink after you’ve eaten but before he’s brought the bill, you’ll probably be charged. If he asks you if you want one after he’s brought the bill and/or you’ve paid, it’s probably a little “thank you” on the house.
Will that after-dinner limoncello cost you? It depends
Avoid giving the waiter the power over what, or how much, to bring
Sometimes, waiters will ask if you would like anantipastofor the table. Most of the time, this is fine. Occasionally, though, theantipastowinds up costing an arm and a leg – and you don’t realize it until you get the bill. In a lot of cases this will just be an assumption on the part of your server that as a traveler, you’d like the best but (as is the case anywhere) it’s wise to know what you’re ordering before you order it.
Be specific when you order an antipasto, or that bruschetta and other food might just keep coming and coming… at a cost
So instead of telling the waiter to just bring you something, order specifically from the menu, with the quantity you’d like, and be clear. “Vorrei un’antipasto per due,”you could say (an antipasto for two), even if there are four of you. That’s fine.
Italy is blessed with some ofthe tastiest fish in the world,but since fish is usually charged by weight at restaurants, this can get a little confusing. You say you want the fish of the day that’s around a certain weight, the waiter brings out a lovely, fresh-caught one to show you that’s around that weight but estimations can be off and it can cost more than you had thought so if you’re price conscious, be sure to double-check the exact weight (and whether the listed price is total or by weight) before you order.
Getting the bill at a restaurant
When your waiter brings you a bill (remember, you have to ask for it!), make sure that it’s itemized. (Again, ask for “il conto dettagliato”or ““il conto lungo“). Sometimes, restaurants will just write a total number down, or even just say it. In that case, ask for the itemized bill. It’s the only way to know if you’re being charged what you should be.
What’s that “pane e coperto” charge on my bill?
When an Italian restaurant charges you for bread, it’s generally not per basket. Instead, the price is usually per head. It’s typically about 1.50 euros per head, perhaps 2 or 2.50 in pricier, more-touristy places like Venice or Sorrento. That said, some regions have apparently passed laws, including Rome’s Lazio region, saying that this “pane e coperto”charge is against the law. That doesn’t mean that most restaurants are paying attention. And yes, most Italians are paying forpane e copertoas well — not just tourists. So in general, we let it go and pay.
Even if you don’t touch that bread, you might still be charged “pane e coperto”
But there’s a caveat.This charge should be written on the menu.Maybe it’s in small letters, maybe it’s on the back page, but it should be there. If it’s not? We make a fuss. And the charge gets taken off.
What about a charge for “servizio”?
If an item has been added, probably 10 but up to 20 percent, called “servizio,”that’s “service.” You see this often in Venice, the Cinque Terre, and Amalfi coast, and at more-touristy establishments in Florence andRome. Something to know aboutservizio:Although it seems to be legal, itshouldbe written on the menu, as shouldpane e coperto. Check the small print at the bottom of pages or on the front or back of the menu.
If theserviziohasn’t been written anywhere, ask for it to be taken off if you see it on your bill. If everything about theservizioseems to be as straightforward as possible — you knew, from the menu, it’d be 10% extra, and sure enough, it was — then pay it but remember that this counts as the tip so you don’t need to leave an additional gratuity.
Note: Some restaurants try to attract tourists by saying, “No service charge!”. That’s fine but it means the place is pretty touristy. (A place that catered to Italians probably wouldn’t haveservizio,and wouldn’t make a big deal about not having it, especially not in English). And so, in general, since you have the least chance of being taken advantage of at non-touristy places, a sign proclaiming noservizioisn’t necessarily a good thing, either.
To tip or not to tip?
First, one thing to keep in mind: Waiting tables in Italy is much different than waiting tables in the States. Many Italian waiters are paid off the books, meaning they’re not paying taxes. If they are on the books, then they get paid vacations (some six weeks per year or more) and paid sick leave. And they have national health.
Furthermore, ifserviziohas been added to your bill (see above), then leave nothing on top. Rest assured knowing that, since most Italians won’t even have thisservizioon their bill and won’t tip, you’re still tipping quite a lot in comparison.
To tip… or not to tip?
So if all that’s been added to your bill ispane e coperto,or nothing at all, and your service has been good, then maybe leave something. But not 20 percent. Not 15 percent. Not necessarily even 10 percent. A few coins, or rounding up, is sufficient.
While that makes many Americans grimace, remember: Italy is a different culture. And it’s a different tipping culture, too. Adjusting to it is not only part of the experience, but shows respect for the locals.
Think you’ve been ripped off anyway and want to take action?
When presented with a confusing or ridiculous bill, 90 percent of people won’t do anything about it. They’ll pay and leave. But for the rest of the day, they’ll be seething – and it does a disservice to future tourists. So remember: You dohave control in this situation. Here’s what you do.
First, simply point out the discrepancy to the waiter and ask, politely but firmly, for it to be fixed. This is why you got that itemized bill. Even if he doesn’t speak much English, you can point to the specific item. Forservizioorpane e coperto,the most useful phrase is often “Non è scritto sul menu”(this was not written on the menu – “Nohn ay skree-toe sool meh-noo”). In most cases, that’s all that’s needed – and in some you’ll even find that there has been a mistake on one side or the other. Maybe you didn’t realise you were drinking bottled water or you missed a note on the menu.
If your polite requests haven’t done anything to remove that 20 percentserviziothat was added to your bill unannounced, or to get the propertavoloprice for your cafe meal instead of tacking on 20 euros more, demand a real receipt.
In most of these rare cases you’ll find that the receipt they’re issuing you with is not a real receipt. That means they’re not paying taxes on the meal you just had. It’s off the books. And that’s illegal. So, before you stomp off from the restaurant in a huff, look at the receipt you were given. Handwritten notes or scribbles on a tablecloth are not legalfiscal receipts. In some cases this may be something called apreconti, a pre-receipt of sorts delivered by the waiter who should then take your cash and return with change and the real, official receipt. Unaware of this custom many foreign visitors often leave their change and depart without ever seeing the real receipt.
If you do encounter one of these, ask for the second, legal receipt.Here’s what a fiscal receipt looks like:
Legal receipts from an Italian restaurant.
If you don’t get one of these, feel free to kick up a stink.
These are rare cases though. For the most part, eating in Italy is a fantastic experience you won’t soon forget. Just be aware of local customs and be savvy when ordering if you’re on a budget. Try to get away from the tourist spots and discover your own culinary gems. That tiny trattoria you found near your hotel, or the hole-in-the-wall pizzeria you discovered in Trastevere, is likely to be the memory you cherish most from your time in Italy.
FAQs
At certain times of the day on several of the city's busiest streets and piazzas (Via de' Neri, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Piazza del Grano, and Via della Ninna), eating while sitting, leaning, or even walking is banned, with violators slapped with fines of up to €500.
What are the 4 food rules in Italy? ›
The Italians surveyed saw no problem breaking four more so-called rules:
- Eating pizza for lunch.
- Having Bolognese sauce with spaghetti.
- Eating pizza with a fork (rather than your hands), and.
- Eating meatballs with spaghetti.
Italians generally hold their fork in their right hand and their knife in the left. Crucially, they do not switch utensils to their dominant hand throughout the meal; many people in the United States will switch their fork and knife between their dominant hand when cutting food, then switch again to eat.
What time do Italians go to bed? ›
11:00pm – Midnight.
Can you wear sneakers to dinner in Italy? ›
Sneakers are fine also in Italy, but again, maybe not in a fancy restaurant. So consider taking also some nice pair of shoes with you.
Can you wear jeans to dinner in Italy? ›
Change your outfit for the evening.
Avoid wearing shirts with collar buttons or breast pockets at night. You can also never go wrong with a dress or skirt. If you're a man, wear a long-sleeve shirt at night or when attending nicer venues. Jeans are okay, but dress them up with a nice blazer and dress shirt.
What are 3 taboos in Italy? ›
The most important taboos you should avoid are:
- Asking an Italian if they have a relative or a friend who's in the mafia. ...
- Ordering a cappuccino after noon. ...
- Putting cheese on fish. ...
- Serving food in different plates. ...
- Entering a home with an open umbrella or openning it once you're inside.
What do you need to know when eating in Italy?
- Avoid ordering risotto as an appetizer.
- Pasta and salad don't go together.
- Chicken carbonara is not a legitimate dish.
- Chicken parmesan is not an Italian dish.
- Fettuccine Alfredo is not a part of traditional Italian cuisine.
- Italians only drink wine or water while eating.
First off, tipping in Italy is neither mandatory nor expected, but if you do decide to do so, the gesture is a very clear indicator that you appreciated the service provided.
What is considered rude behavior in Italy? ›
It is improper to put one's hands on one's lap, or to stretch one's arms while at the table. Resting one's elbows on the table is also considered to be poor manners. Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. Drinking beverages other than water or wine with a meal is quite uncommon.
Etiquette Scholar educates us on this subject: “Italians do not switch knives and forks. The knife remains in the right hand, and the fork remains in the left. When the meal is finished, the knife and fork are laid parallel to each other across the right side of the plate, with the tines of the fork facing downward.
Do you eat pizza with a fork in Italy? ›
Italians eat pizza with a fork and knife. Pizza is to be enjoyed straight from the oven and piping hot. Waiting for your dinner to cool down is just not an option – protocol says it should be enjoyed straight away.
Do Italians shower in the morning or evening? ›
Showering is most popular in Spain, Italy, Germany and France, where consumers tend to use shower products primarily in the morning to feel clean and refreshed.
What is an Italian breakfast like? ›
Italians eat predominantly sweet things for breakfast. This can be quite a shock if you are used to having toast, eggs, and bacon first thing in the morning. Instead, the traditional breakfast in Italy relies almost exclusively on baked goods like biscuits, cookies, pastries, rusks, and cakes.
What is the biggest meal of the day in Italy? ›
Normally, lunch is Italian's biggest and most sustaining meal of the day.
Should I bring jeans to Italy? ›
Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks.
Can I show my stomach in Italy? ›
Dress Code for Women
It is not permitted to wear sleeveless or low-cut clothing. Belly crop tops are a big no! Make sure your shoulders are covered. If you're wearing a skirt, dress, or pair of shorts, make sure they're at least knee-length.
Is it OK to wear flip-flops in Italy? ›
But if you just can't part with your shorts, save them as a beach cover up. Don't Bring Flip-Flops. Italians can spot an American from a mile away; because, well, they are wearing flip-flops. And yes, this is a real thing, Italian's just don't wear flip-flops.
Are white pants OK in Italy? ›
Pile on the neutral colors
Meanwhile, the “no white after Labor Day” rule in Italy doesn't exist: Locals love winter white, especially for jeans and sweaters.
What jeans are in style in Italy? ›
Italians tend to wear basic blue jeans a lot less often than their counterparts elsewhere. It's not that women are always in dresses, and men in suits; it's that when they do throw on trousers, they're rarely basic jeans or khakis. Instead, pants come in a rainbow of colors.
2: the "non - dress code": casual style
Smart casual is a style somewhere between formal and casual, so not jacket and tie, but still an outfit made up of sober and refined garments, always well matched. A jacket or blazer, a shirt with a mandarin collar for him, smart or skinny trousers, skirts and dresses for her.
What behaviors are unacceptable in Italy? ›
Don't wander around alone: Moving freely around someone else's home is considered rude and inappropriate. Accept something they offer: Leaving a house without having a coffee, a piece of cake, or even just a glass of water might disappoint your host. Let them welcome you.
What is major taboos? ›
Common taboos involve restrictions or ritual regulation of killing and hunting; sex and sexual relationships; reproduction; the dead and their graves; as well as food and dining (primarily cannibalism and dietary laws such as vegetarianism, kashrut, and halal) or religious (treif and haram).
What is the most common food taboo? ›
Important examples of food avoidance are pork among Jews, Muslims and Ethiopian Christians; beef among Hindus, some Buddhists and Jains; chicken and eggs in some African communities; dog meat in the West; fish in Mongolia and other parts of central Asia; milk and milk products in Polynesia and parts of China.
What can I not bring back from Italy? ›
Italy Prohibited and Restricted Items
- All forms of asbestos fibers.
- All products containing the biocide dimethylfumarate (DMF)
- Animal skins.
- Atlantic red tuna fish (Thunnus Thynnus) originating from Belize, Panama, and Honduras.
- Biological Substance Cat B, UN3373.
- Books: hardback/paperback non-comm.
ENJOYING THIS ARTICLE?
- Drink The Tap Water. ...
- Don't Hail A Taxi. ...
- Dress Up For The City. ...
- Appreciate The Fine Art Of Doing Nothing. ...
- Learn Some Italian. ...
- Don't Eat In Tourist Hotspots. ...
- Know The Difference Between Lunch And Dinner. ...
- Eat Your Pasta Like A Local.
The original caesar salad was created by an Italian man called Caesar Cardini. The invention, however, didn't happen in Italy or anywhere near. Although Caesar was born in the northern part of the country, he made his way to America, where he worked as a chef in many restaurants.
Is it OK to wear shorts in Italy? ›
Most Europeans wear pants year round. And most churches, especially the Vatican will not let you enter wearing shorts. Capris are OK, ankle length is perfectly fine. Personally, I wear long light pants and feel very comfortable.
Can you drink tap water in Italy? ›
The short answer is yes. Drinking water from the tap in Italy is considered safe. Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles.
How much cash should you bring to Italy? ›
You hardly need any cash at all. You can use your credit or debit card wherever there is a PoS (point of sale) machine. Your card needs to be on the Mastercard or VISA international network to function. (Most businesses in Italy refuse Amex and Diners because they charge too much commission.)
Never seat 13 people at a dinner table. If you find yourself sitting at a dinner table with 12 other people, then consider yourself unlucky. Having 13 people around the table at mealtime is considered bad luck, as there were 13 people at the Last Supper.
Are there food taboos in Italy? ›
2. Fish and cheese shouldn't be served together. The majority of Italians swear that cheese shouldn't touch a fish or seafood dish. Sprinkling Parmesan cheese atop, for example, spaghetti with clams or roasted bass, is discouraged.
Are Italians friendly to Americans? ›
In general, Italians respect Americans and always welcome them as friends. They adore the curiosity of American tourists in regard to experiencing Italian culture, and they love the way that Americans enjoy their food.
Do you eat pasta with a spoon in Italy? ›
''In Italy it is customary to first place the pasta in a bowl or on a plate,'' Mr. Giovanetti said. ''You then spoon the sauce on top and finally cheese, if you use it at all. You use your fork and spoon to toss the pasta with sauce and cheese, and you then eat it with your fork alone.
Is it illegal to break your pasta in Italy? ›
Conclusion: Breaking Pasta In Italy
That's why breaking pasta in Italy is definitely a no-go but rest assured that you won't go to jail for breaking pasta. You are just breaking a tradition and a rooted cultural habit in Italy, but you are free to eat the pasta the way it's more convenient for you.
How many meals a day do Italians eat? ›
A typical Italian diet consists of three meals in a day. The most common foods in the Italian diet include pasta, cheese, vegetables, olive oil, meats, and wine. Italians give a lot of importance to fresh ingredients.
What is the most popular pasta dish in Italy? ›
Carbonara. The Carbonara we know today is made by tossing spaghetti with guanciale (cured pork jowl), egg yolks, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Despite its simplicity, this dish remains one of Rome and the world's favourites. There are a lot of questions about Carbonara when you first start making it.
Do Italians eat spaghetti with a fork? ›
No Spoon Twirling
It's customary to set the table with a fork, knife, and spoon, and you can use your spoon to add sauce and cheese, and then to mix the pasta. However, pasta is meant to be eaten with your fork alone – no spoons to assist.
How often should a woman shower? ›
While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.
How do you turn on a shower in Italy? ›
Often there are sinks in each individual bathroom, but you're supposed to use the main sink/soap/hand towels. What is this? If you don't see a knob or handle to turn on the water, look down. Again, for hygiene reasons, there's often a foot pedal to push to turn the water on.
An Italian shower, more commonly known as a roll-in shower, is simply a shower with no curb or step between the shower and the bathroom floor.
What is the most popular drink in Italy? ›
It should come as no surprise that wine is one of the most popular Italian drinks. Both the production and consumption of wine play an important role in Italian history and culture.
What is an Italian snack? ›
An Italian snack is known as spuntino, a term which can include anything from olives and crisps to small plates shared between friends. Bars and cafés might serve spuntino in a similar way to tapas, and while they wouldn't be eaten as the opener to a larger meal elements of antipasto are commonly consumed as snacks.
What is the most popular dessert in Italy? ›
Tiramisù (Veneto)
Probably the most famous of all Italian desserts, Tiramisù is a powerful layering of coffee-soaked savoiardi (sponge finger biscuits) and a rich cream made with mascarpone cheese, eggs and sugar, sometimes spiced up with a drop of liqueur.
What do Italians eat for dinner every night? ›
Dinner (Cena)
A typical dinner at an Italian home is usually pasta, meat, and vegetables, and takes place around 8 p.m. Going out for dinner in Italy is a pretty big thing to do, or eat, for that matter: Several courses, wine, and a long time chatting and lingering are all part of the event.
Can you drink while walking in Italy? ›
Are you allowed to drink in Public in Italy? In Italy, it's illegal to consume alcohol in public places such as streets, squares, and parks. This means that you cannot walk around with an open container of alcohol or drink alcohol in public areas. Violating this law can result in fines and other legal consequences.
Can you walk around and drink in Italy? ›
Italy has no national laws against public drinking specifically, although local municipalities can issue regulations (ordinanza sindacale) that prohibit public drinking at certain locations of the municipality, or during specific times. Local regulations must also set the fines issued to offenders.
Is it illegal to walk around without a shirt in Italy? ›
24. Walk around shirtless or in your swimwear in any metropolitan area. This state of dress is strictly restricted to the beach or lido. This is especially true in Sorrento, where you could be fined up to €500 for breaching the dress code.
Is it OK to walk around while eating? ›
People who eat their meals quickly or walk around during or immediately after eating may digest their meals up to 30% faster. This may increase the likelihood of poor carb digestion, gas and bloating. Summary: Eating while standing up may increase gas and bloating by affecting eating speed and nutrient absorption.
What can you not bring into Italy? ›
Italy Prohibited and Restricted Items
- All forms of asbestos fibers.
- All products containing the biocide dimethylfumarate (DMF)
- Animal skins.
- Atlantic red tuna fish (Thunnus Thynnus) originating from Belize, Panama, and Honduras.
- Biological Substance Cat B, UN3373.
- Books: hardback/paperback non-comm.
4. Drink only wine or water with food. Italians take their food very seriously which means that drinking a soda while eating pasta is a no-go.
Can you eat out alone in Italy? ›
Italians love discussing what they're eating, and we'll always have an opinion on how our way to do it is way better than others (Florentines, in particular, master the art of criticism). You'll soon find out that eating alone is fine, but eating with a new friend might be even better.
Can you ask for a glass of water in Italy? ›
Just know that the insistence on bottled water isn't one of Italy's famous restaurant scams targeting tourists - unless you're later overcharged for it, of course. The water is perfectly safe to drink all over Italy, and you can ask for tap water if you want.
Is it safe to walk around Italy at night? ›
Is It Safe to Walk Around Rome at Night? Yes! Before we get into our list of things to do in Rome at night, let's answer this important question: walking around Rome at night is completely safe. All of the areas we mention here are full of character and very lively, even after the sun goes down.
What is considered disrespectful in Italy? ›
It is improper to put one's hands on one's lap, or to stretch one's arms while at the table. Resting one's elbows on the table is also considered to be poor manners. Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. Drinking beverages other than water or wine with a meal is quite uncommon.
Can tourists wear jeans in Italy? ›
Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks.
Is it rude to wear shorts in Italy? ›
Also, apparently, some cathedrals will not let you enter wearing shorts. I am here to tell you, that this is incorrect. You can wear shorts in Italy and look perfectly normal.
What is the best food to eat while walking? ›
The best snacks to pack for a long hike
- Trail Mix.
- Nuts and Seeds.
- Energy Bars.
- Granola/Granola Bars.
- Fruit/Vegetable Puree.
- Canned Fish.
- Water.
- Homemade Power Cookies.
Walking within 60 to 90 minutes after eating delivers the best results. Although light walking at any time is good for your health, a short walk within 60 to 90 minutes of eating a meal can be especially useful in minimizing blood sugar spikes, as that is when blood sugar levels tend to peak.
Why is it rude to eat or drink while walking? ›
Many Japanese people believe it is poor manners to walk or do other physical activities while eating because it means you're not appreciating your food properly. For some, this belief has its roots in World War II, when food was scarce and it was something to be treasured, not treated casually.
