Every country has its own way of doing things, especially when it comes to the local tipping or table manners. If you are off on holiday to Italy soon, have a read of our etiquette guide so you will have an idea of what to expect.
Greetings
Greetings in Italy are formal but enthusiastic. First impressions are key, so as long as you shake hands, maintain eye contact and smile you will be fine. If you know each other well; air-kissing is normal. Wait to be called by your first name before doing the same. Be sure to wish each other Good Morning – “Buongiorno” or Good Evening – “Buonasera”. The phrase “Ciao” is not used between strangers.
Tipping
The tipping in Italy varies depending on the establishment. A lot of restaurants will normally charge ‘coperta’ which is a fee of 1-3 Euros to cover the cost of bread and table sittings. Sometimes a service charge of 10-15% will be included in the bill. If it is not a tip of up to 10% is perfectly acceptable. It is at your discretion as to whether to you tip or not. Regardless, you should always leave your tip in cash.
Dining at Restaurants
There are several different types of establishments; bars, cafes, enoteche, pizzeries, ristorantis, trattoria and osteries. The first lot are much more relaxed, informal affairs and are the best places to stop for a bite to eat or a drink between sights. Ristorantis, trattoria and osteries are the places for your evening meal.
You will find that establishments either offer bar service or operate a sit down, waiter service. Be aware that if you ask for table service in a bar or café you will most likely be charged more. This is why many Italians drink their coffee standing up.
Always greet the staff member and feel free to ask to look at a menu before asking for a table. If you do ask for a table, be sure you definitely want to dine there.
Bottled water as opposed to tap water will usually appear on your table. Italians prefer the taste, it’s not because they want you to pay more. You can request tap water if you prefer, but be aware that the water can be quite hard so it may have a strange taste to it.
Italians are rarely in a rush to get you out of the restaurant. Unless it is way past closing time, be prepared for a lengthy wait to receive your bill. Be sure to ask for the bill if you don’t want to wait.
Always keep hold of your receipt even if you pay in cash. It’s law that you must be able to prove that you paid for your meal and for tax purposes. If stopped by authorities when you leave, you may be requested to show your receipt. If you are unable to show it you could be fined. Although this is unlikely, it is best to be on the safe side.
Fish dishes are often priced based on the weight before cooking. The cost you see on the menu will be for 100g of fish as opposed to the entire dish. A fish portion will usually be around 350g on average.
Table Manners
If you wipe your bowl or plate clean with a small piece of bread it is considered to be a sign of appreciation rather than bad manners so feel free. When it comes to eating spaghetti, try to refrain from cutting it with a knife. Primarily a fork, or a fork and spoon is much more acceptable. Bear in mind that table manners are formal and Italians will rarely share food from a plate.
General Tips & Pointers
If you get into a conversation with an Italian, it is probably best to avoid asking about the Mafia. Generally it is not a welcomed conversation subject for obvious reasons.
Learn some of the simple phrases such as please, thank you, hello and goodbye. Don’t start speaking English to someone without checking if they speak it first. The phrase is “Parla Englese”?
Dress appropriately for public attractions and do not have bare shoulders if you intend on visiting a church or similar. If you are shopping, refrain from handling the goods! The shop assistant will generally ask what you want and serve you appropriately, even in a clothes shop.
By checking out the local etiquette before you go, you’ll be sure to have a great time without making a faux pas! Have you had an embarrassing etiquette experience abroad? Share your story.
Years ago in Amalfi we dined at a restaurant, paid in cash and left the receipt on the table.
The waiter chased us moments later claiming we hadn’t paid, when we had clearly paid him!
Useful tip about keeping your receipts!