Short answer: eat where the rhythm feels local, book popular spots, read the bill calmly, and keep tipping simple. A few small habits go a long way to better meals.

Who this is for: first-time visitors who want to order confidently, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy restaurants like a local.

How Italian Meals Flow

• Colazione (breakfast): coffee + pastry at the bar. Quick and cheap if you stand.
• Pranzo (lunch): roughly 12:30–14:30. Menus may be shorter than dinner.
• Aperitivo: pre-dinner drink + small bites (18:00–20:00).
• Cena (dinner): 19:30–22:00+; later in big cities and on weekends.

Reservations & Timing

• When to book: 1–3 days ahead for popular places; weekends fill fast.
• How to book: website form, phone/WhatsApp, or a booking app.
• Be on time: if late, call; small trattorie will give your table away.
• Party size: tell them about strollers, high chairs, allergies.

Coffee 101 (Bar vs Table)

• At the bar: order, drink, pay—fast and cheaper.
• At a table: table service costs more and is slower; enjoy the pause.
• Orders: “un caffè” = espresso; “cappuccino” mostly before 11:00; “macchiato” = espresso with a stain of milk.

Reading the Menu (and the Bill)

• Courses: antipasto (starter), primo (pasta/soup), secondo (meat/fish), contorno (side), dolce (dessert).
• Sides are separate: vegetables/contorni usually not included with the secondo.
• Coperto: per-person cover charge (bread/setting), common and legit.
• Servizio: a service charge (often for large groups or tourist zones). If included, tipping is not expected.
• Acqua: naturale (still) or frizzante (sparkling); tap water is uncommon in restaurants.

Ordering Like a Local

• Less is more: you don’t need all courses; share plates if you prefer.
• Pasta rules: avoid asking to change the sauce entirely; choose a dish as listed.
• Seasonality wins: ask for specials; seafood is best near the coast.
• Bread: often for the sauce; butter is unusual.

Tipping (Keep It Simple)

• Not required: Italians do not tip by default like in North America.
• Round up: leave €1–€2 or round to a neat total for kind service.
• If “servizio” is on the bill: no extra tip is expected.

Paying the Bill

• Ask for it: “Il conto, per favore.” It won’t come automatically.
• Card vs cash: cards are widely accepted; small spots may prefer cash.
• Split checks: possible but slower; decide shares before you ask.

Street Food & Markets

• Rome: pizza al taglio, suppli (fried rice balls).
• Florence: schiacciata sandwiches, lampredotto stands.
• Venice: cicchetti bars; order small bites with a spritz or wine.
• Tip: stand at the counter for speed and price; tables cost more.

Allergies & Dietary Needs

• Gluten-free: look for “senza glutine” options; many pizzerias can accommodate.
• Vegetarian: plenty of pasta/veg dishes; ask for “senza carne.”
• Nut/other allergies: state clearly and ask the server to confirm with the kitchen.

Small Etiquette Wins

• Greet with “Buongiorno/Buonasera.” Politeness changes service quality.
• Don’t handle produce at markets without permission; use the vendor or gloves.
• Wine tasting: sip, don’t chug; ask for local varietals by the glass.

Example Orders (by situation)

• Quick lunch: primo (pasta) + contorno (veg) + caffè at the bar.
• Aperitivo hour: spritz + small plate of olives/crostini.
• Sit-down dinner: antipasto to share, one primo or secondo, contorno, dolce or amaro.

Where to Reserve (Helpful Links)

• Restaurant bookings: TheFork (Italy)
• Popular gelato chains (quality baseline): Grom (various cities) — website
• Food tours (optional): choose small groups, clear inclusions, and strong recent reviews.

Useful Phrases

• Un tavolo per due, alle otto: a table for two, at eight.
• Avete un tavolo all’aperto? do you have an outdoor table?
• Senza glutine / senza lattosio: gluten-free / lactose-free.
• Il conto, per favore: the bill, please.

Common Mistakes (and easy fixes)

• Assuming bread is free: coperto often appears on the bill—normal.
• Ordering cappuccino after lunch: totally fine if you like it, but locals rarely do; try macchiato instead.
• Rushing a multi-course dinner: meals are relaxed; enjoy the pace.
• Expecting free tap water: order bottled still (naturale) or sparkling (frizzante).

FAQs

Can I split a primo?
Yes—many places will bring an extra plate. Some may charge a small fee; ask politely.

Is service included?
Look for “servizio” on the bill. If included, no tip needed. If not, rounding up is enough.

Do I need reservations for lunch?
Not always, but for popular spots and weekends, it helps.

How do I spot good gelato?
Natural colors, metal tubs, seasonal flavors; avoid neon mounds.

Quick CTA

Ready to eat well? Book a dinner for your first night on TheFork, save our simple phrases, and keep your bill-scan checklist (coperto, servizio, water) handy.