Italy is a food lover's paradise with a variety of pizzas, coffees, wines... And like any country, there will be certain customs, especially Italians are very respectful of mealtimes.
Recently, food blogger Brooke Eliason shared what you need to know to eat like a local in Italy. However, she advised tourists to be aware of the unspoken rules of dining here, especially when Italians are very respectful of the rules during meals.
Breakfast in Italy is considered super minimalist, when most people will only eat bread and drink coffee.
First, Eliason says, most restaurants have a service charge, or “coperto” in Italian, which covers bread and utensils. Even if you don’t eat the bread, you’ll still be charged, which typically averages 3 euros per person. Some places charge for children, too.
Second, when you eat out, waiters will appear when serving appetizers and main courses. The rest of the time, they rarely come near your table area without a request. If you want to call a waiter, you just need a friendly wave, because they will always be watching. This impresses guests with privacy and the conversation will not be interrupted.
If you want to eat at a restaurant, you should call ahead to make a reservation, as not all restaurants in Italy are open during the opening hours listed online.
Eliason also suggests that if you want to eat at a restaurant, you should call ahead to make a reservation, as not all restaurants in Italy are open during their online opening hours. It’s best to call ahead and make a reservation. Also, if you want to sit outside, be prepared to smell cigarette smoke, even if you have small children. Otherwise, book a table inside.
Sparkling and mineral water are readily available in Italian restaurants, in 750 ml bottles, enough for two people. Eliason advises paying for these, and never asking for free tap water (the kind that comes straight from the tap). During meals, waiters will appear to serve appetizers and main courses. Otherwise, they rarely come to your table without a request. If you want to call a waiter, all you need is a friendly wave, as they will always be watching.
Italian food should be enjoyed slowly and thoughtfully.
In addition, Eliason said that breakfast here is super minimalist, when Italians will mostly just eat bread and drink coffee. Lunch is usually the most lavish meal of the day. After lunch, most restaurants in Italy will close until around 7pm, because very few Italians eat dinner before this time. If you see a restaurant serving dinner before 7pm, it is most likely for tourists and will definitely not be as delicious as restaurants that open after 7pm.
Italian food should be enjoyed slowly and thoughtfully. Unless you are eating at a pizzeria or bakery, visitors who eat out should allow 1-2 hours for lunch and 2-3 hours for dinner.
Finally, Eliason says that Italian cuisine is always regionally influenced, so before going anywhere in Italy, tourists should learn about local specialties.
