Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NEED TO KNOW
Prices
The pricing here refers to the average cost of a meal that includes
primo
(first course),
secondo
(second course)
and
dolce
(dessert), plus a glass of wine. Don't be surprised to see
pane e coperto
(bread and cover charge; €1 to
€5 per person) added to your bill.
€
under €25
€€
€25 to €45
€€€
over €45
Opening Hours
»
Most restaurants open noon to 3pm and 7.30 to 11pm, usually closing one day per week (often Sunday or
Monday).
»
Most eateries close for at least a week in August, but the timing varies from year to year. Some restaurants
close for the whole month. It's advisable to ring first in August to check that everyone hasn't gone to the beach.
Etiquette
»
Dress up when eating out; Italians dress relatively smartly at most meals.
»
Bite through hanging spaghetti rather than slurping it up.
»
Pasta is eaten with a fork (not fork and spoon).
»
It's OK to eat pizza with your hands.
»
In an Italian home you may
fare la scarpetta
(make a little shoe) with your bread and wipe plates clean of
sauces.
»
If invited to someone's home, traditional gifts are a tray of
dolci
(sweets) from a
pasticceria
(pastry shop), a
bottle of wine or flowers.
Tipping
Although service is included, leave a tip: anything from 5% in a pizzeria to 10% in a more upmarket place. At
least round up the bill.
