Restaurants in Italy commonly include either a coperto or servizio incluso on the bill. Coperto is a per-person cover charge for bread and table settings, not a tip. Servizio incluso is a service charge that often replaces tipping. Voluntary tipping is not customary and usually limited to rounding up the bill or leaving a small token for good service. Excessive tips can be awkward or embarrassing. Exceptions occur at high-end restaurants or long multi-course meals, where an additional tip is more accepted. Travelers should check the bill for coperto or servizio charges before deciding whether to leave extra money.
But once you're there, actually deep-diving into the intoxicating world of Italian cuisine, some practical matters arise. Specifically, when the check arrives, it's common for Americans to have a mini-panic moment over tipping. Am I actually supposed to tip, is it rude to do so - or not to do so? The answer isn't quite as clear-cut as in the U.S., where tipping is largely expected.
In general, tipping at Italian restaurants is exactly what it should be: a polite gesture more than a requirement. Even then, it's most often a small, understated nod to good service. Understanding local customs, and the differences between casual trattoria meals and fine-dining venues, can prevent awkward moments and allow appreciation without extravagance. In other words, you want to dine like a local, even when it comes to tipping.
Don't go overboard. It's not expected and can be embarrassing or awkward to the server or dining establishment. It's not common to voluntarily tip a percentage of the overall bill, as is routine in American restaurants. You could round up the nearest Euro, or leave a small token as a gesture of gratitude for excellent service. Exceptions do exist, particularly in nicer restaurants serving multiple courses over a long evening.
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