RESTAURANT INFO
Ordering Your Meal
Antipasto: This is your appetizer. Order one per person or several to share.
Primo: This course follows the antipasto and usually consists of a pasta dish.
Secondo: The main course of meat or fish.
Contori: These are side dishes.
Dolce: Dessert!
*At the end of your meal, make sure to ask for your check. It's not common practice
in Italy for the waiter to leave a check when they see you're done with your meal.
Water
You'll be offered a choice of still (no gas) or sparkling water (gas) in restaurants
throughout Italy. It will come in a sealed bottle and there is a charge for it.
Gelato
Gelato is everywhere and it’s not exactly the same as ice cream. American ice
cream is 14% butterfat while gelato is only 4-8%. Enjoy!
Coffee
When going into a bar, there will be one price if you drink your coffee at the counter
and a higher price if you'd like to sit down. I've found it's normally €1 difference and
I prefer to sit as the counter can be hectic.
Here's what to order:
Americano: A long brew similar to a regular coffee in America.
Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk. Drink with breakfast.
Espresso: Strong and concentrated served in a small cup.
Corretto: Espresso with liquor such as Grappa.
*It‘s okay to ask for decaffeinated and it's available in most bars.
Tipping
Americans have a tipping culture but in Italy, not so much. While tips are not
expected in Italy, anything you leave will show gratitude for great service. Italians
will typically round up their bill leaving the change as a tip for service. When you
pay with a credit card in restaurants, you won't find a line on the bill to include a tip,
you will simply receive a receipt. These guidelines are for restaurant and bar
purposes, not other services like tour guides and such.
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