The Tipping Rule You Should Always Remember At Restaurants In Italy

Planning a trip to Italy inevitably involves daydreaming about the pasta, wine, and those long, leisurely meals in sun-drenched piazzas. 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. Italy, however, eats to its own melody, with no strict expectations on the matter. 

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.

In short, here's the lowdown on high tipping in Italy: 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. And there's also the Italian custom of table and servicio charges. 

When dining out in Italy, the first thing to determine is whether your bill already includes one of two things: a coperto or servizio incluso. Both mean you're already paying certain surcharges, though in different ways. The coperto is not a tip but a per-person charge to cover things you may otherwise take for granted, including table settings, bread service, oil, salt, and linens — all those little expenses that add up for the restaurant. Coperto charges are listed on the menu and generally run from 1 to 3 Euros.

Then there's the servizio incluso, a totally separate charge — which very much resembles what Americans call a mandatory tip. This charge, typically incurred by larger parties, is a percentage between 10 % and 12 % of the final bill. When this appears on your check, you've effectively "tipped" already, so no extra gratuity is expected. This charge, if it exists, is routinely stated on menus.

When there's no servizio incluso in mid-range or fine-dining eateries, it's up to you whether to tip. If the service has been especially accommodating, by all means do so, but 5% to 10% is plenty. When in heavily touristic areas such as Rome, Venice, or Florence, tipping is much more common. At grab‑and‑go coffee shops and bars, rounding to the nearest Euro is adequate. For more insight on dining in Italy, check out our articles on the dining-out timing rule and 14 ways to eat like a local in Italy.