FOOD NEWS
When Dining In Italy, Expect This Extra Charge
BY ANNA STAROPOLI
When dining at a sit-down in Italy, there’s a charge known as the coperto, which is a general cover charge that is charged per person for a meal. The word translates to "covered.”
It’s a blanket charge that accounts for various table-related aspects that include everything from your individual place setting to the basket of bread to even the tablecloth.
The charge typically doesn’t amount to more than a few euros. Since tipping is uncommon in Italy, the coperto is also meant to help cover the waitstaff's regular wages.