In Italy, the dining culture is unique.
Here are some key tips to note.
Wait staff will generally need to be waived over if you would like service, need refills or want to order more food. They respect the socialising of their clients and don't intrude.
* You will need to ask for the bill when you are ready to go (Il Conto per favore)
* Not every restaurant accepts credit cards, always carry some euros with you.
COFFEE BARS
Open all day and are most popular at breakfast times, afternoons and evenings. If you are just getting a coffee and snack, order at the bar and stand there to drink and eat. If you are ordering food, you can also choose to sit down for waiter service and expect an additional up charge plus tip.
LUNCH
Times are around 1 to 3pm. Restaurants will often close between lunch and dinner.
- "Rosticceria", "Girarrosto" and "Polleria" Shops that primarily sell rotisserie chickens which make for quick meals.
- "Pasticceria" Pastry shops that are often connected to a bar (Coffee shop) Many serve sandwiches or "pannini"
- "Tavola Calda" Counter service shops with hot food that you choose from a display case.
DINNER / RESTORANTE
Some open as early as 7pm but many Italians don't begin dinner until 9.30pm. The restaurant will typically stay open until midnight. Expect evening meals to last two hours or more. You should order each course that you are interested in receiving, they will come in this order:
- Antipasto: Appetizer or starter
- Pasta
- Secondo : Main dish of just meat or fish not side dishes
- Contorni : Side dishes like vegetables, fruit, cheese or salads
- Coffee or liqueur
* Wine, water and bread are available throughout a meal, but you must ask for them.
The bill will sometimes include an additional "co-perto" or cover charge and a "servicio" or service charge of about 10-15%
Information brought by NAPLES HIVE
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