Who does not love Italian food? Considered as one of the best cuisines in the world, many tourists would expect their dining experience in Italy an enjoyable one. While treating yourself with the world-famous Italian pizza and pasta, there are few traps that you need to be mindful of:

 

 

Trap 1: Tourist or English-Only Menu

 

Many restaurants in the tourist zones have their menus translated into English. Yet, if you are given a tourist menu or English-only menu, you may consider there is also a menu for the local and in Italian. It is possible that the prices on the tourist or English-only menu are different (usually higher) from the one in Italian.

 

Tips: 

 

Choose restaurants:

• Without a tourist menu

• Away from the main street and sites

• With menu in Italian only

 

Trap 2: Menu With No or Confusing Prices

 

When you are given a menu that does not list the prices, the restaurant might charge you as much as they want. Moreover, even there are prices listed, sometimes it can be very tricky. For instance, fishes are charged per gram, instead of per course, so you end up with paying more than you expected.

 

Tips: 

 

• Choose restaurants with prices listed on the menu

• Read the menu thoroughly before dining in the restaurant

• Ask the waiters if the dishes are charged per course

 

Trap 3: Cover Charges (NOTE: Not a scam, but tricky for tourists)

 

Cover Charges are legal and accepted by Italians. The following are common charges you will find in restaurants in Italy:

 

• Service (Servizio): 10% - 20%

• Water (Acqua): €2 - €3 per bottle, tap water is free of charge

• Bread (Pane e coperto): €1.50 - €2.50 per person

• Sitting at a table (Coperto): €2 - €5 per person

• Beware when the waiters offer you a drink, they are NOT FREE

 

Tips: 

 

• Standing instead of sitting for coffee and snacks

• Ask about extra charges before dining in the restaurant

• Check the bill before paying as it is common for Italian waiters to add in extra charges in the bill