Tipping in Italy

Coperto is a per-person cover charge (typically €1.50 to €4) that covers bread, table linens, and the right to occupy the table. It is NOT a tip; it goes to the restaurant, not the server. You will see it as a separate line on the bill. It is mandatory and not optional, and it does not replace tipping the server. Restaurants in Lazio (Rome) banned coperto in 2006 in favor of higher menu prices, but the rest of Italy still uses it.

Servizio is a service charge (10 to 15 percent) that is sometimes added to bills, particularly at tourist-heavy or upscale restaurants. When it is included, it is the equivalent of an automatic tip and additional gratuity is not expected. When it is not included, leaving 5 to 10 percent additional cash is appreciated. Always check the bill for 'servizio incluso' or 'servizio non incluso' before deciding what to leave.

Cash is strongly preferred. Italian credit card systems often do not have a dedicated tip line; the tip can be pooled, taxed in unusual ways, or not reach the individual server at all. Cash directly handed to the server (or left on the table) goes straight to them. If you must use a card, write a small additional note asking the server to add the tip line, but assume cash is better.

Generally no, or very modestly. Italians eating in Rome or Milan most often pay the bill (which includes coperto) and leave nothing additional, or round up by €1 or €2 for casual meals. Larger tips (5 to 10 percent) are seen as more of a tourist behavior. The American practice of tipping 18 to 20 percent is not the norm and can feel ostentatious. Modest cash tipping (5 percent for great service) is appreciated and respectful of local culture.