Why do Italian restaurants have a cover charge?

There are a couple of service charges to keep an eye out for in Italy which are often already included in your bill. A coperto

coperto

A coperto is a small per head cover charge (around EUR 1–3) that is included in some restaurants for servings of bread, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper at the beginning of the meal. If this charge isn't mentioned and you still are served bread, expect to see an item for 'pane' (Italian for bread) on your bill.

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is a small per head cover charge (around EUR 1–3) that is included in some restaurants for servings of bread, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper at the beginning of the meal.

Why do Italian restaurants charge cover?

In general terms, a restaurant cover charge, or “il coperto” in Italian, is a per-person charge which takes care of the basics which many diners are used to getting for free at home – things like a glass of tap water or a plate of bread. It's also sometimes called the “pane e coperto,” the bread and cover charge.

Do you have to pay coperto in Italy?

You can eat the bread or not, but you still have to pay the coperto. It might seem a very strange habit, but for us Italians is a normal thing. You can see it as a way to cover the cost of pane e grissini (bread and breadsticks) and the use of cutlery and tablecloths, that must then be washed.

What is a cover charge in restaurants?

A cover charge is a sum of money that you must pay in some restaurants in addition to the money that you pay there for your food and drink. Restaurants may add a $2 per person cover charge to your meal. In addition to the cost of food and drinks, there is a cover charge of 10% on the final bill.

Is service charge optional in Italy?

You are not expected to tip restaurants in Italy. A service charge is sometimes added to the bill, ranging from 1 to 3 Euros, or 10% - 15%. This charge must be indicated on the menu. Some may also add an extra charge for the diner ware and extras (tablecloth, silverware, plates, bread, etc.), this is normal.

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Can you refuse to pay a service charge in a restaurant?

They must make the food prices, as well as any minimum charge or service charge as clear as possible. If these charges aren't on your menu and you were not otherwise informed, you can refuse to pay. They are not part of your contract.

Can I ask for service charge to be removed?

If you deem service as unacceptable or do not wish to pay you may ask to have it removed from the bill. Some people ask to have the charge removed and then leave a tip in cash for staff, others ask to have the charge removed and leave no tip - both options are up to the individual.

Is cover charge the same as a tip?

Cover charges can be discounted as a commercial charge that has no direct bearing on staff wages, tips or service charges. A tip (or gratuity) arises when a customer wishes to reward the staff involved in providing a service over and above the charge stated on his bill.

Is bread free in Italy?

Yes, you do also have to pay for bread. This is the “pane e coperto” charge — more on what that is in a moment.

Do you have to pay to enter clubs?

The cost of entry to a club can vary from nothing (free admission) to as much as £15-£20 depending on the venue, the night of the week. Most club nights will sell advance tickets through a ticketing website such as Ticketmaster or Ticketweb, or through local specialist record shops.

Can you refuse coperto in Italy?

The coperto is not a tip and not a scam - it is a standard practice at most restaurants in Italy, and every first timer gets (understandably) confused when it first arrives. You cannot bargain it down, nor can you refuse to pay it.

How do you avoid coperto in Italy?

You can avoid paying an exorbitant coperto (the norm is between €1 and €2 per diner) by checking the restaurant menu. Ask the host or maitre d' for one before being seated if none is posted outside. The coperto is typically listed in tiny print either at the very top or the very bottom of the first or last menu page.

Is it rude to not finish food in Italy?

Italian here: Leaving a "Little bit" of leftover is not too offensive however is quite unclassy, it is a behavior typically associated with the "new riches", as if "I used to be hungry now I can even leave the food on my plate". If you can, avoid & enjoy the whole plate of (great) food.

Is it rude to tip in Italy?

If you ask locals “do you tip in Italy?”, they'll explain that while they sometimes leave a small tip, it's generally not necessary. In Italy, a tip (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah)—whether given to restaurant servers or hotel employees—is considered a bonus for exceptional service.

Do you ask for the check in Italy?

In Italy, you typically have to ask for the check; the waiter does not simply drop off the check in advance, as in most American restaurants. Use the above phrase when you're ready to pay.

Is coperto legal?

Typically, a coperto is between 1 and 3 Euro per person and is charged for adults and children alike. What is this? However, there is no legal limit to the coperto, so if you're at a swanky rooftop bar overlooking a famous landmark or at a divine restaurant perched on the edge of the Amalfi Coast… it may be more.

What is considered rude in Italy?

And please, do not burp or fart in public, it is considered extremely rude. Also, loud swearing and drinking alcohol from a bottle while walking the street, is frowned upon. Most Italians like some alcohol, but usually avoid to get drunk. Public scenes of drunkenness are much less tolerated than in other countries.

Why is it rude to ask for cheese in Italy?

Don't ask for cheese

Many chefs will serve up your food exactly how they believe it should be eaten, and will likely take offence if you think it needs something extra. You especially should avoid adding cheese to dishes that are made with seafood. It's sacrilegious.

How do Italians get waiter attention?

Italian waiters are professionals respected for their knowledge of food and wine. If you speak Italian, use the formal (“lei”) form of address, not the familiar “tu.” You may hear Italians calling out “Senta!” to attract attention, but it can sound rude.

Are you supposed to tip on top of a service charge?

If you feel that service has been particularly bad, you can ask for the service charge to be deducted from your bill. If you have paid a service charge, then you should only tip if you think the service has been so outstanding that you wish to reward your service.

Whats the difference between a service charge and a cover charge?

Tip/gratuity definition

Some say that gratuities are usually paid by card in addition to the bill amount (on top of service charge), while tips are often paid in cash. Others see them as synonyms. Alternatively, some businesses impose a cover charge, which is a fixed amount payable by the customer.

Do you still tip if gratuity is added?

Not every restaurant automatically adds the tip. If it says tip added, then you're not expected to tip (unless you're a big tipper or just adore your server). However they are just reminding you to tip based on original meal price in cases where the restaurant does not add the tip.

How do you challenge a service charge?

What happens if you don't pay service charge?

Information about how and when to pay your service charge and ground rent should be included in your lease. Falling behind with service charge or ground rent can lead to further action including eviction and repossession.

Can I refuse discretionary service charge?

As the word 'discretionary' means that you can choose whether to pay it, the restaurant cannot argue with your decision not to pay the discretionary service charge. If you'd like the discretionary service charge to be removed from your bill, you can simply ask your waiter or waitress to remove it for you.