Don't expect to pay only for what you ordered when the bill arrives. Restaurants usually charge from €1-2.50 per person for pane e coperto (bread and cover charge). And most probably you will be charged also a service charge, generally 10%.

In Venice, and across much of Italy, you will often see a charge on your bill called "pane e coperto" (bread and cover charge), which covers the cost of the bread basket, table linens, and silverware. This is a standard and legal practice, typically ranging from €1 to €5 per person. It is important to know that this is not a scam or a tip; it is a fixed fee for the service of sitting at a table. In some high-traffic areas like St. Mark's Square, this "coperto" can be significantly higher if there is live music involved. If you want to avoid this charge, the peer-to-peer secret is to eat "al banco" (at the bar), which is how many locals enjoy their coffee and cicchetti (Venetian snacks). By standing at the counter, you avoid the table service fee and the bread charge entirely. However, if you choose to sit down and enjoy the view, consider the bread charge a small price to pay for the "privilege" of resting your feet in one of the world's most beautiful cities.