Yes, you do also have to pay for bread. This is the “pane e coperto” charge — more on what that is in a moment. Yes, you do have to pay for that antipasto or foccacia, even if the waiter offered it rather than you ordering it outright. And yes, you have to pay for that digestivo of limoncello or amaro or grappa.

In 2026, the short answer is "usually, yes," but it is often listed on the bill as "pane e coperto" (bread and cover charge). This fee typically ranges from €1.50 to €4.00 per person and covers the bread, the tablecloth, the silverware, and the general service. It is a deeply rooted tradition in Italian dining and is legally allowed in most regions, though it was technically banned in some areas like Lazio (Rome) years ago—though many restaurants there still charge a "service" fee instead. A supportive peer correction: even if you do not touch the bread, you are almost always still required to pay the coperto because it represents the "seat" you are occupying. In 2026, high-end tourist spots may charge more, while local trattorias keep it modest. It is not considered a "scam" but a standard part of the Italian economy, and because of this fee, tipping is generally not expected unless the service was truly exceptional.