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, gratuity (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah) is considered a bonus for exceptional service. And it's not often that you'll find a tip jar at a register.

In Milan, as in the rest of Italy, tipping is not mandatory and is not expected in the same way it is in North America. Service professionals receive a fair wage and do not rely on gratuities to survive. Most restaurants will include a "Coperto" (cover charge for bread and table setting) or sometimes a "Servizio" (service charge) on the bill. If "Servizio" is already listed (usually 10–15%), no further tip is needed. If it is not included and the service was exceptional, it is customary to simply round up the bill or leave a few small Euro coins (e.g., €2–€5 for a nice dinner). Leaving a 15–20% tip is seen as overly extravagant and unusual. Always tip in cash directly to the server, as many Italian credit card machines do not have a function to add a tip, and the money may not reach the staff if added to the electronic payment.