When it comes to tipping at restaurants, Italians will tell you they only tip on truly exceptional service or when dining in the finest restaurants. Even then, they usually only tip an extra 10 to 15 percent, or often just the change left over from the bill.

Tipping in Italy is not mandatory and follows a very different cultural logic than in North America. In most Italian restaurants, you will see a charge on the bill called "coperto" (a cover charge for bread and table setting), which usually ranges from €1 to €3 per person. This is not a tip for the waiter, but a standard service fee. For a regular meal, leaving a "tip" is seen as a gesture of exceptional appreciation rather than a requirement. If you received great service, leaving the spare change or rounding up the bill (e.g., leaving €50 for a €47 check) is perfectly sufficient. In high-end tourist areas like Rome or Florence, a 10% tip is considered generous but is by no means expected. It is also important to note that many modern "contactless" card machines in 2026 may prompt for a tip; you should feel no social pressure to add one unless you truly felt the service was outstanding. In casual bars or cafes where you stand at the counter for an espresso, it is common to leave a small 10 or 20 cent coin as a "thank you" to the barista.