Most Italians eat dinner around 8pm or 9pm. They may eat later in the summer, especially in the south of the country when dinner could be at 10pm or even later. Visitors should be aware that opening hours at Italian restaurants are limited.
People Also Ask
There is no dress code when going to most restaurants but you might receive some funny looks if you show up in sweats. Dressing well is respectful and you'll want to try to blend in with the locals. Unless you're going to a very fancy restaurant, dark jeans or other slacks are acceptable.
Italians tend to dress simply and stylishly and in fitted rather than baggy clothing. Choose neutral colors like black, dark blue, beige, and white and pack button-down shirts and blouses; chinos; knee-length or below skirts; and a blazer or leather jacket if you're traveling in the shoulder seasons.
– The best shoes for Italy are the ones you can comfortably walk in. Sneakers are fine also in Italy, but again, maybe not in a fancy restaurant. So consider taking also some nice pair of shoes with you.
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.
While an espresso or macchiato are classic choices for any hour of the day, exceedingly milky coffees such as cappuccino or caffè latte should only be ordered in the morning hours to avoid indigestion. Coffee is often served alongside a glass of water to cleanse your palate before and after.