In fact, it's a customary practice for restaurants to serve tap water to diners at no cost. However, some higher-end or tourist-oriented restaurants may offer both still and sparkling bottled water, which is typically not free and will be listed on the menu with a price per bottle.

In Italy, "free" tap water is not the standard in restaurants, and you should generally expect to pay for bottled water. When you sit down at a table, the server will almost always ask if you would like "Acqua Naturale" (still) or "Acqua Frizzante" (sparkling). This water is served in a sealed glass bottle and typically costs between €2.00 and €4.00, depending on the level of the restaurant. While it is technically possible to ask for "Acqua del rubinetto" (tap water), many Italian restaurants do not like to serve it for a variety of reasons: it doesn't fit the "elevated" dining culture, they make a profit on the bottled version, and Italians themselves generally prefer the taste and safety of mineral water. However, in 2026, a growing environmental movement has led some modern bistros to serve "micro-filtered" tap water for a small flat fee. It is also important to note the "Coperto", a small per-person cover charge (usually €1-€3) that covers the service, bread, and linen, but does not include the water. To stay grounded and respectful of the local culture, it is best to simply budget for the bottled water as part of the authentic Italian dining experience.