Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter!   In this episode of That Was Delicious, Brooke continues her two-part series on answering the most commonly asked questions about traveling in Italy. She shares practical insights on Italian dining etiquette, tipping culture, how to find the best non-touristy restaurants, and transportation tips. Brooke also dives into cultural nuances, shopping recommendations, and essential travel advice to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in Italy. Whether you're planning your first trip or are a seasoned traveler, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to enhance your journey.   Key Takeaways

• [02:10] Dining Etiquette & Coperto (Cover Charge)
  • Restaurants in Italy often charge a "coperto," a small fee covering bread, utensils, and service. It typically ranges from 1–3 euros but can be higher in major cities.
  • Even if you don’t eat the bread, you’ll still be charged.
• [03:14] Meal Times & Restaurant Culture
  • Italians eat dinner much later than in the U.S., typically starting at 7 PM or later.
  • Pizzerias and bakeries can be great options for early meals or snacks when restaurants are closed.
• [10:44] Tipping in Italy
  • Unlike the U.S., tipping is not expected but is appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving 1–2 euros per person is customary.
  • Cash tips are preferred, as most card machines do not include a tip option.
• [07:55] Interacting with Waitstaff
  • Servers in Italy will not check in frequently like in the U.S.
  • To get a waiter’s attention, simply make eye contact or raise a hand instead of expecting them to anticipate your needs.
• [14:38] How to Find the Best Restaurants
  • Ask locals, including Airbnb hosts, hotel concierges, and taxi drivers.
  • Use AI tools like ChatGPT to find non-touristy dining options.
  • Check out Female Foodie for curated food guides.
• [17:37] Cultural Norms & Common Mistakes
  • Avoid ordering cappuccino after 11 AM—Italians typically drink it only in the morning.
  • Bread is meant for dipping into sauces, not for snacking before a meal (this practice is called la scarpetta).
  • Italians value slow, unrushed meals—don't expect quick service.
• [25:20] Transportation & Taxis
  • Many buses now accept tap pay, making public transport more convenient.
  • Always take a taxi from a designated taxi stand or have a restaurant call one—never accept rides from drivers approaching you.
  • Apps like Trainline are great for booking train tickets in advance.
• [24:32] Shopping & VAT Refunds
  • Great souvenirs include high-quality pasta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and leather goods.
  • VAT refunds are mainly worth pursuing for high-value purchases (e.g., luxury bags), not small items.
• [35:48] Using Credit Cards & Cash
  • Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, while American Express is less common.
  • Always carry some euros in cash for small transactions and tipping.
  • ATMs connected to banks are the safest places to withdraw cash.
• [31:39] Health & Travel Insurance
  • Travel insurance can be helpful in case of medical issues or cancellations.
  • Pharmacies in Italy are well-stocked and many pharmacists speak English.
  • The emergency number in Italy is 112.

  Notable Quotes

• (05:10) “Italians don’t eat in a rush. Meals are about presence and gratitude, not just the food itself.”
• (16:44) “You don’t need to learn Italian, but a few key phrases—like ‘grazie’ and ‘buongiorno’—go a long way.”
• (17:37) “Ordering a cappuccino after 11 AM might get you some looks—Italians believe dairy is for the morning!”
• (28:37) “Never, ever take a taxi from someone who approaches you at the airport. Always use official taxi stands.”

  Resources

• Alessandro Frassica: Florence’s Best Panino & The Story Behind Ino
• How To Win At Travel With The Points Guy, @BrianKelly
• Follow Female Foodie on Instagram