bashamj: I always drink mineral water with bubbles in Italy. I don't drink alcohol, so that is my choice. It feels a little festive, too. L'acqua minerale con gassata works. Or without gas: sensa gassata.

Splitting pizza. I understand this now because even here in Switzerland restaurants serve one pizza per person and there are no doggie bags. So when I know I am going out for pizza I bring my own aluminum foil to save the other half for lunch the next day. I could eat the whole pizza, they're smaller than US pizzas, but I want to remain thin and frankly, kind of get tired of the taste after the first half.

Hi bash,

There are bottled water (fizzy or still) and carbonated and noncarbonated fruit flavored drinks, as well as juices.

((I))

Someone told me they only ask for 'fizzy' mineral water, otherwise they might be served fake (tap) mineral water.

No, not true. Minerale water will come to your table still sealed.

I don't think it's odd to split meals AT ALL in Italy...I see it done in local spots ALL THE TIME - I see groups splitting pasta dishes and pizza ;-) and no one has a problem with it one bit (!) :-) It is most common with the "younger" set - but I don't think anyone would mind. (I think they tend to be MUCH snootier in "tourist" places though and may stick their noses up, expect tips, etc. just smile and say grazie and ignore them)

Re the mineral water bottle being sealed: sometimes waiters make a production of unscrewing the cap for you when really it is tap water in a refilled bottle.

I have had a bottle put on my table and the cap came off all too easily. Just be aware.