Rocky

Do Italian restaurants serve ice water or do we have to ask for it? How do you say it in Italian? Plain ice water, not bottled? I don't drink coffee or vino.<BR><BR>Is there an extra charge for sitting outside where the cigarette smoke is less of a problem? (hopefully)<BR><BR>What is the difference between a cover charge (coperto?), service charge and tipping? Are they on all bills?<BR><BR>Can you get through a meal in under 2-3 Hrs?<BR><BR>

carol

They generally do not put ice in the water. i'm not sure of the proper term for plain tap water, but I would probably say "acqua semplice" if that's what I wanted. If I got an incredulous look and wanted to be really unmistakably obvious, I suppose I might clarify by saying "acqua del rubinetto" or something like that, but that would be an odd thing to say.

elaine

Hi<BR>The coperto charge is per "cover", that is, per place setting. It is allegedly also to cover the cost of the bread, but even if you don't want the bread, the cover charge will stand.<BR><BR>Service charge is supposedly for the service, the wait staff, but the fee goes to management. Tipping is supposed to be discretionary, it's up to you. Unlike France where walking away without a tip is more often done, in Italy a tip is expected unless the service was dreadful, in which case you should complain.<BR><BR>Tipping generates controversy on this message board, ranging from "you're an American dolt if you do" to "you're cheap if you don't."<BR>Here are some more objective opinions:<BR><BR>http://www.oxygen.com/pureoxygen/fea..._20010910.html (convert the suggested tips from $$ to euro www.fodors.com (click on tipping guides) or check your guidebook <BR> http://www.luxurytravel.com/cityguid...etiquette.html www.goaheadvacations.com/countries/italy.asp

elaine

sorry about the spacing on the above, don't know why my spacing didn't come out that way<BR><BR>By the way, yes of course you can get through a meal in under two hours, except for the most formal of places. However, other than in fast-food places, meals are leisurely, and they don't offend you by bringing the check until you ask for it (il conto)

xxx

I have a couple of questions that may sound really silly but I don't know where or how else to find the answer.<BR><BR>1st - when you are ordering, do you order all the courses at once or do you order secondo, etc. after you've eaten the first one.<BR><BR>2nd - I've never felt comfortable with paying in an expensive (to me) restaurant because I'm not certain of what to do. If I'm paying cash I usually leave the money plus tip in the folder on the table, then leave. Is this bad? Should I wait for them to ring it in?<BR><BR>How about with a credit card?<BR><BR>Can someone help?

George Steed

Good questions,<BR>Order a beverage first. Study the menu. Discuss choices with waiter/waitress. Order meal. Maybe tell server that you will order dessert later. <BR>Check bill. If tip/service charge is included do not add more. Use credit card to pay bill. Leave cash for service person. Often management will appropriate billed tip. If you plan to return to same restaurant get server's name (assuming good service). Request same server.

George Steed

Re: ice water<BR>Many Europeans think that cold water is bad for the throat and stomach. Restaurants like to sell bottled water. Some tap water may not be potable.

grinisa

Tap water in Rome is not only potable but delicious. However, most Romans drink bottled water, either &quot;naturale&quot; (no gas) or &quot;fizzante&quot; (with gas)because of the many reputed health benefits which are described on the bottle. Most restaurants will bring the unopened bottle of water to your table and break the seal there so that you know you are getting bottled water and not a reused bottle filled with tap water. Although they will provide you with tap water, be prepared for some strange looks. Ice is rarely used. There is no extra charge for sitting outside versus sitting inside. Of course,if you are talking about a cafe or bar, sitting anywhere, as opposed to standing at the bar, will cost you more.