Manners, Per Piacere! Table Manners In Italy

History Of Manners In Italy

True, we Americans may have nearly 150 years of Emily Post’s etiquette wisdom, but the Italians have us beat. Their definitive tome on table manners, known as Il Galateo, dates back to the Renaissance when Italy was ground zero for all things etiquette!

Yes, there’s a wide range of dining experiences, so you can keep things super casual if you’re noshing on street food, at a pizzeria, or a cafe. But, if your list of places to eat in Italy includes a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant or you’re heading to a classic ristorante, you’ll need to know a few things about dining in Italy.

More Than 20 Tables Manners In Italy To Know

Here are our top 20 table manners in Italy tips to follow:

Don’t Switch Your Knife And Fork

Some of the more classic Italian restaurants still have really traditional atmosphere and service — we’re talking white tablecloths, multiple waiters, and even multiple utensils.

First off, know that Italians do not switch knives and forks; in other words, the whole time they eat, Italians keep the knife in their right hand and the fork in the left.

You May Be Given A Fish Fork And Knife

By the way, if you order fish at one of those traditional Italian restaurants, they might serve it with a fish fork and fish knife.

A fish fork looks like a three-pronged fork about the size of a salad fork and the knife is like a larger, pointier butter knife. Use the knife (with the help of the fork) to remove the skin of the fish and to spread any sauce on the fish itself.

Serve Food With A Spoon And Fork

Another utensil-related tip? If you’re served a dish for sharing — say a salad or side — and it comes with either two spoons or both spoon and a fork, you’re supposed to put them together and use them like old school tongs.

You’ve probably seen someone serve you bread like this in a nicer restaurant but in Italy, you may have to do it for yourself. In a pinch, you could of course, just scoop things off the plate with the spoon but this makeshift tong technique is actually really useful and, let’s be real, impressive!

Use Your Utensils To Say If You Are Finished

Just like in the United States, you can use your utensils to indicate to your waiter that you’re finished with your meal. To do so, place the knife and fork parallel to each other across the right side of the plate, with the tines of the fork facing down.

Also, if you put your utensils down on the plate for any real length of time, it is a sign that you are finished and your plate may be cleared.

There May Not Be A Bread Dish

Heads up that while most formal restaurants will have a bread dish, most casual cafes may not. If you don’t have a bread plate, you can place the bread on your plate or directly on your table (especially if it’s covered in butcher paper) throughout the meal. 

Olive Oil And Balsamic With Bread Is Not Authentic

Oh, and just to clarify, having oil and vinegar with your bread is an American invention so you won’t see it when you travel to Italy.

Always Show Your Hands

Our mothers made it crystal clear that placing our elbows on the table is an etiquette sin. But just because your elbows aren’t dinner guests doesn’t mean your hands can stay hidden, folded in your lap.

When in Italy, keep your hands in plain view while resting your wrists on the table to make sure you don’t offend anyone.

Avoid Public Intoxication

We’re at the age where the thought of studying abroad is a mix of fond memories and some pretty horrid hangovers. Yes, you’ll inevitably indulge in some of the most decadent wine or traditional aperitivo cocktails while traveling in Italy, but keep your wits about yourself. Put another way Italians don’t drink to get drunk so being wasted won’t be a good look!

In Fact, Alcohol Usually Goes With Food

Along those lines, Italians do not have a culture of sipping cocktails or chugging pitchers of beer sans food. You’ll find that locals drink cocktails when at a meal, as part of aperitivo (like Italian happy hour), and even at a cocktail bar, but almost always there will be food present too.

Know Your Toasting Superstitions

Italian culture has some major superstitions, and it even extends to the way they toast. In order to dodge bad luck, avoid toasting in Italy with water or crossing glasses during celebratory “cheers.” Instead, toast with alcohol, maintain eye contact, and say “Salute!”

Keep Away From Condiments

Chefs are highly offended by the use of condiments in their meals, as it’s seen as masking the original flavor. While permissible for a burger or fries, it’s best to leave it at that.

Stand When You Drink Your Coffee

When you go to a “bar” (which, by the way, is often more a cafe), you may pay two to three times more if you decide to rest at a table. Instead, make like the locals and stand at the counter!

You May Have To Pay Before You Eat

For those who decide to stand at the bar, you actually pay before you eat. Especially common at coffee bars, you usually pay a cashier for what you plan to have, then take the receipt to the bar and order. How to know which process to follow? Just take a cue from the locals or ask the waiter!

Some Restaurants Only Take Cash

The Italians aren’t as into their credit and debit cards as Americans are so there are restaurants that will not even take them. Some say it’s to avoid the transaction fees others say it’s for more evasive reasons but regardless know that you should double-check if a restaurant takes credit cards (or that you have adequate cash) before you sit down to dine.

Servers Won’t Constantly Check In

For the most part, the server will take your order, deliver your food, and then leave you be. It’s not that they’re being lazy but rather that they want to let you enjoy your meal without distractions. That means if you want something from your server, you’re going to have to grab his or her attention and specifically ask for it.