Coperto in Italy: The Little Restaurant Charge That Surprises (and Confuses) Tourists
- wes
- Dec 23, 2025
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever dined at a restaurant in Italy and spotted an extra charge called on your bill, you’re not alone. For many travelers, it’s one of those moments.
If you’ve ever dined at a restaurant in Italy and spotted an extra charge called “coperto” on your bill, you’re not alone. For many travelers, it’s one of those “Wait… what is this?” moments.
But don’t worry — coperto isn’t a scam, a hidden tip, or a mistake. It’s actually a long-standing part of Italian dining culture, and once you understand it, it makes perfect sense.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Coperto?
Coperto is a small, fixed table charge added per person at many Italian restaurants.
It usually covers:
Bread served at the table
Place settings (plates, cutlery, napkins)
Basic table service
Think of it as the cost of sitting down and being served, rather than something tied to what you order.
Why Do Italian Restaurants Charge Coperto?
The idea of coperto goes back centuries, when inns and taverns charged travelers for:
A seat
Tableware
Bread and shared service
Over time, this became a cultural norm. Instead of raising menu prices, restaurants kept coperto as a transparent, separate charge.
In other words:👉 You’re paying for the experience of dining at the table, not just the food.
Is Coperto the Same as a Tip?
No — and this is where many tourists get confused.
Coperto is not a tip
Tipping in Italy is optional and modest
Service staff are paid wages, not tip-dependent
If you see coperto on your bill, you’re not expected to add a large tip afterward. Leaving small change or rounding up is more than enough if service was great.
How Much Is Coperto?
Coperto usually costs:
€1–€3 per person
Sometimes more in tourist-heavy areas or upscale restaurants
By law, it must be clearly listed on the menu, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise.
What If I Don’t Eat the Bread?
Even if you don’t touch the bread basket, coperto still applies.
Why?
Because it covers:
Your seat
Table setup
Service itself
It’s not about what you eat — it’s about being served at the table.
Coperto vs. Service Charge: What’s the Difference?
You might also see “servizio” or “service charge” in some places.
Coperto → traditional table charge
Servizio → often used for large groups or special service
Both should be clearly stated on the menu.
How to Avoid Culture Shock (and Enjoy Italian Dining More)
Instead of seeing coperto as an extra fee, try viewing it as part of the Italian dining rhythm:
Meals are meant to be relaxed
Tables aren’t rushed
Sitting and enjoying the moment is part of the experience
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