Coperto and servizio — the 2 mystery lines on Italian restaurant bills

Coperto: €2.50×2. Servizio 12%. What ARE these? Are they legal? Should you also tip? Menu guide → · Scam guide →

COPERTO (€1-3/person)

Cover charge for bread+table. Legal everywhere EXCEPT Lazio (Rome). In Rome: coperto is ABOLISHED since 2006 — if you see it, it's ILLEGAL. Everywhere else: normal, must be on the menu. You pay even if you don't eat bread.

SERVIZIO (10-15%)

Mandatory tip added to bill. Must be on the menu. If servizio is charged: DO NOT add additional tip. If NOT charged (most trattorias): leave €2-5 per table.

Bill anatomy

Food subtotal: €57.50. Coperto ×2: €5.00. Total: €62.50 (no servizio → leave €3-5). OR with servizio 12%: +€6.90 = €70.40 (servizio IS the tip). Check the menu bottom BEFORE sitting: "coperto €X" and "servizio incluso/escluso." Etiquette →

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