What does coperto mean on a bill?
What does coperto mean on a bill?
A coperto is a small per head cover charge (around EUR 1–3) that is included in some restaurants for servings of bread, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper at the beginning of the meal. If this charge isn’t mentioned and you still are served bread, expect to see an item for ‘pane’ (Italian for bread) on your bill.
Is coperto the same as a service charge?
Not a service charge that goes to the wait staff (there is a separate “servizio” for that, below), nor the price of bread, water, or any other amenity (in case you think you can avoid the charge by refusing those items), the coperto is simply a different way of pricing menu items.
Is coperto legal in Rome?
Coperto is illegal in Lazio, but not in the rest of Italy. Service charges are legal, and should be indicated on the menu. Sometimes restaurants have old blocks of restaurant checks that still show “coperto”, but if they actually try to charge for it, you should challenge them.
Does coperto include bread?
The coperto [koh-PEHR-toh] is a per-person fee due in all kinds of restaurants in Italy and it means cover charge. You can eat the bread or not, but you still have to pay the coperto. It might seem a very strange habit, but for us Italians is a normal thing.
Is coperto a tip in Italy?
The coperto is not a tip and not a scam – it is a standard practice at most restaurants in Italy, and every first timer gets (understandably) confused when it first arrives. You cannot bargain it down, nor can you refuse to pay it.
Why do you pay Coperto in Italy?
Ostensibly, the coperto (literally meaning ‘covered’) is a charge for the table linen, tableware, and bread (though there somtimes won’t even be bread). And, since such accoutrements are quite integral to a dining experience, that makes it mandatory for all diners. Locals and tourists alike are paying it.
Why do you pay coperto in Italy?
