Don't ask for cheese When you're in Italy, it's normal to want to put parmesan cheese on everything, but don't. Many chefs will serve up your food exactly how they believe it should be eaten, and will likely take offence if you think it needs something extra.
10. You probably shouldn't ask for extra cheese. Sure, you can have some parmigiano grated on top of your ragù alla bolognese, but don't you dare ask your waiter to put parmigiano on linguine with clams. They might oblige, but they'll be horrified by your gauche manners and lack of taste.
It is improper to put one's hands on one's lap, or to stretch one's arms while at the table. Resting one's elbows on the table is also considered to be poor manners. Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. Drinking beverages other than water or wine with a meal is quite uncommon.
Food rule in Italy #5: Don't ask for parmesan for your pizza. It doesn't even matter if you know how to say it (parmigiano). Putting it on pizza is seen as a sin, like putting Jell-o on a fine chocolate mousse.
Italy. You know how it is rude to ask for ketchup at a steakhouse? Well, in Italy, do not ever ask for extra cheese unless it is offered to you.
Even though asking for cheese is considered, quite literally, bad taste, asking for salt is worse, an insult to the chef and to be avoided if at all possible. Book a Culinary Adventure on the Amalfi Coast.
The Italian concept of dining includes savoring one's food, so avoid eating while walking or taking public transportation. The only exception is gelato.
It is such a culinary sin that some people ask if it is illegal to cut pasta. The answer is no but it isn't good etiquette. In Italy, it is very common to use the spoon to taste a lot of dishes (e.g. pretty much anything that is creamy or a contains a lot of sauce).
Don't point to people: Italians don't like people pointing to them with their fingers. It makes them feel like animals at a zoo. Ask for permission before photographing someone: For the same reason, you should always ask their permission before taking a photo of someone.
Never seat 13 people at a dinner table. If you find yourself sitting at a dinner table with 12 other people, then consider yourself unlucky. Having 13 people around the table at mealtime is considered bad luck, as there were 13 people at the Last Supper.
Don't request a slice of pizza. In Italy, unless sold on the street or “al taglio” (sold in rectangular or square slices by weight), it's always round and served on a plate. 2. You cut the pizza yourself and then eat it with a knife and fork, the most common way, or fold each slice and eat it with your hands.
According to Italian etiquette, you should leave a very tiny amount of food (or no food) on your plate. Leaving food on the plate is considered rude in Italy. Italy has, in fact, developed a culture that places a high value on food and eating.
Dress Code for Women
It is not permitted to wear sleeveless or low-cut clothing. Belly crop tops are a big no! Make sure your shoulders are covered. If you're wearing a skirt, dress, or pair of shorts, make sure they're at least knee-length.
It's not seen as strange or taboo to dine solo in larger Italian cities like Florence.
There is no dress code when going to most restaurants but you might receive some funny looks if you show up in sweats. Dressing well is respectful and you'll want to try to blend in with the locals. Unless you're going to a very fancy restaurant, dark jeans or other slacks are acceptable.
The reason why you should not break pasta is that it's supposed to wrap around your fork. That's how long pasta is supposed to be eaten.
Conclusion: Breaking Pasta In Italy
That's why breaking pasta in Italy is definitely a no-go but rest assured that you won't go to jail for breaking pasta. You are just breaking a tradition and a rooted cultural habit in Italy, but you are free to eat the pasta the way it's more convenient for you.
Yes, you do have to pay for water. (You can ask for “acqua dal rubinetto,” tap water, but it's often seen as a bit rude. Plus, those glasses of tap water will take ages to get refilled by your waiter, if they're refilled at all!).
The water is perfectly safe to drink all over Italy, and you can ask for tap water if you want. But no one usually does, and your waiter might not want to bring it to you.
11:00pm – Midnight.