Marinara sauce doesn't exist in Italy
As such, it's best to avoid asking for pasta with marinara sauce or a sandwich with marinara sauce in Italy, as this may not be a familiar or recognizable dish to many Italians.
Will you go to jail? No, worry not, you won't go to jail if you break pasta in Italy, but still, it's something that we don't do. Breaking pasta in Italy is something you do with small kids when they are learning how to eat on their own.
If you are offered second servings, it is absolutely fine to decline. It is not rude or offensive to the host to say that you are full and leave a small amount on your plate, or refuse to have second servings.
Yes, you still need to pay the coperto, even if you don't eat the bread. One exception – in Lazio (which includes Rome), charging a coperto is illegal, but the restaurant may try to charge you for pane (bread). You can refuse the pane and avoid the charge.
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).
For adults, the exceptions to the no-sharing rule go for antipasti platters and desserts, both of which are okay to share. Bring the kids, even if it's late. Children are almost universally welcomed and catered to in Italian restaurants, including in most high-end establishments.
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.
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.
Just as you should never snap your spaghetti before cooking it, neither should you cut up the strands once they reach your plate. Spaghetti, linguine and other strand pasta shapes were deliberately designed to be twirled around your fork, rather than cut, and all Italians learn to master this technique as children.
No Spoon Twirling
It's customary to set the table with a fork, knife, and spoon, and you can use your spoon to add sauce and cheese, and then to mix the pasta. However, pasta is meant to be eaten with your fork alone – no spoons to assist. Having a hard time mastering the fork twirling method?
In Italy, it is customary to pack your leftovers for the next day in a container or bag. This way, you can enjoy your food without having to worry about it going bad. You can ask your host to box your food for you, or you can do it yourself.
Most Italians seem to say that the ONLY way to eat spaghetti is by twirling it with a fork, and a fork alone. “Eating the spaghetti in this manner [with a spoon] is only for children, amateurs, and those who do not possess good table manners.”
Also, apparently, some cathedrals will not let you enter wearing shorts. I am here to tell you, that this is incorrect. You can wear shorts in Italy and look perfectly normal. Here are a few examples of Italians we saw wearing shorts in Italy when it was in the mid-80s in September.
When it comes to food, Italians are purists. Having perfected such a delicious cuisine, they certainly don't want anyone messing with it. Ordering pizza with pineapple or liberally sprinkling parmesan on top of seafood linguine might not turn heads in the UK, but do it in Italy, and you're committing a sin.
Don't wander around alone: Moving freely around someone else's home is considered rude and inappropriate. Accept something they offer: Leaving a house without having a coffee, a piece of cake, or even just a glass of water might disappoint your host.
The bill, please. — Il conto, per favore. - or - Il conto, prego.
The water quality across Italy is of a pretty high standard. So you can drink tap water in hotels across Italy with no problems. This also includes using it to brush your teeth, wash and take medication.
Ordering water in Italian restaurants is pretty straightforward. If you would like to ask for tap water, you can simply ask for “acqua del rubinetto.” If you are looking for bottled water, you could ask for “acqua naturale” (still water) or “acqua frizzante” (sparkling water) depending on your preference.
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 Typical Italian Dinner
Italian dinner or la cena, usually from 8:00 to 10:00pm, is another time that Italians enjoy sitting down together and socializing.
It isn't considered rude, but it is inappropriate. Pizza is consumed in the evening at full-service restaurants where eating with your hands is always considered to be impolite. The one exception is when eating pizza al taglio as this is a form of street food usually eaten standing up for lunch.