Time for eating out…

Breakfast time in Italy can be from 6 to 11 am, depending on what time you got up, and it usually includes a cappuccino, which is a morning drink, and cornetto or other sweet pastries.
Lunchtime usually ranges from midday to 2pm (that is why many of the shops close in this hours), dinnertime from 8 to 10pm. Between 6 and 9pm it’s aperitivo time, an Italian tradition started in Milan (in the main picture: aperitivo time at Diana Sheraton Majestic). If you’re feeling hungry between 3 and 5pm then it’s time for you to have a merenda, a quick snack between the two main meals. Should you be hungry at late night, you can check our list of late-night restaurants in Milan.
Final suggestion: never ever forget to check the restaurant’s weekly closing day, which – most of the time – will be Monday.

Reservation

Reservations for most restaurants are strongly advised.

Tipping

In Italy service is included in the price, meaning that although tipping is not compulsory, it is obviously appreciated as a sign of satisfaction.

“Coperto”?

Some menus include the word “coperto”, which is an Italian tradition corresponding to a small surcharge (usually between 1 and 3 € per person) for the cost of service and bread.

Dress code

Although no real dress code exists in Italy, semi-formal clothing is usually considered de rigueur at restaurants.

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden in restaurants: however, several venues offer a separate area reserved for smokers.