Anyone who's been to Italy must have been amazed at some point over the service costs 'pane e coperto' which literally translates as 'bread and services'. The Italians always serve bread, whether you want it or not. The Tuscany born and bred author of the blog ‘At home in Tuscany’ knows how it works. We'd like to share the most important details with you.

The main tip you need to know is that the service costs 'pane e coperto' are not the same as a tip. The money for 'pane e coperto' goes to the restaurant and the tip is for the service. A tip is optional in Italy by the way. If you're not satisfied with the service, you need not give a tip in principle.

For the last few years, restaurant owners have been free to decide whether they will charge service costs and if so, how much. This can vary from 50 cents per guest to 3 to 4 euros per guest in a tourist area. Remember that when a restaurant charges 'pane e coperto', the costs must by law be given on the menu somewhere. So check out the menu if you don't want to be surprised.