Eating in Rome will be one of the greatest joys of your trip to the Eternal City. In Italy, food is not something to be rushed through but to be enjoyed as a social experience. Restaurants in Rome normally expect only one seating at each table per meal time, so you can relax with your wine and your company and truly enjoy the experience. In warm weather, ask for outdoor seating so you can people watch too.

Although you can find restaurants serving many international cuisines, why stray from the glorious Italian fare? You might be surprised to find that there is more than pasta and pizza to experience, although you will certainly find choices of these dishes on the menu that you have never been offered before. Many forms of seafood will be offered, as will interesting dishes using unusual parts of the animal. Try tripe (cow’s stomach) or ossombucco (cow’s tailbone) if you want a new experience. Wine is drunk in Italy with most meals, as is bottled water. If you’re not sure what wine to choose, just ask for the house white or red.

When you’re ready to go, you’ll need to ask for the check – it is considered rude for waiters to bring it before you’ve requested it. As for tipping, many places include service in the price – check the menu to be sure. However, adding a tip of 5 or 10 % will certainly be appreciated.