How to Behave in a Restaurant in Rome?

An experience of great value is also made up of small gestures. Fully experiencing Rome also means savoring its cuisine and embracing the way Romans enjoy their meals. The capital city has a welcoming nature that puts its guests at ease, without imposing too many formalities. A few tips on etiquette can help you feel even more a part of the Eternal City.

Can I take leftovers home from a restaurant in Rome?

Taking leftovers home from a restaurant is becoming increasingly common in Italy. While not yet as widespread as in other countries, in Rome you can comfortably ask the waiter to pack up your leftover food in a box to take away.

The term “doggy bag” is gaining traction, literally meaning “a bag for the dog.” However, most people ask for a doggy bag to finish their meal at home rather than giving it to a pet (or at least not all of it).

This generally applies, but you should consider the type of restaurant where you are dining. At a fine dining establishment, the request might seem unusual. In a trattoria or pizzeria, it won’t be an issue at all.

One reason this practice took time to catch on in Italy lies in portion sizes. Unlike in countries like the United States, food portions in Italian restaurants are usually balanced. In a typical Roman trattoria, you certainly won’t leave hungry. However, the portions are rarely so large that someone with a decent appetite can’t finish them.
If it does happen, rest assured that almost any restaurant in Rome will let you ask, “Can I have a doggy bag, please?” without feeling awkward.

Can I share a dish at a restaurant in Rome?

Sharing dishes also depends on the formality of the restaurant you’ve chosen for your meal.

Can I order one dish for two people?

In a high-end restaurant, ordering a dish to share might not be standard practice. However, in most places in Rome, sharing food isn’t an issue.

The key is to be polite and let the waiter know your intention upfront.

For instance, if you’re a couple ordering two first courses, feel free to say while pointing to the menu, “Can we share this dish?” The waiter is unlikely to refuse. In fact, they might even bring an extra plate to help you share the portion.

It’s even more common with desserts. After a meal, you might feel too full for a whole dessert but still want something sweet to finish. In this case, if you order one dessert for two, the waiter will almost certainly ask, “Would you like two spoons?” and you’ll happily reply, “Yes, thank you!” with a smile, glad to be understood so quickly.

Can we swap plates?

This might be a bit less refined but is still acceptable, especially in casual settings. Swapping plates halfway allows you to taste what the other person ordered. This is common among couples and sometimes close friends. However, it’s less advisable in larger groups to avoid chaos!
In such cases, you can discreetly ask someone next to or across from you, “Would you like a taste?” If they agree, you can carefully offer them your plate so they can take a small bite with their fork.

Even more so than in restaurants, swapping slices of pizza with different toppings is pretty normal in pizzerias. However, avoid doing this in high-end restaurants. In such places, opting for tasting menus might be a better idea, as they offer a variety of small portions for everyone to enjoy.

How to order a glass of wine in Italian?

Red, white, or rosé?

To order a glass of wine in Italian at a restaurant in Rome, you can simply say, “A glass of red wine, please” or “A glass of white wine.”

If you want to sound more Italian, you can refer to the wine by its color: “A glass of red” or “A glass of white, please.”

Recently, it has also become common to order “rosé” wine. A few years ago, it might have seemed a bit eccentric or less knowledgeable. Today, however, it’s considered an original and perfectly valid choice.

Local wines

Most restaurants and trattorias offer a wide selection of wines, particularly wines from Lazio but not exclusively.
The region is often associated with white wines. Frascati is very popular, especially the Frascati Superiore. This wine takes its name from the town of the same name in the “Roman Castles,” or the hills near the capital. Other notable Lazio whites include Grechetto, Bellone, and Passerina, as well as Malvasia, which has a sweeter and fruitier flavor.

Red wines are also produced near Rome, with Cesanese standing out, especially in its Cesanese Comune and Cesanese d’Affile varieties.

Choosing the right wine

Many restaurants provide a wine list along with the menu. If you’re not very knowledgeable, you can ask the waiter for advice. They’ll ask you a few simple questions to understand your preferences and suggest a suitable wine, often based on your food. Just be careful not to let them upsell you the priciest bottle on the list!

If you’re not picky but just want a decent glass of wine to pair with your meal, you can order the “house wine”. This is a table wine that restaurants and trattorias purchase from a trusted supplier and usually serve on tap, either in a carafe or by the glass.

If you’re not dining but just want to enjoy a good glass of wine, perhaps as an aperitif or for a tasting, Rome offers a wide range of wine bars, locally known as “vinerie.” These establishments often have an even larger and more complex wine selection, and the staff are usually highly knowledgeable and happy to help you choose.

Pairing wine with food

The general rule for pairing wine has always been more or less: red wine with meat, cheese, or flavorful main courses; white wine with fish and lighter dishes. However, this rule is flexible. In fact, breaking it can be fun because the combinations are endless.

With desserts, sparkling white wines like prosecco or moscato are preferred (the former is drier, the latter sweeter). Italians sometimes refer to sparkling wines with the endearing term “bollicine.”

These are just general guidelines. Italy is a country where wine represents an endless universe. Even in the smallest wine shop, you’ll find wines from all over Italy and beyond. When in doubt, enjoy trying them—but always in moderation.

Are there places in Rome open late at night?

Rome is a city where nightlife thrives. Especially in summer, Rome at night is stunning, and the historic center buzzes with activity until late.

Finding restaurants serving food late isn’t a problem. It’s even easier to find kiosks and fast-food spots open into the late evening and beyond.

Bars, breweries, wine bars, and pubs often stay open until 2 a.m. After that, you’ll find various cocktail bars and clubs, where you can enjoy drinks and often live music.

If hunger strikes late at night, it’s not hard to follow the aroma of a bakery offering freshly baked cornetti (somewhat similar but sweeter than croissants).

Of course, like in many big cities, nightlife sometimes comes with challenges. Authorities aim to manage “rowdy nightlife,” for example, by banning street drinking after midnight. Be mindful of fines.

With a bit of caution and moderation, you can have a great time in Rome at night without much risk.

Now, are you wondering what’s the smartest and most fun way to experience Rome by night?
A guided sidecar night tour lets you admire the capital in a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.

What’s the difference between a restaurant, trattoria, and osteria?

The distinctions between restaurants, trattorias, and osterias are no longer as clear-cut as they once were and are becoming increasingly blurred. One reason is that these types of establishments influence each other. Another is the appeal of traditional names. Calling a refined and pricey place an “osteria” is often a way to make it seem more cool.

However, traditionally, these terms refer to three distinct types of venues:

Trattoria: A trattoria typically serves traditional dishes, often run by families, offering kind but informal service. It’s like a casual version of a restaurant. It used to be where middle- or lower-class Romans would occasionally dine. Over time, trattorias have become the true guardians of Roman cuisine. Today, dining in a trattoria is seen as a love for good food and tradition, not as a sign of modest means.

Restaurant: A restaurant is a step up from a trattoria, not necessarily in food quality but in decor, service, variety of dishes (both traditional and innovative), and wine selection. Prices are generally higher, and restaurants were traditionally reserved for special occasions.

Osteria: Originally, osterias were akin to what later became bars—places primarily for drinking. Simple homemade food was also available, mainly as an accompaniment to wine. For a long time, the osteria was a central gathering spot, a place for discussion, exchanging ideas, and even conducting business. It was also a place for dancing and enjoying folk music like the famous Roman “stornelli,” humorous and playful songs.

Nowadays, as mentioned, these differences are less pronounced. You can easily find an elegant restaurant calling itself a trattoria or wine bars labeling themselves osterias. So, when choosing a place, don’t focus solely on the name but consider the venue’s atmosphere, clientele, and prices.

When in doubt, ask someone who knows the city well. The guides at Sidecar Tour in Rome will provide all the helpful tips on where to enjoy a delightful culinary experience!