13 Restaurant Faux Pas in Italy [Food Guide Reveals All]

Join me, a seasoned food tour guide in Italy, as I delve into the common mistakes tourists make when dining in this culinary paradise:
From understanding the local dining etiquette to avoiding tourist traps, this video is packed with tips to help you eat like a local and enhance your Italian travel experience.
Whether you're planning a trip or are already here, learn how to navigate Italian restaurants, what to order, and how to blend in seamlessly with the locals.
00:00 Intro
00:58 Bread & Oil
01:55 False Friends
02:39 Restaurant Selection
06:03 Overplan
06:57 Table Math
08:33 Al Banco o Al Tavolo?
09:50 Tap Water
10:52 Attire
11:45 BYOB
12:53 BYOG
14:56 Eat in Crowds
15:44 Disrespect Il Caffè
17:05 Spritz & Dinner
18:02 Afternoon Cappuccino?
19:26 The Pineapple Pizza?
20:29 Travel Without Travelling
Follow me on Instagram @sebastian.messinger

[@CliveN-yr1gv]

Oh! That Aussie impersonation .... priceless and very good! Why Aussies and Kiwis get so precious about their coffee is anyone's guess. Yes - it's nice, usually. But I'm with you about Italian coffee. And if you get some Aussies and Kiwis on the same tour, ask them who invented the 'flat white'. The results are worth a video in themselves.

[@sebastianmessinger]

Thanks, I get my fair share of immersion in that accent. So is this similar to the pavlova origins?

[@CliveN-yr1gv]

Yes. The sacred Pav. Beloved at Christmas. But is it Kiwi or Aussie? Arguments abound. But i know where i stand. Kia ora mate 😁👍🏽

[@cn_esthetique]

I’ve been dreaming of going to Italy for the last 16 years! (Yes I know it’s been a while!) My godmother was married to a kind Italian man. May God have his soul. This video was very interesting! And I’m here thanks to Victoria!

[@sebastianmessinger]

Time to make that dream a reality. It’s a wonderful place. Especially when you go during the quieter months. Thanks for sharing :)

[@dalecox9919]

Hi Seb very pleased to see you break out the Vegemite, but didn’t spot the duck anywhere 😂

[@sebastianmessinger]

Ahaha so good to hear from you Dale. That duck is living happy in and around my bathtub and may wander out during a future video 🐥😂 Hope you’re well!

[@VictoriaCharlton]

J’aurais probablement tout fait ça dans mon prochain voyage 😂😂

[@sebastianmessinger]

BYOM Bring Your Own Monster 😂

[@sts0868]

Again, great video! I had to laugh about the BYOB and BYOG. Can you imagine? I once led a group of 12 Thai people through Frankfurt. First thing for breakfast, we hit the "Kleinmarkthalle" to buy some snacks, fruits, etc. Later, we went to a restaurant for lunch. Guess what? All my lovely Thai friends pulled out their snacks and half-empty PET bottles right there and started munching and sipping away. The crazy part? They didn't get it when I told them it's a no-no. The waiter had to tell them three times to stop. OMG, I was so embarrassed! So you asked wher BYOB and BYOF is no problem? I know you already know it - in Thailand its no big deal if its not a fine dining restaurant ;-)

[@sebastianmessinger]

What a nightmare ! I’m so sorry to hear that story. I had absolutely no idea that this was acceptable in Thailand. Like, you could literally bring a 7/11 toastie to the restaurant without them caring??

[@sts0868]

@@sebastianmessinger Thai people usually have no problem with this (well, except in fine dining or higher-class restaurants) - but as a European, I would never dare to do it. Sometimes, you can see street food vendors on their "Saleng," a Motorcycle Street Food Cart, selling their Thai food directly to people sitting in the outdoor area of a restaurant.

[@stephlynette9927]

I actually enjoyed the coffee when I was there Seb! But Melbourne does have really good coffee 🤣

[@sebastianmessinger]

Exactly ! That’s because you’re an open minded traveller Steph. Both can be different yet enjoyable. ☕️

[@mfw4263]

You are spot on

[@sebastianmessinger]

Grazie

[@ermishatziantoniou5113]

Pizza can have any topping as long as it respects the purity and quality of ingredients and supports a distinct harmonic flavour to keep your thoughts spinning of wanting another slice made in a beautiful artisan way .

[@sebastianmessinger]

I wish I could reupload the video and include this as the conclusion. Very well said.

[@ermishatziantoniou5113]

@@sebastianmessinger your comment is an honor . Thank you

[@skepsisftw]

Hey! Italian here (just as context :D) Nice video :) Peperoni is Peppers, not chilly :) Pepper is bigger and almost sweer while chilly (peperoncino) is smaller and spicy. Beside that everything else seems accurate!

[@sebastianmessinger]

Glad you were paying attention and everything else seems legit :) Do I get the DOCG?

[@sts0868]

Yes, folks, step away from the big attractions and monuments, and your bill will magically shrink by 50%! I was once shocked to pay less for a coffee, panini, and cola in Venice than I did in Frankfurt on the "Fressgass." And I really just walked around a couple of alleyways around the corner. Who knew escaping the tourist traps could be so good for the wallet?

[@sebastianmessinger]

The best treasures are usually hidden :)

[@WalkingDeer2349]

Such a good video

[@sebastianmessinger]

Thanks 🙏

[@CliveN-yr1gv]

Awesome video. Some useful, as well as very funny observations. But pineapple on pizza? I think not!

[@sebastianmessinger]

I’ve seen it on menus in Italy but at the price of 100€ 🤣

[@sarahk78]

Can you make a short version for our welcome meetings? 😅

[@sebastianmessinger]

You can make the resume 😁

[@CliveN-yr1gv]

As for Vegemite - nah, mate. You want Marmite!

[@noemie9904]

Pour la carafe c’est que l’eau a pas bon goût en Italie non ? Au moins l’eau en bouteille est moins chère qu’en France.

[@sebastianmessinger]

Effectivement pour le gout! Quel luxe en Amérique, les gens se font automatiquement servir de la bonne eau fraîche au restaurant. Mais rien ne bat le Perrier français :)