If you think that you have to pay only for food in restaurants, then your illusion will definitely be broken by going to Italy. When you order food in restaurants here, a separate section is added to the bill called coparto. This is not a tip or tax, but a charge for the table, plate and cutlery that is placed in front of you.

Coperto is an Italian word which means cover charge. This is a traditional fee charged in almost every Italian restaurant. Do not consider this as a service charge, because it is not a waiter’s tip. This fee covers the cost of amenities such as tablecloth, bread, spoons, knives, plates and sometimes water glasses placed on the table.

This fee usually ranges between €1.50 to €3.00 (approximately Rs 135 to 270) per person. But in some premium restaurants or tourist places this charge can reach up to €5.

Interestingly, in many places this is already written in small print on the menu, so that customers are aware that this additional charge will be included.

There is a practical reason behind this tradition that has been going on since medieval times. In olden times, customers brought their own food but used the restaurant’s utensils and tables.

Coparto charge was started in exchange for this facility. Over time, this became a cultural tradition, which still persists in many areas today. Coparto is not an optional fee. This is part of restaurant policy, so customers can’t refuse it.

However, if a restaurant has not made this clear on the menu, you can file a complaint, as Italian law requires Coperto to tell Coperto in advance.