Italian tap water is sometimes heavily chlorinated so it is best to drink bottled water. Mineral water is available in all flavors: gassata (bubbly), naturale (non-bubbly), and semi-gassata like Ferrarelle (somewhere in between).
Italians usually order their food as it is on the menu, seldom making special requests such as "hold the mayo".
Spaghetti, virtually the national food of Italy, should be eaten with a fork rolled against the dish. Use a spoon if you must, but cutting your food up into little pieces is considered tacky.
Cappuccino and 'cornetto' is the standard breakfast in Italy - forget sausages, eggs, and etc .
Don't wait for the check you must ask for it.
Tipping is done with cash. 'Servizio' is included but a small tip is always appreciated.
Restaurants usually expect you to order two courses, not counting dessert. But usually you're free to order as much as you want.
If you want a quick bite, stop at a pizzeria.
Breakfast is usually served from 7 am to 10:30 am, lunch from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, and dinner from 7:30 pm to 10 pm. Peak lunch and dinner hours are 1pm and 9 pm.
There are few restrictions on alcohol. It can be purchased 6am-3am on any day. Minimum drinking age is officially 16 but it is never enforced. Italians often start drinking wine mixed with water in their early teens, if not younger.
Italian drinks are almost always shaken not blended. Mixed drinks are also very popular.
If you want ice in your drink you have to ask for it.
Children's menus are almost unheard except in tourist areas. You must ask for a half portion.
Business lunches are more common than working dinners.