Skip to content
WhatTheTip

Cafés · Italy

Do you tip at cafés in Italy?

Short answer

10–20 cents

Drop a coin in the dish at the bar, or nothing at all.

OptionalCash preferred

An espresso at the counter costs around a euro and nobody expects a tip. Leaving 10–20 cents in the little dish by the register is a common local habit, particularly if you are a regular.

Cash or card?

Card machines rarely prompt for a tip, and adding one to a card payment is unusual. Leave cash if you want to tip.

Common questions

Do you tip at cafés in Italy?
Drop a coin in the dish at the bar, or nothing at all. An espresso at the counter costs around a euro and nobody expects a tip. Leaving 10–20 cents in the little dish by the register is a common local habit, particularly if you are a regular.
How much should you tip in cafés in Italy?
10–20 cents. Drop a coin in the dish at the bar, or nothing at all.
Can you tip by card in Italy?
Card machines rarely prompt for a tip, and adding one to a card payment is unusual. Leave cash if you want to tip.

← Full tipping guide for Italy

Editorial review pending. These figures reflect widely reported norms for Italy and have not yet been checked against cited sources.