The Unspoken Rule Tourists Should Know When Ordering Pizza In Italy

You might think you're a pizza aficionado who knows just the perfect wine to pair with your pizza back home — until you get to a restaurant in Italy and realize that things are a little different there. Let's say you're in a cozy pizzeria in Naples (widely known as the birthplace of pizza itself); then you order a classic Margherita, and when the waiter asks what you'd like to drink, you give a knowing smile. There and then, you confidently spill the words: "a glass of red wine, please." But instead of a smile from the waiter, you notice a look of surprise, a raised eyebrow, or even a smirk. You may not realize the problem, but you've simply announced yourself as a tourist, unknowingly giving yourself up for tourist traps you should ordinarily avoid.

In Italy, it isn't traditional to take wine with pizza. The dining culture in Italy typically associates wine with more formal meals, while pizza is mostly seen as a casual food. So, when you order wine alongside your pizza, it's more like you're breaking an unspoken rule or dining etiquette. And, of course, blending in is important if you want to avoid "special" tourist treatments, which could mean overpriced goods, inflated service charges, or even the attention of pickpockets and bag snatchers. As such, apart from being careful in the way you present yourself and other tourist-announcing habits, it might also help to stay aware of any dining etiquette rules tourists tend to break in Italy.

Since wine isn't the go-to drink for pizza among Italian locals, there have to be alternatives, right? Absolutely. In most Italian cities, one thing you'll most likely notice on the tables of locals eating pizza is beer, as it is a popular and widely accepted option. With a crisp lager or light pilsner, you have just the right drink to make an enjoyable combo with your mozzarella and tomato sauce. For tourists who might not want to drink beer, there are other options like sparkling water and soda (such as Coca-Cola), which would also help you blend in.

Interestingly, there's some science behind this unspoken rule: Carbonated drinks, like soda, beer, and even mineral water, can have stimulating effects on the oesophagus, soothing the stomach and easing digestion. Research work published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information indicated that carbonated water helps with indigestion and constipation. Still, this doesn't necessarily mean no one ever drinks wine with pizza in Italy. It's possible to find Italians choosing specific kinds of wine based on the ingredients of the pizza, especially in artisan or gourmet pizza spots. So, even when they opt for wine, there's a practical tilt to it. But all the same, staying away from wine remains your safest bet to camouflage your tourist status.

Apart from being mindful of the kinds of drinks you should or shouldn't order, it's equally important to pay attention to the way you start or end your pizza feast, especially at the best authentic restaurants available in Italy. On a general note, politely greeting the waiter first is customary in Italy, after which you'd be directed to your table.

One common thing in traditional pizzerias is that pizza is often served whole rather than sliced. Likewise, it's meant for one person, and you're expected to finish it or go home without the leftovers. Also, locals often eat pizza with a knife and fork. So you should absolutely avoid diving straight in with your hands from the beginning, as that could pass off as sloppy; moreover, it'd be served hot. You may, however, fold a slice and use your hands once you're halfway through. Another essential thing to note is that Italians often have a long meal, so take your time when eating. Finally, do not make the mistake of choosing typical American toppings that teeter on unique, as that would also sell you out as a tourist.