Insider Info · Culture

Etiquette & Culture

Understanding Italian customs goes a long way. Torinese culture blends northern Italian reserve with a deep pride in craftsmanship, cuisine and football. Here's what you need to know.

Greetings & Social Norms

Always greet with 'Buongiorno' (good morning/day) or 'Buonasera' (good evening) — it's expected and appreciated.
Italians often greet friends with a kiss on both cheeks — start with the left cheek.
Formal address ('Lei') is used with strangers and older people — switch to 'tu' only when invited.
Eye contact during conversation is considered respectful and sincere.
Punctuality is more relaxed than in northern Europe — being 10–15 minutes late is acceptable socially.

Dress Code

Italians dress more formally than most northern Europeans — 'la bella figura' (making a good impression) matters.
Avoid wearing athletic wear or beachwear in restaurants, churches or shops.
Smart casual is appropriate for most restaurants; high-end venues expect a more dressed-up look.
Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches — a scarf works perfectly.

Dining Etiquette

Wait to be seated — don't just sit at any table in a restaurant.
Bread is often served without butter — it's meant for wiping your plate (la scarpetta), not as a starter.
Never ask for parmesan on seafood pasta — it's considered a culinary faux pas.
Cappuccino is a breakfast drink only — ordering one after lunch will raise eyebrows.
The bill ('il conto') won't come until you ask — this is not rudeness, it's respect for your time.
Splitting the bill ('fare alla romana') is common among friends, less expected in formal settings.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy — service is included in most restaurant bills.
Rounding up or leaving €1–2 for a coffee or snack is a kind gesture.
In restaurants, 5–10% tip for excellent service is appreciated but never obligatory.
Tip in cash directly to the server, not on the card machine.

In Cafés & Bars

Standing at the bar is the local way — and cheaper. Sitting at a table often adds a 'servizio' surcharge.
Order at the counter, pay first, then hand your receipt to the barista.
A 'caffè' means espresso — specify if you want anything different.
The aperitivo ritual (5–7pm) is sacred: order a drink and enjoy the free food spread.

General Culture

Museums are typically closed on Mondays — plan accordingly.
Shops often close from 1–3pm for lunch — this is still common outside the main shopping streets.
Noise levels are generally lower in residential areas after 10pm — be mindful.
Football (calcio) is a religion — Juventus is a source of enormous local pride.
Torinese people are known for being slightly reserved compared to southern Italians — don't mistake this for coldness.