Roma Eating: Avoid hidden charges

It is easy to get enticed by the friendly, persuasive nature of the Italian server. They know all the tricks to charm you into eating at their ristorante or pizzeria. Even when trying to avoid "tourist trap" eateries it is sometimes a challenge when you are tired and hungry. One good thing to know is that by choosing something like a panini or slice of pizza and not eating at the establishment can save you the "bread charge" of about 1-4 euro. Sometimes the charge is just for sitting and you do not even get bread! Today, I went to lunch and paid 17 euro for a slice of pizza and a Fanta orange soda just because my friends and I wanted to sit and relax. I much prefer grabbing a fresh panini or sandwhich (like the one pictured above) and relaxing in a piazza or shaded area. Buon appetito!