Walking into an Italian restaurant in Italy for the first time can feel both exhilarating and a little bit scary. The Italian dining experience can look like a carefully arranged and very internal performance to an outsider.

From knowing when a double espresso is appropriate, to what the various headlines on the menu stand for, understanding some of the basic customs of dining in Italy will help you feel more confident on your trip – and give you an edge when it comes to finding secret restaurant gems and regional dishes you should taste.