When you plan a trip to Italy, there is a seemingly endless amount of things to do and see, no matter which region you're visiting. But let's be real: everyone knows that the number one thing to do is to eat. Italy is known for its delicious food, cheap wine, and incredible restaurants. Do you really need to be reminded about the fresh pasta, the authentic pizza, and the creamy gelato? Before you go out to eat in Italy, though, you should know one thing: there are a lot of differences between restaurants in Italy and in America.

It's not just about the quality of the food (which is better in Italy; I'm sorry America!), but it's also about small cultural differences that are probably going to catch you off guard if you've never been there before. I just returned from my first trip to Italy (I am now obligated to bring this up as much as possible), and while I was there, I found myself constantly surprised by the experiences I had when going out to eat.