Some tips about restaurants in Romania! Restaurants in small towns are usually social places where people go to have drinks and discuss politics or business. Meat might be unavoidable in such restaurants and menus are usually based on pork, beef or chicken. In small towns locals do not usually eat in restaurants because, traditionally, Romanian women cook almost every day. Homemade dishes are a world apart, so if invited to have lunch or dinner with a Romanian family, do not miss the opportunity. As in most countries, independent restaurants tend to be better than hotel restaurants so do not hesitate to visit smaller, privately owned restaurants. In some regions of Romania, and especially in Transylvania, some dishes may be prepared with more fat than you might usually use. Instead of having a heavy (meat) dish for lunch, try some delicious Romanian cheese and vegetables, especially during the warm summers. Salads are usually a side order, which comes with most entrees, especially steaks. Prices listed on restaurant menus are per serving and include all taxes and service charge. However, some restaurants might post prices per 50 g or 100 g (1.75oz. or 3.5 oz.) while the actual serving can be up to 300 grams (12 oz.). If not stated clearly on the menu, check with the waiter and make sure that you are specific when you order. A few waiters may try to charge unsuspecting customers extra, claiming that the serving quantity was twice the quantity listed on the menu. Typically, each food item (except bread) is ordered (and charged for) individually, right down to the butter. If you don't want bread, say so or it will be brought to your table and added to your bill. Most restaurants only serve wine by the bottle. When serving the wine the waiter will usually ask you if you would like a little bit of sparkling mineral water to be added to your wine. Wine mixed with mineral water ("șpriț") is very popular during summer. Hot wine (Muled wine)— with sugar and cinnamon — ("vin fiert") is "the recommended drink" for cold winter days. For something stronger try hot plum brandy ("tuică fiartă") — hot plum brandy with sugar and peppercorn. Your glass of water or soft drink will not be served with ice unless specifically requested. Restaurants do not usually have a non-smoking section.