Italy is a food lover’s paradise, and dining in an authentic Italian restaurant is an experience you don’t want to miss. However, if you don’t speak Italian, navigating a menu or ordering food might feel a little intimidating.
To help you enjoy your meals with confidence, here are some essential Italian phrases to use at restaurants during your travels in Italy!
1. Getting a Table
Before you even start ordering, you’ll need to ask for a table. Here’s how to do it:
🍽️ Do you have a table for two?
👉 Avete un tavolo per due?
🍽️ I have a reservation under [your name].
👉 Ho una prenotazione a nome di [tuo nome].
🍽️ Can we sit outside?
👉 Possiamo sederci fuori?
2. Understanding the Menu
Menus in Italy can be slightly different from what you’re used to. Here are some key sections:
- Antipasti (Appetizers)
- Primi piatti (First courses – usually pasta, risotto, or soup)
- Secondi piatti (Second courses – meat or fish)
- Contorni (Side dishes)
- Dolci (Desserts)
If you need help choosing, you can ask:
📖 What do you recommend?
👉 Cosa mi consiglia?
📖 What is the dish of the day?
👉 Qual è il piatto del giorno?
📖 What is this dish made of?
👉 Di cosa è fatto questo piatto?
📖 Do you have vegetarian options?
👉 Avete piatti vegetariani?
📖 Do you have gluten-free dishes?
👉 Avete piatti senza glutine?
3. Ordering Food and Drinks
Now it’s time to place your order!
🍷 I would like a glass of red wine.
👉 Vorrei un bicchiere di vino rosso.
🍝 I’ll have the spaghetti carbonara.
👉 Prendo gli spaghetti alla carbonara.
🥩 Can I have my steak medium-rare?
👉 Posso avere la bistecca al sangue?
🍹 Can I see the wine list?
👉 Posso vedere la carta dei vini?
🥖 Can we get some more bread?
👉 Possiamo avere un po’ più di pane?
☕ Can I have an espresso?
👉 Posso avere un caffè? (Note: In Italy, “caffè” means espresso. If you want an American-style coffee, ask for caffè americano.)
4. Asking for the Bill and Tipping
Unlike in some countries, the bill is not automatically brought to your table in Italy. You need to ask for it.
💶 Can I have the bill, please?
👉 Il conto, per favore.
💳 Can I pay by card?
👉 Posso pagare con la carta?
💰 Do I need to leave a tip?
👉 Devo lasciare la mancia? (Tipping is not obligatory in Italy, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.)
Final Tips for Dining in Italy
✅ Wait for the waiter – Unlike in some countries, waving down a waiter is considered rude. Instead, make eye contact or slightly raise your hand.
✅ Don’t rush – Meals in Italy are meant to be enjoyed. Restaurants won’t bring the check until you ask for it.
✅ Water isn’t free – Tap water is rarely served in restaurants. You’ll need to order still (acqua naturale) or sparkling (acqua frizzante) water.
✅ Cappuccino after lunch? No way! – Italians only drink cappuccino in the morning. If you order one after lunch, you might get some funny looks!
Enjoy Your Italian Dining Experience!
Learning a few basic Italian phrases will make your restaurant experience much smoother—and more enjoyable! So, next time you’re in Italy, try using these expressions and embrace the local dining culture.
🇮🇹 Buon appetito! (Enjoy your meal!)
🍽️ Have you ever dined in Italy? Share your experience in the comments below!