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Common Italian phrases for ordering food in restaurants

Learn Essential Italian Phrases for Your Italian Journey: Common Italian phrases for ordering food in restaurants
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Here are common Italian phrases for ordering food in restaurants:

  • To ask if they have something: “Hai _____?”
  • I’ll have/I’d like: “Avrò _____.” or “Vorrei _____.”
  • What is the house specialty?: “Qual è la specialità della casa?”
  • May we have a few more minutes?: “Potremmo avere ancora qualche minuto?”
  • What comes with that?: “Cosa ne deriva?”
  • Is salad included?: “È inclusa l’insalata?”
  • What is the special of the day?: “Qual’è il piatto del giorno?”
  • What do you recommend?: “Cosa raccomanda lei?”
  • Do you have children’s portions?: “Hai le porzioni dei bambini?”
  • May we have some more bread, please?: “Che possiamo avere del pane in più, per favore?”
  • Is it hot or cold?: “Fa caldo o freddo?”
  • A little more please: “Ancora un po’, grazie.”
  • Enough, thank you: “Basta, grazie.”

For ordering the dish, the verb to use is “prendere” (to take). For example:

  • I take/I’ll have the ravioli: “Prendo i ravioli.”
  • Or simply point and say: “Prendo questo.” (I’ll have this.)

Politeness is shown with “per favore” (please) and “grazie” (thank you). It’s common to ask for recommendations and special dishes. When finished, ask for the bill with:

  • The bill, please: “Il conto, per favore.”

These phrases will help to order like a local in an Italian restaurant.

References

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