Savor the Flavors: Ordering Food & Drinks in Italian Restaurants Made Easy
Order food and drinks in Italian restaurants with ease!
To order food and drinks at an Italian restaurant, some key phrases and etiquette help to communicate smoothly and respectfully.
Basic Phrases to Get Started
- To ask if someone speaks English: Parla inglese?
- To say “I don’t speak Italian”: Non parlo italiano
- To ask for the menu: Possiamo vedere il menu, per favore?
- To ask if there’s an English menu: Hai un menu inglese?
Ordering Drinks
- To order, start with Vorrei… (I would like…)
- Examples:
- Vorrei una birra, per favore — I would like a beer, please
- Un bicchiere di vino rosso — A glass of red wine
- Acqua naturale — Still water
- Acqua con gas — Sparkling water
Ordering Food
- Use Vorrei… or Prendo… (I’ll have…) followed by the dish name.
- If unsure how to pronounce, point and say: Prendo questo (I’ll have this).
- To get the waiter’s attention: Scusi! (Excuse me!)
- Some useful expressions:
- Qual è la specialità della casa? — What is the house specialty?
- Cosa mi consiglia? — What do you recommend?
- Avete piatti per bambini? — Do you have children’s portions?
- È inclusa l’insalata? — Is salad included?
After the Meal
- To ask for the bill: Il conto, per favore.
- To pay by card: Posso pagare con carta di credito?
Polite Expressions
- Please — Per favore
- Thank you — Grazie
- You’re welcome — Prego
These phrases cover the essential steps of dining out in an Italian restaurant, from arriving and ordering to paying the bill, helping ensure a pleasant experience while embracing the local language and customs.