One of the greatest joys of visiting Italy is indulging in its world-famous cuisine – fresh pasta, perfect espresso, local wine, and decadent desserts served in charming trattorias and bustling piazzas. While many restaurants in tourist areas speak some English, knowing a few key Italian phrases can help to enrich your experience, show respect for local culture, and allow things to go much more smoothly.
Getting Seated
- When you arrive, greet the host with a friendly “Buongiorno” (bwohn-JOHR-noh) – good day, or “Buonasera” (bwoh-nah-SEH-rah) – good evening.
- If you don’t have a reservation: “Un tavolo per due, per favore.” (oon TAH-voh-loh pehr DOO-eh, pehr fah-VOH-reh) -A table for two, please.
- If you do have a reservation: “Abbiamo una prenotazione.” (ahb-BYAH-moh OO-nah preh-noh-tah-TSYOH-neh) – We have a reservation.
Ordering Food and Drinks
- Your server may ask: “Cosa desidera?” (KOH-sah deh-ZEE-deh-rah) – What would you like? or “Cosa prende?” (KOH-sah PREHN-deh) – What will you have?
Possible responses include:
- “Vorrei…” (vohr-RAY) – I would like…
- “Per me…” (pehr meh) – For me…
To ask for recommendations:
- “Cosa consiglia?” (KOH-sah con-SEE-lyah) – What do you recommend?
- “Qual è la specialità della casa?” (kwal EH lah speh-tsyah-lee-TAH DEL-lah KAH-zah) – What is the house specialty?
To ask for water:
- “Vorrei un’acqua naturale, per favore.” – I would like still water, please.
- “Vorrei un’acqua frizzante, per favore.” – I would like sparkling water (Acqua frizzante), please.
To ask for bread:
- “Per favore, possiamo avere un pezzo di pane?” – Please, may we have a piece of bread?
- “Che possiamo avere del pane in più, per favore?” – May we have some more bread, please?
Understanding the Menu
Italian menus are typically divided into:
- Antipasti (ahn-tee-PAH-stee) – appetizers
- Primi (PREE-mee) – first course (pasta, risotto, soup)
- Secondi (seh-KOHN-dee) – main course (meat or fish)
- Contorni (con-TOR-nee) – side dishes
- Dolci (DOHL-chee) – desserts
- Bevande (beh-VAHN-deh) – drinks
For dietary needs:
- “Sono vegetariano/a.” (SOH-noh veh-jeh-tah-ree-AH-noh / -nah) – I’m vegetarian.
- “Non posso mangiare…” (non POHS-soh mahn-JAH-reh) – I can’t eat…
During the Meal
To complement the food:
- “È delizioso!” (eh deh-leet-TSYOH-zoh) – It’s delicious!
- “Complimenti al cuoco!” (com-plee-MEN-tee ahl KWOH-koh) – Compliments to the chef!
Need something? Try:
“Mi scusi.” (mee SKOO-zee) – Excuse me.
“Può portarmi…?” (pwoh por-TAR-mee) – Can you bring me…?
Paying the Bill
NOTES: Typically, you will not be brought a bill until you request one. Tipping is appreciated but not required; rounding up or leaving a couple euros is common.
When you’re ready to pay:
- “Il conto, per favore.” (eel KON-toh pehr fah-VOH-reh) – The bill, please.
To ask about card payment:
- “Posso pagare con la carta?” (POHS-soh pah-GAH-reh con lah KAR-tah) – Can I pay with a card?
Even a few simple phrases can go a long way in making your dining experiences in Italy more enjoyable and immersive. Italians appreciate the effort, and you will likely be met with warm smiles and hospitality. So practice a few words, increase your appetite, and experience Italy one delicious bite at a time!
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Do you learn phrases in the local language prior to travelling to another country? Let us know in the comments!
