Italian Phrases and Words to Use at a Restaurant in Italy 

On this page, you will find a list of sentences that will make your life easier when you’re at a restaurant in Italy.

Before going through the list, you might also want to know that it is customary to be seated or make a reservation, especially on weekends.

Tipping in Italy 

When it comes to paying, unlike many other countries, a tip is not expected because it is included in the bill under the voice “coperto.” However, if the service was excellent, you can leave a tip to show your satisfaction.

Types of restaurants in Italy 

There are mainly fou different types of restaurants, in Italy:

1. Ristorante: This is a place where you can expect full service, a touch of gourmet, a professional staff, and higher prices. It’s the place to experience more sophisticated food. The atmosphere should also be more sophisticated.

2. Trattoria: Less pricey and less formal than a restaurant, a trattoria is usually a family-owned business. It’s the place to enjoy traditional and comforting Italian food. The atmosphere is usually rustic.

3. Pizzeria: In Italy, a pizzeria works just like any other restaurant. You make a reservation for a table and then order from the menu. Often, antipasti are also served.

4. Rosticceria (mainly in the South of Italy): This is an informal takeaway place with few or no tables, where Italians love to buy ready-to-eat comfort fried food such as arancini, calzoni, mozzarelle in carrozza, and the likes.

Reserving a table on the phone (Prenotare un tavolo al telefono)

Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per… – I would like to book at table for…

• domani sera alle 19 – tomorrow night at 7 pm

• domani a mezzogiorno  – tomorrow at midday

• domani alle 13  – tomorrow at 1 pm 

• il 27 aprile alle 20

The person on the other end of the phone might also ask you:

• Per quante persone? – for how many people? 
• Mi lascia un recapito telefonico? – can you leve with me your phone number?
• Il suo nome per favore? – your name, please

 At the restaurant (al ristorante) 

• Posso avere il menù? –  Can I have the menu? 
• Posso vedere il menù? –  Can I see the menu? 
• Potrei avere la carta dei vini? –  Could I have the wine list?
• Potrei avere il menù dei dolci?  – Could I have the dessert menu?
• Avete un menù per bambini? –  Do you have a children’s menu?
• Avete un menù del giorno? –  Do you have a daily menu?
• Qual è il piatto del giorno? –  What is the dish of the day?
• Sul menù c’è ‘un antipasto della casa’, che cos’è? – On the menu I read ‘Antipasto della casa’, what is it?

Ordinare (Ordering) 

Per me / Prendo / Vorrei… (I’ll have)

Per cominciare, prendo… (to start with, I’ll have)

Come antipasto, prendo… (as a starters, I’ll have)

Come primo, prendo… (as first course, I’ll have)

Come secondo, prendo… (as first course, I’ll have)

• Una porzione di… (a portion of)
• Un piatto di.. (a dish of)
• Una fetta di.. (a slice of)
• Un pezzo di.. (a piece of)

How to order meat in Italian 

If the waiter asks you “Come preferisce la cottura della carne,”? (How would you like your meat cooked?), you should answer like this:

• (carne) al sangue – rare meat
• (carne) poco cotta  – medium rare
• (carne) ben cotta  – well-done meat

Asking questions to the waiters 

Scusi, mi può portare (del pane? Una bottiglia d’acqua? Dell’olio? ) – Excuse-me, could I have some…(bread? A bottle of water? Some olive oil?)

Cosa mi consiglia? – What would you recommend me? 

Cosa ci consigliate? – What would you recommend us? 

Sono allergico (or allergica) – I am allergic..

• ai latticini – to dairy products 
• al glutine – gluten 

Sono vegetariano – I am a vegetarian 

Sono vegano – I am a vegan

Non mangio carne di maiale  – I don’t eat pork

Questions a waiter might ask you 

• Siete pronti per ordinare? – Are you ready to order?
• Avete già prenotato? – Have you reserved a table?
• Posso portarvi da bere? – Can I get you something to drink?
• L’acqua gasata o naturale? – The water sparkling or still?
• Ha qualche allergia/intolleranza? – Do you have any allergies/intolerances?

Complaints (lamentele)

• La pizza è bruciata – the pizza is burned
• L’insalata è scondita – the salad is undressed
• La zuppa è fredda – the salad is cold
• La pasta è fredda – the pasta is cold
• C’è ancora molto da aspettare? – is our food long?
• Stiamo aspettando da troppo tempo – we are waiting too long

Pagare e il conto (paying and the bill)

Il conto, per favore – The bill, please

Paga in contanti o con carta? – Do you pay cash or by card?

Pagate insieme o separatamente? – Do you pay all together or separately?

Posso pagare con carta di credito? – Can I pay by credit card?

Dividiamo il conto  – Les’s split it

Cosa che potresti sentire in un ristorante 

• Posso offrirle un caffè o un amaro? – Can I buy you an espresso or a liquor?
• Il pranzo /la cena è di vostro gradimento? – Did you like the meal?
• Tutto apposto? – Was everything alright?
• Vuole qualcos’altro? No grazie – Do you want anything else?