A1Italian

Ordering at a Restaurant

These everyday phrases will help you comfortably get a table, order your meal, and ask for recommendations in an Italian restaurant.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking for a table

C'è un tavolo per due?

neutral

Is there a table for two?

Asking for the menu

Il menù, per favore.

neutral

The menu, please.

Asking for an English menu

C'è un menù in inglese?

neutral

Is there a menu in English?

A very useful phrase if you are just starting to learn Italian.

Asking for recommendations · 2 ways to say it

Qual è il piatto del giorno?

neutral

What is the dish of the day?

A simple, standard way to ask for the daily special.

Cosa c'è di buono oggi?

casual

What's good today?

A friendly, natural way to ask the waiter for advice.

Ordering food · 2 ways to say it

Prendo gli spaghetti.

neutral

I'll have the spaghetti.

Since 'I would like' requires advanced grammar, Italians naturally use the present tense 'prendo' (I take) to order.

Per me, la pizza.

casual

For me, the pizza.

Very common and direct, especially when ordering in a group.

Ordering a starter

Per antipasto, prendo i crostini.

neutral

For a starter, I'll have the crostini.

Ordering a drink · 2 ways to say it

Prendo un'acqua minerale.

neutral

I'll have a mineral water.

Una birra, grazie.

casual

A beer, thanks.

Asking for the bill

Il conto, per favore.

neutral

The bill, please.

Practice Dialogue

Staff
Buonasera. Ecco il menù.
Customer
Grazie. Qual è il piatto del giorno?
Staff
Oggi c'è il pesce.
Customer
Bene. Per antipasto, prendo un'insalata.
Staff
E poi, il pesce?
Customer
Sì, per me il pesce. Grazie.
Staff
Da bere?
Customer
Un'acqua minerale, per favore.

More Eating & Drinking Out (A1)

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