Allergies & Dietary Needs
Use these phrases to safely navigate restaurants in Italy and clearly communicate your dietary needs.
Key Phrases
Niente noci per me, sono allergico.
neutralNo nuts for me, I'm allergic.
Change 'allergico' to 'allergica' if you identify as female.
Ho un'allergia molto grave alle noci.
politeI have a very severe allergy to nuts.
Clear and direct to ensure the staff understands the severity.
C'è latte qui dentro?
neutralIs there milk in here?
Use this to quickly check a specific dish or drink.
Scusi, quali ingredienti ci sono in questa salsa?
politeExcuse me, what ingredients are in this sauce?
More polite when asking the waiter to explain the dish.
Questo piatto va bene per i celiaci?
neutralIs this dish suitable for celiacs?
The natural way to ask if food is safe for a gluten-free diet.
Avete piatti adatti ai vegetariani?
politeDo you have dishes suitable for vegetarians?
A polite way to ask for vegetarian options on the menu.
Per me la pizza, ma senza formaggio.
neutralI'll have the pizza, but without cheese.
A very common and direct way to order at a restaurant.
Può preparare la pasta senza aglio, per favore?
politeCan you prepare the pasta without garlic, please?
Using the formal 'può' (can you) is polite for special requests.
Non posso mangiare il glutine.
neutralI can't eat gluten.
A simple and clear explanation of your dietary restriction.
Non posso mangiarlo, ha dentro il latte.
casualI can't eat it, it has milk in it.
Use this when talking to a friend or travel companion about food.