Ordering at a Restaurant
Essential Italian phrases for arriving at a restaurant, ordering a meal, and paying the bill without using complicated grammar.
Key Phrases
Avete un tavolo per due?
neutralDo you have a table for two?
The most common way to ask for a table when you walk in.
Abbiamo una prenotazione.
neutralWe have a reservation.
Say this to the host if you called ahead.
Che cosa ci consiglia?
politeWhat do you recommend?
Uses the polite 'Lei' form to address the waiter.
Prendo la pasta, grazie.
neutralI'll have the pasta, thanks.
The standard present tense 'prendo' (I take) is perfect for ordering.
Niente secondo, grazie.
neutralNo second course, thanks.
A standard and perfectly polite way to skip a course.
Un'acqua minerale, per favore.
neutralA mineral water, please.
A direct and easy way to ask for drinks.
Possiamo avere una bottiglia d'acqua?
politeCan we have a bottle of water?
Slightly softer, using the verb 'potere' (can) to make a request.
Ci può portare il menù dei dolci?
politeCan you bring us the dessert menu?
A useful phrase near the end of the meal.
Il conto, grazie.
neutralThe bill, please.
The standard, acceptable way to ask for the check.
Ci porta il conto?
politeCan you bring us the bill?
A slightly more developed sentence for the same request.
Possiamo pagare con la carta?
neutralCan we pay with a card?
Essential in places that might prefer cash.