Paying & Splitting the Bill
Use these practical phrases when you are ready to settle the bill at an Italian restaurant.
Key Phrases
Scusi, cameriere, vorrei chiedere il conto appena è possibile perché dobbiamo andare via presto.
Excuse me, waiter, I would like to ask for the bill as soon as possible because we have to leave soon.
💡 Use 'vorrei' to sound polite when requesting the bill in any Italian restaurant.
Vorrei sapere se sia possibile pagare con la carta di credito oppure se accettiate solo contanti.
I would like to know if it is possible to pay with a credit card or if you only accept cash.
💡 Uses the present subjunctive 'accettiate' after the indirect question for formal correctness.
Pensiamo che sia meglio dividere il conto in parti uguali per non fare calcoli troppo complicati.
We think it is better to split the bill into equal parts to avoid making too complicated calculations.
💡 It is common in Italy to split the total equally among the guests.
Preferiremmo pagare separatamente, ognuno paga solo quello che ha consumato stasera al tavolo.
We would prefer to pay separately, everyone pays only what they consumed tonight at the table.
Credo che ci sia un piccolo errore nel conto perché abbiamo ordinato solo due bottiglie d'acqua.
I think there is a small mistake in the bill because we only ordered two bottles of water.
💡 A polite way to query a charge using 'credo che' followed by the subjunctive.
Vorrei controllare se il servizio sia già incluso nel conto o se dobbiamo lasciare la mancia.
I would like to check if the service is already included in the bill or if we should leave a tip.
💡 Service ('coperto') is usually included, but an extra tip is appreciated for good service.
Può portare il lettore di carte al tavolo così posso pagare senza dover venire alla cassa?
Can you bring the card reader to the table so I can pay without having to come to the register?
Non ti preoccupare per il totale, vorrei offrirti la cena perché oggi è il tuo compleanno.
Don't worry about the total, I would like to treat you to dinner because today is your birthday.