Ordering at a Restaurant

Hello, we booked a table under the name Rossi for eight o'clock tonight.

The most common and natural way to claim your reservation.

Hi, is there room for two tonight?

Informal, best used at a casual pizzeria or with staff you already know.

Good evening, would you happen to have a free table for two, please?

Uses the conditional ('avreste') to soften the request, perfect for nicer restaurants.

What good stuff do you recommend today?

Uses the informal 'tu' (consigli); use only in very relaxed, informal eateries.

We're undecided, what is your specialty?

A very natural way to ask what the restaurant is famous for.

I'll have the seafood spaghetti.

Using 'prendo' (I take) is the standard, everyday way to state your order.

The lasagna for me, please.

Simple and direct, suitable for almost any dining situation.

I would like to order the green pepper steak, if possible.

More formal, often used in upscale restaurants or when asking for something specific.

Would it be possible to have the mixed salad as a side, but without onion?

A polite way to request a modification to a dish using the conditional.

To drink, we'll have a bottle of water and a quarter-liter of house wine.

'Da bere' is the standard conversational bridge when switching from food to drinks.

Excuse me, I think there's a mistake, I hadn't ordered this.

Uses the subjunctive ('ci sia') which is typical for intermediate speakers expressing doubt.

Excuse me, can you give us the bill?

Very informal, only use at a local café, pub, or casual spot where you've established rapport.

Can we have the bill, please?

The standard and most versatile way to ask to pay.

Could you bring us the bill, please?

A slightly more deferential approach using the conditional ('potrebbe').