Speak to any traveler who just returned from Italy and you’ll hear about how well they ate. Along the way, they visited some famous sites and took plenty of photos, but the flavor of the food was likely the highlight of the trip. With impeccable attention to the quality of ingredients, Italian chefs ensure the best culinary experience. To make your trip even more authentic, you may want to learn how to order food in Italian. It might be easier than you think!
Whether you’re tasting true Italian cuisine for the first time, or searching for the origins of nonna’s homemade orecchiette (a handmade pasta that means “ears”), it’s a good idea to travel to Italy with some basic Italian phrases on hand. Or try a subscription to Rosetta Stone that teaches through visual and conceptual clues to help you interpret the meaning of new words, phrases, sentences—including those that will unlock the best in Italian cuisine.
Table of Contents
Learn how to order food in Italian
You’re probably familiar with the stereotypical Italian grandmother who wants nothing more than to feed you. If you do it right, you probably won’t leave the tavolo (table) uncomfortably full, since savoring and digesting your food well is an important part of the slow-paced dining experience. Conversing throughout multiple courses is just as important to Italians as the quality of their food.
As far as speaking a little Italian here and there, Italians will be happy with any effort. Even if you just learn a few polite expressions for ordering food in Italian, your eager hosts will be happy to forgive any mistakes.
If you only learn one word or phrase, try vorrei (I would like). It’s polite, can be used with anyone and at any time of day, and is sufficient (along with some pointing) if you’re ordering off of a menu or at a counter. You might also add due (two) if the dolce (sweet treat) looks tasty. With just a bit more vocabulary, you can add nouns or verbs after vorrei for a complete sentence! (Bonus: You won’t even need to conjugate the verb, just tack on an infinitive and you’re good to go.)
Vorrei also works if you find yourself at a crowded shop with a line of people waiting for their coffee, gelato, or freshly baked pastry. Complete a quick and easy request by tacking on the word for what you’re looking for, plus per favore (please). Vorrei un cornetto e un espresso, per favore (I would like a croissant and espresso, please). If you’re indicating something on a menu, picture, or behind the glass, the words questo (this) or quello (that) can be helpful.
The last of the basic phrases you’ll need to know is potrei avere…? (Could I have…?). Add in the word for the item, a per favore, and you’ve got an easy way to request just about anything. And always remember to offer a heartful grazie (thank you)!
Common phrases you’ll hear from waitstaff in Italy
Waitstaff in Italy are professional experts and are regarded as such. We can’t emphasize enough to treat them with respect, ask for their recommendations, and trust their opinions. Do your best to address them with the more formal Lei (you) in place of the casual tu forms, use more respectful greetings, and say arrivederci (goodbye)!
Beverages
The verb bere means “to drink.” It is customary to drink acqua (water) and vino (wine) with meals in Italy. If you are used to a sugary beverage like soda, consider that Italians may regard this as an insult to the food since the sweet flavor will negatively affect your palate.
Opt to do as the Italians do and save sweet beverages for another time. It’s also best not to order latte (milk) with your meal, as Italians believe it will interfere with your digestion. However, caffè (always espresso in Italy) can be ordered after the meal as it is widely believed to aid the digestive process. If you want to order coffee and dessert at the same time, simply say Vorrei il caffè e il dolce insieme, grazie.
Italians don’t serve tap water, so you’ll always buy bottled or mineral water at restaurants. You can choose between naturale (still) or frizzante / gassata (sparkling).
In Italy, it’s a given that a wine list will accompany your menu. Basic wine categories include bianco (white), rosso (red), or rossato (rosé). If you don’t already have a specific vino (wine) in mind, you can always order un litro di vino della casa (a carafe of house wine). Again, if you’re unsure and want the best pairing with your meal, ask the waiter or waitress who will have an expert opinion you can trust.
What waiters might say
You’ll hear a few common phrases from the waitstaff when you’re at a restaurant.
- Cosa prendete? (What will you have?)
- The verb mangiare means “to eat,” but you’re also likely to hear conjugated forms of prendere (to take) when discussing food and beverage.
- Siete pronti per ordinare? (Are you ready to order?)
- Pronto? (Ready?)
- In some areas, you may hear this shortened expression that basically means, “I’m ready (to take your order.”
- Le interessano le specialità del giorno? or Vuole che Le dica le specialità del giorno? (Would you like me to show you the specials of the day?)
- This is where you’ll want to make your selection or ask for the server’s recommendation by asking Cosa ci consiglia? (What do you recommend for us?)
- Ottima scelta! (That’s a very good choice!)
Phrases you won’t hear from waitstaff in Italy
- Vuoi del formaggio sul tuo pesce? (Would you like some cheese on your fish?)
- Italians hold firmly to their no-cheese-with-seafood belief. It would be an affront to the taste buds, and they likely won’t hold back their opinion. Trust the Italians on this one and don’t ask for cheese when you order seafood.
- Vuoi il conto? (Would you like the check?)
- It would be considered rude to bring you the check before you request it. You’ll have to ask: Il conto, per favore? (The check, please?)
- Vorresti una scatola da asporto? (Would you like a box?)
- We doubt you’ll have leftovers since portion sizes are often more reasonable, but even if you did, taking leftovers home is not a common practice in Europe. Even though you could specifically ask for a “takeaway” box, you might as well enjoy every last bite during your slower-paced meal.
Making a reservation in Italy
Since people generally eat at the same hours of the day, restaurants can be crowded, especially in high-tourist areas. Most Italians don’t eat dinner until 8 p.m., which is much later than most people from the U.S. are used to. The best restaurants that don’t cater to tourists won’t open until after 6 p.m. at the earliest, and that’s usually for aperitivo rather than dinner.
Reservations are recommended in busier locations, nicer restaurants, and at popular times. You can use an app like The Fork, but many Italian restaurants don’t have online reservations. A phone call is still common, so it’s an excellent way to practice ordering food in Italian.
- Buongiorno, vorrei prenotare un tavolo per [#] persone alle [time]. (Good morning/day, I would like to reserve a table for [#] people at [time].)
- Buonasera, è possibile prenotare un tavolo per [#] alle [time]? (Good evening, is it possible to reserve a table for [#] at [time]?)
If you’ve forgotten your reservation or are traveling a little more spontaneously, you could always walk up to the restaurant and ask C’è posto? (Is there space? Meaning: is there an available table?)
| Italian | English |
| Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per (#) persone | I would like to reserve a table for (#) people. |
| È possibile prenotare un tavolo per (#)? | Is it possible to reserve a table for( #)? |
| Avete un tavolo per (#) persone? | Do you have a table for (#) people? |
| adulti | adults |
| bambini | children (usually up to age 14) |
| oggi | today |
| domani | tomorrow |
| a che ora? | at what time? |
| sono le (#) | # o’clock |
| di mattina | in the morning |
| di pomeriggio | in the afternoon |
| di sera | in the evening |
Understanding an Italian menu
If you’re an open-minded eater and don’t have any allergy restrictions, you might not have to look at a menu at all. You can ask your waiter for the specialità del giorno or their particular recommendations and enjoy what they bring out.
On the other hand, many of us have food preferences or have a particular dish in mind, so you may want to know a few key words on the menu. Menus might be divided into five sections. Don’t feel that you must order something from each section, as not everyone has the appetite for multiple courses at each meal.
- antipasti (appetizers) – cured meats, cheeses, and topped bread
- primi (first courses) – usually pastas, rice dishes, and soups
- secondi (second courses) – here’s where you’ll find meat, poultry, and fish
- contorni (sides) – order your favorite accompaniments, as they are ordered separately
- dolci (desserts) – delicious desserts and treats like tiramisu
Some restaurants have a separate, smaller menu with limited options and discounted pricing. It could be listed as a menu turistico (tourist menu), prezzo fisso (fixed price), or pranzo veloce (quick lunch). Though your choices might be limited to less exciting entrees, you might choose this as a way to try multiple courses without succumbing to decision fatigue.
Another option might be the menu degustazione (tasting menu) or menu tradizionale (traditional menu) which is more likely to showcase the best, most traditional, or most inventive of the chef’s dishes. It may be more expensive but the culinary experience will be unforgettable.
| Italian | English |
| Il menu, per favore? / Potrei vedere il menù? | The menu, please? / May I see the menu? |
| Che cosa ci consiglia? | What do you recommend us? |
| i latticini | dairy |
| il pesce | fish |
| i frutti di mare | shellfish / seafood |
| la carne | meat |
| l’uovo / le uova | egg / eggs |
| il formaggio | cheese |
| il pane | the bread |
| la pasta | the pasta |
| la minestra, la zuppa | the soup |
| l’insalata | the salad |
| il sugo | the sauce |
| il panino | the sandwich |
| il pollo | the chicken |
| il vitello | the veal |
| il manzo | the beef |
| il maiale | the pork |
| l’agnello | the lamb |
| il coniglio | the rabbit |
| il dolce | the dessert |
| la bibita | beverage |
| l’antipasto | the appetizer |
| il primo | the first course |
| il secondo | second course |
| il vino della casa | house wine |
| il vino rosso / bianco | red / white wine |
| l’acqua frizzante / naturale | sparkling / still water |
| con | with |
| senza | without |
| mangiare | to eat |
| bere | to drink |
Types of restaurants
Not all restaurants are the same, but you’ll want to try a variety as you explore Italian streets in cities like Florence, Puglia, or Positano. Depending on the amount of time you have and your dining preference, you can choose from several types of restaurants in Italy.
- un ristorante – a more formal restaurant with table service and multiple courses that usually serves seafood, meats, and salads.
- una trattoria – usually a casual family owned establishment focusing on a smaller menu of authentic traditional dishes at a lower price point than a formal restaurant.
- una osteria – similar to a trattoria but a more casual setting. Wine is a featured menu item, along with appetizers and snacks.
- una taverna – serves rustic, home-style cooking in a setting similar to a pub.
- una enoteca – a wine bar that specializes in local wines with appetizers.
- la tavola calda – a cafeteria style eatery without table service for a less authentic experience but is fast and easy.
Looking carefully, you’ll see that there’s often a clue about the market or restaurant’s specialty in the name.
- una pescheria – a store or market to buy fresh fish
- una rosticceria – your best bet to purchase roasted meats and appetizers for takeaway (to go)
- una pizzeria – usually just pizzas
- una spaghetteria – a great spot for spaghetti (and other pastas)
- una salumeria – a deli that specializes in cured meats and cheeses
- una pasticceria – where to go for pastries and dolci (desserts)
- una gelateria – the Italian version of an ice cream store
When you order at some of these more casual dining spots, be aware that they may ask if you want to sit and eat or order takeaway. There is usually a small fee to eat at a table, so only sit if you told them you were staying.
Dining etiquette
We’ve already covered a few do’s and don’ts, but here are a few more important Italian etiquette dos and don’ts for ordering food and eating at restaurants.
- Tipping is not required. Waiters are professionals who are paid a living wage. Some restaurants may charge a small service fee on your bill that will go to the wait staff. If you leave even a single euro as a tip, you’d be considered generous. If the waitstaff and food was impeccable, you could leave a few euros and you’d be considered an overly generous king or queen.
- Bread isn’t an appetizer. Italians start with digestible appetizers and wine, not bread. If bread comes with your meal, you can use it to mop up the remaining sauce on the plate (fare la scarpetta). Doing so can be a compliment to the chef in casual settings such as a friend’s home or a very casual restaurant. However, we don’t recommend this at a fine dining establishment.
- Use a fork. Only small children twirl their spaghetti with a spoon. Adults are expected to use a fork but to avoid twirling a huge portion that doesn’t fit easily in their mouth. Also avoid cutting the noodles as that is considered bad luck.
- Trust your waiter or chef. Unless you have food allergies or restrictions, trust the chef and the waiter. If they didn’t offer parmigiano (parmesan cheese), then it isn’t meant to be eaten with that dish. Also, it might be considered rude to substitute a different sauce or accompaniment, as it could change the flavor profile of the dish and ruin it.
- Make eye contact. When toasting, it’s important to look each person directly in the eyes. This can take a few moments with a larger group, but it’s a sign of trust dating back to medieval times. You also want to avoid toasting with water as that’s bad luck too.
- Hold the stem. When drinking in Italy, it’s best to hold your wine glass by the stem, not the bowl, so that the warmth of your hands won’t affect the temperature of the wine.
- Be polite. If your waiter thanks you, return their grazie (thank you) with grazie a Lei (thank you) in return. Remember to greet them as you arrive and leave too.
Complimenting the food
An important part of dining etiquette is to let the staff know how much you enjoyed the food. Remember that Italians have tremendous pride about their food culture, so acknowledging that will go a long way. In many cases, your waitstaff or server could be a part of the family that owns the establishment, so your gratitude will be shared and appreciated.
- Che buono/a! (How delicious!)
- È buonissimo/a! (It’s so good!)
- È delizioso/a! (It’s delicious!)
- È eccezionale! (It’s exceptional/amazing!)
- Che piatto fantastico! (What a delicious dish!)
- Complimenti al cuoco/alla cuoca! (My compliments to the chef!)
Italian meals
Italians observe three main meals a day, but that doesn’t mean you’ll need to eat a hearty portion of pasta at each meal. The meal times and types of food to eat are fairly standard.
La colazione (breakfast)
Travelers who are accustomed to omelets or hearty breakfasts will find a simpler but delicious opening meal of espresso, or cappuccino, and a favorite pastry. Try cornetti (Italian croissants), biscotti (biscuits / cookies), or a simple pane (bread / roll) with burro and marmellata (butter and jam).
If you’re not a morning person, be aware that the fresh-baked pastries may be sold by mid-to-late morning. It’s also not recommended (and often not possible!) to order a cappuccino after about 11 am, so stick with a regular coffee or espresso.
Il pranzo (lunch)
Lunch hours range between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. Most restaurants do not stay open all day, so you’ll want to plan your lunch carefully to arrive during their open hours. If your appetite and itinerary do not allow for a two-hour lunch with multiple courses, try just a primo (first course).
Il aperitivo
Aperitivo is a drink and pre-dinner social opportunity that starts in the early evening around 5:30 and lasts until dinner time at 8 p.m. You’ll get some light snacks with your drink, such as olives or nuts and chips. In Venice, an aperitivo may come with cicchetti (small plates) or you can order some with your drink as an authentic thing to do in Venice.
La cena (dinner)
Dinner hours are typical of other Mediterranean countries—much later than in North America. You might find pizzerias open a bit earlier, but authentic restaurants open around 7:30 p.m. and stay open until midnight.
With so much to see and do in Italy, it’s possible that not every meal is going to fit into these sit-down hours. When you need a bite to eat between meals, find yourself a shop that sells panini, pizza, or gelato. You can walk up to the counter and order takeaway to fuel your afternoon.
Food allergies and dietary restrictions
For many travelers, the idea of enjoying a spontaneous bite without worrying about allergens would be a dream come true. Thankfully, countries in the European Union must label the 14 most common allergens on packaged foods. At restaurants, questions and precautions are common and you may see an icon indicating allergens on many menus.
Any food-allergic consumer knows that restaurants still pose some cross-contamination risk. It is helpful that in Italy, by law, any food business must be able to provide information on ingredients and potential allergens.
For those who have potentially serious health concerns from eating foods they are allergic to, the following tips can help you communicate your needs more clearly.
- Carry a card listing your specific allergens in Italian and English.
- Communicate your allergen specifically but kindly with the server and chef.
- Call ahead to request specific information about preparation of the dishes.
- Request a paper copy of allergy-aware menus.
- Verify your allergen was not included when your food arrives.
- Ask about allergens even if you’ve eaten the same dish at the same restaurant before.
- Have allergy-safe non-perishable foods with you while you travel.
- Carry your medicine in case of an issue. Epinephrine is called adrenalina in Italian.
| Italian | English |
| Sono allergico/a a… | I am allergic to… |
| Non posso mangiare… | I can’t eat |
| Sono vegetariano/a or vegano/a | I am a vegetarian / vegan |
| Sono senza glutine | I am gluten free (need to eat gluten free) |
| arachidi | peanut / ground nuts |
| cereali contenenti glutine (compresi frumento, segale, orzo e avena) | grains containing gluten (including wheat, rye, barley, and oats) |
| crostacei | crustaceans / shellfish |
| frutti di mare | seafood |
| glutine | gluten |
| latte | milk |
| latticini | dairy |
| lupini | lupin bean |
| molluschi | mollusks |
| noci, mandorle, pinoli, nocciole, pistacchi, (frutta secca a guscio) | walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, (tree nuts) |
| pesce | fish |
| sedano | celery |
| senape | mustard |
| sesamo | sesame |
| soia | soy |
| solfiti | sulphites (these are labeled when containing more than a certain amount) |
| uovo / uova | egg / eggs |
Table settings and utensils
Learning a few travel phrases in Italian can make your dining experience a little smoother. In major cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples, you’ll likely have waiters who can speak some English. However, in smaller towns like Montepulciano, Bari, or Porcari, you may hear less English spoken. Knowing how to order food in Italian and other essential words about dining and travel will help you feel more comfortable.
| Italian | English |
| Potrei avere… | May I have.. |
| una forchetta | a fork |
| un coltello | a knife |
| un cucchiaio | a spoon |
| un piatto | a plate |
| un bicchiere | a glass |
| un calice | a glass with a stem |
| un cucchiaino | a teaspoon |
| una tazza | a cup |
| un tovagliolo | a napkin |
| un segnaposto | a place setting |
| una tovaglia | a tablecloth |
| un piattino | a saucer |
| un piatto fondo | a deep plate (bowl for soup) |
| una insalatiera | a salad bowl (large) |
| una zuccheriera | a sugar bowl |
| la tavola | the table |
| il menu | the menu |
| il conto | the bill / check |
| una mancia | a tip / gratuity |
Perfect your Italian with Rosetta Stone
Now that you know how to order food at any trattoria, choose from il menu, enjoy the chef’s specialità, or enjoy a caffè before you ask for il conto, you’re ready for your Italian adventure.
Make your plans around three delicious meals a day in Italy, and we promise you won’t be disappointed!
The next steps for ordering food in Italian are just a click away, as Rosetta Stone can help you master Italian through our Dynamic Immersion method, tapping into your innate ability to communicate from your first lesson.
0 Commentaires