🍽️ Italian phrase guide
How to order at a restaurant in Italian
From getting a table to asking for the check, these are the phrases that carry a whole restaurant visit. Learn them once and you can eat out anywhere the language is spoken.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key Italian phrases
| Italian | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Un tavolo per due, per favore. | A table for two, please. | |
| Ho una prenotazione a nome di… | I have a reservation under the name… | |
| Possiamo vedere il menù, per favore? | Could we have the menu, please? | |
| Cosa mi consiglia? | What do you recommend? | |
| Per me, il / la… | I'll have the… | |
| È piccante? | Is it spicy? | |
| Sono allergico alla frutta secca. | I'm allergic to nuts. | |
| Un bicchiere d'acqua, per favore. | A glass of water, please. | |
| Il conto, per favore. | The check, please. | |
| Era buonissimo! | It was delicious! |
Example conversation
Server
Buonasera! Avete prenotato?
Good evening! Do you have a reservation?
You
No. Un tavolo per due, per favore.
No. A table for two, please.
Server
Certo, prego, da questa parte. Ecco il menù.
Of course, follow me. Here's the menu.
You
Cosa ci consiglia?
What do you recommend?
Server
Il pesce del giorno è ottimo.
The fish of the day is excellent.
You
Allora per me il pesce, per favore.
Then I'll have the fish, please.
Good to know
💡 A "coperto" on the bill is a normal cover charge, not a mistake. Cappuccino after a meal is unusual in Italy, so order "un caffè" instead.
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
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Practice "Order dinner" in Italian →More Italian situations
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