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Frasi per Mangiare
Order like a local, dine like an Italian
From a morning cappuccino to a multi-course dinner, these phrases will help you navigate Italian cuisine. Learn to order, understand menus, and embrace the Italian way of eating.
How to order like a local
I would like...
vor-RAY
For me...
pehr meh
We'll have...
pren-DYAH-mo
What do you recommend?
KOH-za kon-SEE-lya
What's the dish of the day?
kwal eh eel PYAHT-toh del JOR-no
A table for two, please
oon TA-vo-lo pehr DOO-eh pehr fa-VOH-reh
Do you have an English menu?
a-VEH-teh oon meh-NOO een een-GLEH-zeh
Can we order?
pos-SYAH-mo or-dee-NAH-reh
La Cultura del Caffè
An espresso
The default Italian coffee
Espresso with a spot of milk
Espresso with steamed milk foam
Only before 11am!
A longer espresso
More water, same coffee
A shorter, stronger espresso
Espresso "corrected" with liquor
Usually grappa
Cold espresso
Often sweetened
Decaf espresso
Or "un deca"
Pro Tip: Al Banco vs. Al Tavolo
Standing at the bar (al banco) is cheaper than sitting at a table (al tavolo). Pay at the cassa first, then show your receipt to the barista.
Durante il Pasto
It's delicious!
eh deh-lee-TSYOH-zo
Enjoy your meal!
bwon ap-peh-TEE-to
Cheers!
sa-LOO-teh / chin chin
Another glass, please
oon AHL-tro beek-KYEH-reh pehr fa-VOH-reh
Some more bread?
an-KOH-ra oon poh dee PAH-neh
It's overcooked / undercooked
eh TROP-po / POH-ko KOT-to
It needs salt
MAHN-ka eel SAH-leh
Could I have...?
po-TRAY a-VEH-reh
Restrizioni Alimentari
I'm vegetarian
SOH-no veh-jeh-ta-RYAH-no/a
I'm vegan
SOH-no veh-GAH-no/a
I'm allergic to...
SOH-no al-LEHR-jee-ko/a ah
Gluten-free
SEN-tsa gloo-TEE-neh
Lactose-free
SEN-tsa lat-TOH-zyo
Does it contain nuts?
kon-TYEH-neh FROOT-ta SEK-ka
No meat
NYEHN-teh KAR-neh
Is it spicy?
eh peek-KAHN-teh
Understanding Italian menus
Real conversations at Italian restaurants
Al Ristorante
Waiter
Buonasera. Avete prenotato?
Good evening. Do you have a reservation?
You
Sì, abbiamo una prenotazione per due a nome Smith.
Yes, we have a reservation for two under the name Smith.
Waiter
Perfetto. Prego, da questa parte. Ecco il menù.
Perfect. This way, please. Here's the menu.
You
Grazie. Cosa consiglia come primo?
Thank you. What do you recommend as a first course?
Waiter
Le nostre tagliatelle al tartufo sono eccellenti.
Our truffle tagliatelle is excellent.
You
Perfetto, le prendo. E da bere, una bottiglia di vino rosso della casa.
Perfect, I'll have those. And to drink, a bottle of the house red wine.
Al Bar
Barista
Buongiorno! Prego?
Good morning! What would you like?
You
Un cappuccino e un cornetto, per favore.
A cappuccino and a croissant, please.
Barista
Al banco o al tavolo?
At the counter or at a table?
You
Al banco, grazie.
At the counter, thanks.
Barista
Subito! Ecco il suo cappuccino.
Right away! Here's your cappuccino.
You
Quanto fa?
How much is it?
Il Conto
The bill, please
eel KON-toh pehr fa-VOH-reh
Can we pay?
pos-SYAH-mo pa-GAH-reh
Do you accept credit cards?
a-cheht-TAH-teh KAR-teh dee KREH-dee-toh
Is service included?
eh een-KLOO-zo eel ser-VEE-tsyo
Separate bills, please
KON-tee seh-pa-RAH-tee pehr fa-VOH-reh
Keep the change
TEN-ga eel REH-sto
Where is the bathroom?
doh-VEH eel BAH-nyo
Thank you, everything was excellent
GRAH-tsyeh EH-ra TOOT-to OT-tee-mo
Dining etiquette in Italy
Cappuccino is for mornings only. After 11am, order un caffè (espresso).
Pane e coperto (bread and cover charge) is standard—usually €1-3 per person.
Ask for "acqua naturale" (still) or "acqua frizzante" (sparkling). Tap water is rarely served.
Service is often included. Leave small change or round up if service was exceptional.
Lunch: 12:30-14:30. Dinner: 19:30-22:00. Restaurants close between meals.
Il conto won't come until you ask. It's not rude—they won't rush you!