At the Restaurant

At the Restaurant in Italy

Ordering food in Italy is fun and easy when you know the right polite phrases! When you want to get the waiter's attention, or when you are ready to order, certain polite expressions will make you sound like a local.

Getting Attention and Ordering

  • Mi scusi – Excuse me (formal, used to get the waiter's attention).
  • Vorrei... – I would like... (the most polite way to order food or drinks).
  • Un tavolo per due, per favore – A table for two, please.

Here are common examples:

Italian English
Mi scusi, il menu per favore? Excuse me, the menu please?
Vorrei un caffè, grazie. I would like a coffee, thanks.

Common Mistakes

Avoid saying "Voglio" (I want) when ordering, as it can sound too demanding in Italian restaurants. Always use Vorrei instead!

Words

il menu
the menu
Posso avere il menu?Can I have the menu?
il conto
the check
Il conto, per favore.The check, please.
l'acqua
the water
Vorrei un'acqua minerale.I would like mineral water.
il vino
the wine
Un bicchiere di vino rosso.A glass of red wine.
il cameriere
the waiter
Chiamiamo il cameriere.Let's call the waiter.
il tavolo
the table
Abbiamo un tavolo per due.We have a table for two.
delizioso
delicious
Questo piatto è delizioso.This dish is delicious.
ordinare
to order
Siamo pronti per ordinare.We are ready to order.
consigliare
to recommend
Cosa mi consiglia?What do you recommend to me?
prenotato
reserved
Questo tavolo è prenotato.This table is reserved.

Lessons are prepared with the help of AI.

Patterns

Vorrei ___, per favore.

I would like ___, please. Use this to politely order food or drinks.

Vorrei un caffè, per favore.I would like a coffee, please.

Mi scusi, ___?

Excuse me, ___? Use this to politely get the waiter's attention and ask a question.

Mi scusi, il conto per favore?Excuse me, the check please?

Ci consiglia ___?

Do you recommend ___ to us? Use this to ask the waiter for recommendations.

Ci consiglia un vino bianco?Do you recommend a white wine to us?