How to Order Food in Italian Like a Local
Introduction
Italian food has taken the world by storm, and it’s no secret why. Whether you're savoring handmade pasta in Rome or biting into fresh focaccia in Liguria, every meal in Italy feels like an experience. But there’s one thing that makes dining in Italy even more enjoyable: ordering your food like a local.
If you’re heading to Italy from Berkeley, Oakland, or San Francisco, or just indulging your love of Italian cuisine at home, learning how to order food in Italian can transform your dining experience. It’s not just about knowing the right words—it’s about understanding the rhythm, etiquette, and joy that comes with Italian food culture.
In this guide, you’ll learn essential restaurant phrases, pronunciation tips, and insider etiquette so you can step into any trattoria, pizzeria, or ristorante and feel like you belong.
Types of Italian Restaurants: Know Where You Are
Before you even order, it helps to understand the different types of eateries in Italy:
Ristorante
A full-service restaurant, often more formal. Expect multiple courses and table service.
Trattoria
A casual, family-style restaurant with regional specialties and hearty dishes.
Osteria
Originally a wine bar with simple food, now a cozy place for rustic Italian meals.
Pizzeria
Exactly what it sounds like! Many also serve pasta and antipasti.
Bar
In Italy, a bar serves coffee, pastries, and sometimes light lunch. Not just alcohol!
Understanding where you are helps set your expectations for service, menu style, and how you’ll order.
How to Greet and Ask for a Table
Essential Phrases:
Buongiorno / Buonasera – Good day / Good evening
Avete un tavolo per due? – Do you have a table for two?
Siamo in quattro. – There are four of us.
🧠 Cultural tip: Always greet the host or staff when entering. A quick “Buongiorno” earns you major respect.
Understanding the Menu
Menus in Italy are usually divided into:
Antipasti – Appetizers
Primi – First courses (usually pasta, risotto, or soup)
Secondi – Main courses (meat or fish)
Contorni – Side dishes (vegetables, potatoes, salad)
Dolci – Desserts
Bevande – Drinks
🧠 Note: Bread and water are not always free. You may be asked if you want acqua naturale (still water) or acqua frizzante (sparkling water).
How to Order Like a Pro
Common Phrases:
Vorrei... – I would like...
Prendo... – I’ll have...
Per me... – For me...
Cosa consiglia? – What do you recommend?
Che cos’è questo piatto? – What is this dish?
🧠 Tip: In Italy, it’s normal to order each course separately. You’re not expected to order everything at once.
Example Dialogue:
Cameriere: Buonasera, siete pronti per ordinare?
Cliente: Sì, per me gli spaghetti alla carbonara e un bicchiere di vino rosso, per favore.
How to Ask for the Check
Italians take their time at the table. The check won’t come until you ask.
Useful Phrases:
Il conto, per favore. – The bill, please.
Possiamo pagare? – Can we pay?
Si può pagare con la carta? – Can we pay by card?
🧠 Cultural tip: It’s normal to linger after a meal. Take your time—no one will rush you.
Special Requests and Dietary Needs
Key Phrases:
Sono vegetariano/a. – I’m vegetarian.
Senza glutine. – Gluten-free.
Sono allergico/a a... – I’m allergic to...
🧠 Pro tip: In tourist areas, staff often speak some English—but trying in Italian is always appreciated.
Italian Restaurant Etiquette: What to Expect
Don’t expect free bread or water.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory—rounding up is fine.
Don't split dishes unless you ask first. It can be frowned upon.
Meals are slower-paced. Relax and enjoy.
Asking for a “doggy bag” is becoming more common but still not the norm.
Real-World Scenario: Ordering a Full Meal
Imagine you’re dining in Florence. Here’s how a real interaction might go:
Host: Buonasera! Avete una prenotazione?
You: No, ma vorremmo un tavolo per due.
Host: Seguitemi, prego. (After sitting)
Server: Volete iniziare con qualcosa da bere?
You: Sì, una bottiglia di acqua frizzante e due bicchieri di vino rosso.
(Later) Server: Siete pronti per ordinare?
You: Sì. Per me, il risotto ai funghi come primo e il pollo alla griglia come secondo. E per il mio amico, la lasagna, per favore. (After meal)
You: Il conto, per favore.
Bring the Language of Food to Life
At Polyglottist Language Academy in Berkeley, we offer Italian classes designed for food lovers, travelers, and curious beginners. Our classes help you speak confidently, whether you're ordering carbonara in Rome or shopping for prosciutto at a Bay Area market.
Join our warm community in Berkeley, Oakland, or San Francisco and take the first step toward mastering the art of Italian dining.