How to order food at the restaurant in Italian
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
In this lesson you will learn some useful phrases to order food at the restaurant.
When you enter an Italian restaurant, make sure to use the right Greeting first.
The following sentences can help you when it comes to getting a table.
Italian | English | |
---|---|---|
Cliente Customer | Avete un tavolo libero per x persone? | Is a table for x people available? |
Cliente Customer | Ho riservato un tavolo a nome (nome) | I reserved a table under the name (name) |
Waiter Cameriere | Ha prenotato? | Do you have a reservation? |
Waiter Cameriere | Mi dispiace, tutti i tavoli sono prenotati. | I am sorry, we are full. |
Waiter Cameriere | Quante persone siete? | How many people are you? |
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
Il cameriere (The waiter) or La cameriera (the waitress) will now take your order.
Italian | English |
---|---|
E' pronto ad ordinare? | Are you ready to order? |
Ha già scelto? | Have you already chosen? |
Cosa desidera mangiare/bere? | What would you like to eat/drink? |
Cosa posso portarle da mangiare/bere? | What can I bring you to eat/drink? |
Vuole anche il dolce? | Would you also like a dessert? |
If you are ready to order, just say your order introduced by Vorrei...(I would like) or Per me...(For me) or Io prendo...(I'll have) and the Food or drink you want.
Don't forget to politely add per favore (please)!
If you aren't ready yet, these sentences can be useful.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Un attimo, per favore | One moment, please |
Ci devo pensare su ancora un momento | I'll think about it some more |
Non ho ancora deciso | I haven't decided yet |
Cosa mi consiglia? | What do you recommend? |
Qual è il piatto del giorno? | What is the daily special? |
Avete dei piatti vegetariani? | Do you have any vegetarian dishes? |
The next set of sentences can be useful while you eat.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Mi scusi, può portarmi una forchetta/un cucchiaio/un tovagliolo? | Excuse me, can you bring me a fork/a spoon/a napkin? |
Può portarmi un'atra bottiglia d'acqua per favore? | Could you bring me another bottle of water, please? |
The following words can be useful at the restaurant.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Il piatto | The plate |
La forchetta | Fork |
Il cucchiaio | Spoon |
Il cucchiaino | Teaspoon |
Il coltello | Knife |
Il bicchiere | Glass |
Lo stuzzicadenti | Toothpick |
Il tovagliolo | Napkin |
Il sale | Salt |
Il pepe | Pepper |
L'olio | Oil |
Il menù | Menu |
La mancia | Tip |
You're finished with your meal and it's time to pay.
Use the following sentences.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Può portarmi il conto per favore? | Could you bring me the bill please? |
Posso avere il conto? | Can I have the bill please? |
Il conto, per favore. | The bill, please |
Posso pagare con carta/in contanti? | Can I pay with card/with cash? |
Possiamo avere un conto separato? | Can we have separete bills? |
At the restaurant or on special occasions, like on Chirstmas or Easter, this menù is followed.
Another important Italian tradition is l'aperitivo (happy hour) before lunch and especially before dinner, from 6 to 8 pm.
The most important drinks are Spritz, Martini, and white and red wines. They are usually served with some chips, popcorns, olives, little sandwiches, little pizzas.
To know more about Italian food, visit our page: Food names in Italian.
Take a look at the following dialogues.
Italian | English | |
---|---|---|
Cameriere Waiter | Buonsera, avete prenotato? | Good evening, do you have a reservation? |
Marco | No, non abbiamo prenotato. | No, we didn't reserve. |
Cameriere Waiter | Quanti siete? | How many people are you? |
Marco | Siamo in 3. | We are with 3. |
Cameriere Waiter | Abbiamo un tavolo libero da 3! Venite, da questa parte. | We have a free table for 3 people. Follow me, this way. |
Cameriere Waiter | Siete pronti per ordinare? | Are you ready to order? |
Marco | Sì, io vorrei una pizza margherita. | Yes, I would like a pizza margherita. |
Simona | Per me una pizza 4 stagioni. | For me a 4 seasons pizza. |
Giorgia | Io prendo una lasagna. | I'll have a lasagna. |
Cameriere Waiter | Perfetto. E da bere? | Perfect. And to drink? |
Marco | Due bottiglie di vino rosso, per favore. | Two bottles of red wine, please. |
Cameriere Waiter | Arrivano subito! Volete anche un dolce? | They'll be here in a moment! Would you also want a dessert? |
Giorgia | No, grazie. | No, thank you. |
Italian | English | |
---|---|---|
Signor Rossi Mr Rossi | Buongiorno, ho prenotato un tavolo a nome Rossi. | Good morning, I reserved a table under the name Rossi. |
Cameriere Waiter | Buongiorno Signor Rossi. Ecco il suo tavolo! | Good morning, Mr Rossi. Your table is here. |
Signor Rossi Mr Rossi | Grazie! Posso ordinare? | Thank you. Can I order? |
Cameriere Waiter | Certo! Cose le porto? | Of course! What can I bring you? |
Signor Rossi Mr Rossi | Una bistecca alla fiorentina e come dolce il tiramisù. | A Florentine beefsteak and for dessert a tiramisù. |
Cameriere Waiter | Vuole qualcosa da bere? | Would you like something to drink? |
Signor Rossi Mr Rossi | Solo acqua, naturale. | Just water, natural. |
Cameriere Waiter | Perfetto! | Perfect! |
Italian | English | |
---|---|---|
Signor Verdi Mr Verdi | Può portarmi il conto? | Could you bring me the bill? |
Cameriere Waiter | Subito! Ecco a lei. | Immediately! Here it is. |
Signor Verdi Mr Verdi | Posso pagare con carta? | Can I pay with card? |
Cameriere Waiter | No, oggi solo contanti. | No, today only cash. |
Signor Verdi Mr Verdi | Va bene, ecco a lei. | Alright, here you are. |
Cameriere Waiter | Grazie! Arrrivederci. | Thank you, goodbye. |
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Buongiorno gente!
Are you ready to learn italian with me?
My name is Mojra and I'm a qualified mother tongue tutor. Whether you need to prepare yourself for a job interview, you're planning to relocate to Italy or to spend your next holiday there, I look forward to assisting you to achieve your goals!
I am here to help you improve you grammar, sentence structure and to teach you helpful phrases in a fun and relaxed way.
I graduated from university majoring in Linguistic Mediation and in Modern Languages and then I specialized in the teaching of Italian as a second language, attending a one-year post-graduate course devoted to this and receiving excellent grades (FILIS: Formatori Interculturali di Lingua Italiana per Stranieri). I also teach in the Italian public schools.
If you'd like to learn Italian fluently, I'd love to be your teacher, then why not book a trial class with me now? In this lesson, we will design a lesson plan especially for you discussing how you will reach your specific goals.
IMPORTANT: Please contact me before booking your lesson with me and let me know your Italian level as well as the reasons why you want to learn Italian.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I just had my first Italian lesson with Mojra and it was great. She is a very enthusiastic and happy person and seemed to really care about helping me to improve my Italian. Although her English is very good, she was quite strict about making me speak almost only in Italian during the entire lesson. My Italian is at an A2 (low intermediate) level but with seemingly infinite patience and useful hints, Mojra helped me to ask my questions in Italian and I felt my confidence grow as the lesson progressed. I asked for help on knowing when I should use the dreaded subjunctive in Italian (congiuntivo). Mojra had some interesting material on the subject and some exercises that both helped me to practice and, at the same time, taught me some interesting things about Italy. We laughed a lot and I was quite surprised to find that I had been speaking almost entirely in Italian for an hour. The time flew past. I think Mojra is an excellent teacher. You should try a lesson with her.
Mojra G.Thank you very much for your words Abner! You are a very diligent student, continua così!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello,
I am a multilingual teacher with experience in teaching French to German, Japanese, English, Bulgarian and Italian-speaking students, etc. (levels A1 to C1).
I have been teaching French for 8 years in Luxemburg and now in Bulgaria for 4 years, to teenagers, housewives, businessmen, employees, doctors, etc. I can also help you with DELF and DALF preparation. I give lessons via Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams in several countries.
My teaching method for each class : a grammar point together with listening, a lot of speaking with conversation questions or games. While you speak, I write all the new words you need to express yourself, illustrated by pictures or translated in your language.
I do my best to make you feel comfortable to speak and for you to have a pleasant time. According to me, using humour will help you learn more easily.
Whether you need to learn French for business, integration in a French-speaking country or studying, I will be happy to help you. Do not hesitate to contact me for a free trial lesson.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Katia
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Katia is a very sweet person, her pronunciation is BEAUTIFUL and she’s very knowledgeable. I loved my lessons with her. I highly recommend her
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniela is an extraordinary teacher and has helped me become very confident in speaking Italian and I really like every lesson, thanks Daniela.
Daniela V.Dear Pip, thank you for your positive feedback and thank you for your trust !. You're doing an exceptional job, keep it up :-)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a private teacher in English, German and Italian. I am a Master's graduate in Translation and Interpreting at the University of Genoa, Italy. I am Italian native speaker. I know English and German at C2 level and Russian at B2 level.
I have been studying English for the last 15 years, first at school and then at the university and I have improved it on my frequent stays abroad. I have now been teaching English for 4 years, first to school children and teenagers and now adults too. I have experience teaching online and at home. I also have taught group classes.
Being fluent in several languages allows me to give students further explainations in their native language when needed. This also allows me to put myself in my students' shoes and understand better their difficulties. I try to meet the student's personal needs and objectives rather than impose my standard class.
During my classes I focus on the active skills of language, speaking and writing. I often ask students to do presentations so they practice writing and speaking at once. I strongly encourage self-studying along with frontal teaching in order to considerably shorten learning time. Homework is for me as important as frontal classes. If needed, I can provide students with textbooks and online material such as videos, news, songs and textes.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Federico is an exceptional teacher. He is patient, knowledgable and makes learning much less stressful. In the short time I've been working with him I feel that my Italian has grown so much faster. He has so many resources to share with his students and helps to coach me through the difficult parts of language learning! I highly recommend him to anyone wanted to learn Italian, it is truly a wonderful experience.
Federico C.Thank you Dan for the great review! A student like you makes everything easier. I hope to continue like that!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi there! My name is Era Jane Castillo. You can call me Teacher Jane. I live in the Philippines. I graduated from Holy Cross College of Calinan, Inc. with the degree of Bachelor of Elementary Education Generalist. I am also a Licensed Professional Teacher. I have acquired a TEFL certificate.
I have been a teacher for 4 years in a school-based. I am teaching both kids and adults. I am friendly and outgoing person. Let me be your English and Filipino Instructor here at colanguage. I know that learning a new language is not easy. It could be full of struggles. You will need a lot of practice too.
That is why I am here for you. As your online teacher, I will make the time you spend with me worthwhile. My teaching style is very light. You will not feel pressure in learning. Our sessions will be fun and interactive. I will use power point presentations as our material in learning languages. We can discuss anything under the sun. Join me now and I will help you improve in speaking in English and Filipino. See you in class!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Era Jane has a very friendly personality and is a great and very experienced Tagalog teacher. She prepares the lessons very carefully, focusing on all relevant aspects such as conversation, grammar, and vocabulary. I am very much looking forward to continuing the lessons with her and to become more proficient in the language.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Maria is a well-structured teacher that is fluent in both russian and spanish. I recommend her to anyone!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Thank you for putting up with all my mistakes today! We had plenty of conversation practice although the listening we did was quite tough but very useful .
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Buongiorno gente!
Are you ready to learn italian with me?
My name is Mojra and I'm a qualified mother tongue tutor. Whether you need to prepare yourself for a job interview, you're planning to relocate to Italy or to spend your next holiday there, I look forward to assisting you to achieve your goals!
I am here to help you improve you grammar, sentence structure and to teach you helpful phrases in a fun and relaxed way.
I graduated from university majoring in Linguistic Mediation and in Modern Languages and then I specialized in the teaching of Italian as a second language, attending a one-year post-graduate course devoted to this and receiving excellent grades (FILIS: Formatori Interculturali di Lingua Italiana per Stranieri). I also teach in the Italian public schools.
If you'd like to learn Italian fluently, I'd love to be your teacher, then why not book a trial class with me now? In this lesson, we will design a lesson plan especially for you discussing how you will reach your specific goals.
IMPORTANT: Please contact me before booking your lesson with me and let me know your Italian level as well as the reasons why you want to learn Italian.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Moijra is very good teacher, patient and supportive She has the know how to transfer to her beginner students the needed knowledge
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Profile:
Hello! My name is Federico Pasquale, I was born in La Plata, Argentina but now I live in Formia, Italy. I have an English-Spanish translation degree, a degree in teaching and a CELTA Certificate. I've been working as an English teacher for 14 years in different countries and I've recently started to teach Spanish, my native language. I offer classes in different levels and also conversation classes. If you want to improve your skills in one of these languages, get in touch with me. See you in the lesson!
Areas of Expertise:
English: General English (all levels), Conversational English, Exam preparation classes (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS)
Spanish (Variety: Argentinian/Rioplatense): General Spanish at levels A1, A2 y B1, conversation and vocabulary
Free of charge interview!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Federico is a certified teacher with lots of experience who is well-structured and passionate about teaching English.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am from Calabria, but over the years I have felt at home in various places. In each one I have searched for my way and in the end in each one I have found little clues that have allowed me to understand that I want to teach my language to those who do not yet know it.
I have always loved the word, its power and the infinite possibilities it offers; at first I only thought of writing it down but there was still something missing. What use is the word if it is not shared, if it does not become an opportunity for exchange between cultures, or better, between individuals?
So, between one suitcase and another, I graduated in Italian literature and specialised in journalism, then I obtained the Ditals II from the University for Foreigners of Siena and the two-year specialisation school as a teacher of Italian to foreigners at the same university.
I have been teaching Italian for more than ten years: in Italy in state schools, in schools for adult migrants (Cpia in Modena and Rome) and in public schools; abroad at the Dante Alighieri in Valletta and at the University of Cork.
I have a passion for music, cinema, documentaries and photography, different mo(n)es which allow me to learn and tell stories.
Step by step I have become more and more aware of how much I love this job which has given me the opportunity to meet wonderfully unique people, now very often friends.
I look forward to sharing more details of my experience and motivations with you. Thank you for your time consideration.
Sincerely,
Federica Lento
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Just great experience! Thank you. To be continued. What a nice and easy platform. Good and interesting teacher.. Congradulations. Nina
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, everybody ! My name is Elena. I’m a native Italian speaker, I’m 49 years old and live in Turin. I am a certified CEDILS teacher, I graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature in Milan and have been working as a teacher of Italian for more than 10 years. I speak English and German. I attended specialization courses for Italian L2 teachers and I am interviewer for C1 PLIDA exam.
Are you seeking a friendly and dynamic study environment ? I got what you need. I am looking forward to being in touch with new students and organize pleasant, interesting and fruitful courses.
Do you wish to learn or improve your Italian to speak with your parents or friends? Do you need Italian for work or study ? Do you simply love Italian language and culture ? Do you need to improve your writing skills ?
My classes are tailored on your needs and considering your level of knowledge, I create a proper course plan. Classes focus on language and on the possibility for you to improve your ability to speak and understand Italian in your daily life or in work.
I offer 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 tuition, general Italian courses (grammar, conversation, listening, reading and writing), preparation to Italian examinations (all levels, also Italian for residence permit) and Italian and culture courses.
Grammar, vocabulary exercises, reading articles and magazines and talking together are all tools to feel at ease with the Italian language and then be able to practice it.
I have worked with children, adolescents and adults for all levels of Italian, from beginner to advanced. I have experience in preparing students to international certification (CILS, PLIDA). I was an A2/B1 Telc examiner.
Learning Italian can be closely related to culture, literature, music, sport and any other interest of my students.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Elena is an incredible teacher. She has great methodology and knowledge to assist the student in his needs. She helps you to see your potential and gives feedback helping you to improve your knowledge of the language. Thanks Elena for you support in this process.
Elena F.Thanks so much ! It is a pleasure to work with you, you are a very good and very very nice student.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ciao! My name is Mauro, I am native Italian from Calabria! I am a very passionate teacher, I love to share my language and my knowledge about Italy, and its culture, films, music, literature, arts, food!!! I firmly believe that learning is based on trust between teacher and student, and the first objective of my classes is to individuate student's objectives and preferences. My teaching methodology is integrated: I think that it is important to work on all of linguistic abilities: oral and writing comprehension and production. I also think that lessons must be as much as fun as possible, and I use a lot of authentic material: songs, films, cooking recipes, newspapers, advertising and so on...
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
So far, I have studied with Mauro four times a week for a month. As a retired university professor, I find Mauro to be a thoughtful and deliberate teacher of Italian as a second language. He exercises care in preparing lessons and yet remains flexible to take opportunity of teachable moments. I highly recommend Mauro to anyone who is serious about learning Italian. Bravo Mauro! I look forward to continuing my studies with you.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a qualified teacher with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a TESOL certificate. I will make you fall in love with English or Afrikaans. My goal is to make learning as fun and exiting as possible by using these methods in class: singing, dancing, games, role play and using fun colorful resources. I can help you with anything from pronunciation, grammer, reading and writing, phonics and building your vocabulary.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Magda has a lot of experience and is well-structured. She offers a lot of materials. I would totally recommend her.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, welcome to my profile!
My name is Alessia and I currently live in Italy. I spent a few years in the United States where I deepened my knowledge of English and American dialects. I am currently specializing in Spanish and German. Over the years, I have given private lessons in Italian, English, Spanish, and Japanese, with Japanese being the most requested at the moment. Regarding Japanese, I had the opportunity to teach the language at an American college with a native Japanese teacher, applying the method that they use to learn their own language. I will help you in a simple way; conversation is really important for learning a language, and a good method is even more fundamental. No days spent on textbooks are needed; consistency and fun during lessons are the most important parts of learning. You will see results right away! I am patient, flexible, and will adapt in every way to your personal needs. I look forward to seeing you on my profile for a trial lesson and discovering an easy and fun method to learn a language as soon as possible.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I Have had a few weeks of Italian lessons with Alessia and I have found them very useful. In our first lesson we spoke about what I wanted (hoped) to learn and she has prepared resources based on this conversation and my ability level for every lesson since then. Her lessons are a nice mix of conversation, reading, written and spoken exercises. We use a text book (supplied by Alessia) as well as additional material when suitable. I recommend Alessia as a tutor.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials