Ordering in an Italian Restaurant: From Coperto to Il Conto
How an Italian meal is structured, what coperto means on the bill, and the phrases to order, ask for the check and handle dietary needs.
Eating out in Italy follows a rhythm, and knowing the words makes the experience smoother.
The structure of a meal
| Course | Italian | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| appetiser | antipasto | cold cuts, bruschetta and similar |
| first course | primo | pasta, risotto or soup |
| main course | secondo | meat or fish |
| side dish | contorno | vegetables, ordered separately |
| dessert | dolce | cake, tiramisù, gelato |
| coffee | caffè | usually after dessert |
You are not obliged to order every course. A primo and a contorno is a perfectly normal meal.
Useful phrases
| Situation | Italian |
|---|---|
| Asking for a table | Un tavolo per due, per favore. |
| Asking for the menu | Il menù, per favore. |
| Ordering | Vorrei gli spaghetti al pomodoro. |
| Asking what's recommended | Cosa mi consiglia? |
| Water | Un litro d'acqua naturale / frizzante. |
| Asking for the bill | Il conto, per favore. |
| Compliment | Era squisito! |
Vorrei ("I would like") is the polite way to order.
The bill
- Il coperto is a cover charge per person, for bread and table service. It appears on the bill and is normal in many places.
- Il servizio is a service charge, when included.
- Tipping is not expected in the way it is in some countries, though rounding up is appreciated.
Drinks
- acqua naturale — still water
- acqua frizzante — sparkling water
- vino della casa — house wine
- birra — beer
- un caffè — an espresso (the default meaning of caffè)
Dietary needs
- Sono vegetariano / vegetariana. — I'm vegetarian.
- Sono allergico / allergica alle noci. — I'm allergic to nuts.
- Senza glutine — gluten-free
- Non mangio carne. — I don't eat meat.
Words on the menu
- al forno — baked
- alla griglia — grilled
- fritto — fried
- fatto in casa — homemade
- del giorno — of the day
Tips
- Use vorrei to order.
- Learn the four courses.
- Use the dictionary to check menu words.
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