How to order food in Italian: A delicious guide to dining out

Whether it’s a beach restaurant serving fish straight off the boat, a cozy little rustic trattoria in Tuscany, or the most exclusive gourmet, rooftop restaurant in downtown Milan, dining out in Italy is a delightful experience.

But when you go to a restaurant where you’re expected to speak in the local language, the situation may go from delightful to distressing. We’re here to help! In this article, we’ll go through restaurant vocabulary and Italian food names, and we’ll give you all the essential phrases and practical expressions to:

• read an Italian menu;
• order food in Italian at a restaurant;
• reserve a table on the phone in Italian;
• make special requests regarding how your food should be cooked;
• alert your server about your dietary restrictions and food allergies.

There’s a lot to talk about, so let’s get going!

Italian phrases for restaurant dining

You are genuinely spoiled for choice when it comes to dining in Italy. Before we proceed, let’s have a look at the most common types of restaurants:

• Ristorante: a fine dining establishment where you can eat meals;
• Pizzeria: a casual sit-down restaurant, where pizzas are made and served;
• Trattoria: a traditionally family-run, reasonably priced restaurant serving local specialties;
• Bistrot: a small, chic restaurant;
• Tavola calda or snack bar, where you can have a small meal, such as a sandwich or salad;
• Taverna: an informal, low-key inn that’s probably more about drinks than food, though it’ll have a simple food menu.

Dining out in an Italian restaurant can be a fun thing to do with friends, but, if you’re just learning Italian, all the new words can be quite confusing. Learning what to say, memorizing typical words you’ll find on restaurant menus, and knowing key Italian phrases and questions that can be heard from waitstaff can help make your experience easier.

We've gathered lots of these for you in the tables below. Take some time to have a look at them. Your confidence will grow as you expand your Italian vocabulary.

Restaurant vocabulary in Italian

Let’s start with restaurant vocabulary, including mealtime names and the different courses you can find on an Italian menu.

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
Meal	Pasto	[pˈasto]	pah-stoh
Dish	Piatto, pietanza	[pjˈatːo], [pjetˈant͡sa]	pee-ah-toh, pee-eh-than-tsah
Delicacy	Prelibatezza	[prelibatˈet͡sːa]	preh-lee-bah-the-tsah
Specialty	Specialità	[spet͡ʃalitˈa]	speh-cha-lee-tah
Breakfast	Colazione	[kolat͡siˈone]	koh-lah-tsee-oh-neh
Lunch	Pranzo	[prˈaŋd͡zo]	prahn-tsoh
Dinner	Cena	[t͡ʃˈena]	cheh-nah
Restaurant	Ristorante	[ristorˈante]	ree-stoh-rahn-teh
Pizza restaurant	Pizzeria	[pit͡sːerˈia]	pee-tseh-ree-ah
Traditional restaurant, trattoria	Trattoria	[tratːorˈia]	trah-toh-ree-ah
Bistrot	Bistrot	[bisˈtro]	bee-stroh
Diner	Tavola calda	[tˈavola kˈalda]	tah-voh-lah kahl-dah
Chef	Chef, cuoco	[ʃˈeff], [kʊˈɔko]	sheph, koo-oh-koh
Pizza maker	Pizzaiolo	[pit͡sːajˈɔlo]	pee-tsah-ee-oh-loh
Waiter	Cameriere	[kameriˈɛre]	kah-meh-ree-eh-reh
Waitress	Cameriera	[kameriˈɛra]	kah-meh-ree-eh-rah
Host	Maître	[mɛtr]	meh-thr
Takeaway	Da asporto	[dˈa aspˈɔrto]	dah ah-spohr-toh
Table	Tavolo	[tˈavolo]	tah-voh-loh
Menu	Menù	[menˈu]	meh-noo
Service charge	Coperto	[kopˈɛrto]	koh-pehr-toh
Appetizer, starter	Antipasto	[antipˈasto]	ahn-tee-pah-stoh
First course	Primo, primo piatto	[prˈimo], [prˈimo pjˈatːo]	pree-moh, pree-moh pee-ah-toh
Second course	Secondo, secondo piatto	[sekˈondo], [sekˈondo pjˈatːo]	seh-kohn-doh, seh-kohn-doh pee-ah-toh
Side dish	Contorno	[kontˈorno]	kohn-tohr-noh
Dessert	Dolce	[dˈolt͡ʃe]	dohl-che
Drink	Bevanda	[bevˈanda]	beh-vahn-dah
Water	Acqua	[ˈakːwa]	ah-koo-ah
Wine	Vino	[vˈino]	vee-noh

Tableware vocabulary in Italian

Let’s move on to tableware vocabulary, including servingware and what you can find on a restaurant table.

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
Plate	Piatto	[pjˈatːo]	pee-ah-toh
Glass	Bicchiere	[bikːiˈɛre]	bee-kee-eh-reh
Stem glass	Calice	[kˈalit͡ʃe]	kah-lee-che
Knife	Coltello	[koltˈɛllo]	kohl-teh-loh
Fork	Forchetta	[forkˈetːa]	phor-keht-tah
Spoon	Cucchiaio	[kʊkːjˈaio]	koo-kee-ah-ee-oh
Teaspoon	Cucchiaino	[kʊkːiaˈino]	koo-kee-ah-ee-noh
Cup	Tazza	[tˈat͡sːa]	tah-tsah
Bowl	Scodella	[skodˈɛlla]	skoh-dehl-lah
Salad bowl	Insalatiera	[insalatiˈɛra]	een-sah-lah-tee-eh-rah
Tureen	Zuppiera	[d͡zʊpːiˈɛra]	tsoo-pee-eh-rah
Bottle	Bottiglia	[botːˈiʎa]	boht-tee-wlhee-ah
Napkin	Tovagliolo	[tovaʎˈɔlo]	toh-vah-wlhee-oh-loh
Tablecloth	Tovaglia	[tovˈaʎa]	toh-vah-wlhee-ah
Toothpick	Stuzzicadenti	[stʊt͡sːikadˈɛntɪ]	stoo-tsee-kah-dehn-tee

How to ask for a table in Italian

These days we usually make reservations online. If you need to make a reservation by phone, planning what to say in advance can help make it easier and less unnerving. Does the idea of talking on the phone in Italian frighten you? Check out the table below, and you won’t be scared anymore. If you need a refresher, you can always go back to our fun and free guides to the days of the week, numbers, and how to tell the time in Italian.

You can also ask for a table when arriving at a restaurant without a reservation. Are you curious to know how to say “do you have a table for three?” in Italian? Well, let’s find out right away!

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
I would like to make a reservation for three people for Thursday evening at 8:30 pm.	Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per tre persone per giovedì sera alle ore 20:30.	[vorɾˈɛi prenotˈare ˈun tˈavolo pˈer trˈe persˈone pˈer d͡ʒovedˈi sˈera ˈalle ˈore vˈɛntɪ ˈeː trˈɛnta]	voh-reh-ee preh-noh-tah-reh oon tah-voh-loh pehr treh pehr-soh-neh pehr joh-veh-dee seh-rah ahl-leh oh-reh vehn-tee eh trehn-tah
Is it possible to book a table for three people?	È possibile prenotare un tavolo per tre persone?	[ˈɛː pos͡sˈibile prenotˈare ˈun tˈavolo pˈer trˈe persˈone]	eh poh-see-bee-leh preh-noh-tah-reh oon tah-voh-loh pehr treh pehr-soh-neh
Is it possible to book a table for five people in the rooftop terrace?	È possibile prenotare un tavolo per cinque persone nella terrazza panoramica?	[ˈɛː pos͡sˈibile prenotˈare ˈun tˈavolo pˈer t͡ʃˈinkwe persˈone nˈɛlla terɾˈat͡sːa panorˈamika]	eh poh-see-bee-leh preh-noh-tah-reh oon tah-voh-loh pehr cheen-koo-eh pehr-soh-neh neh-lah tehr-rah-tsah pah-noh-rah-mee-kah
Hello! A table for two people please!	Salve, un tavolo per due persone, per favore!	[sˈalve ˈun tˈavolo pˈer dˈue persˈone pˈer favˈore]	sahl-veh oon tah-voh-loh pehr doo-eh pehr-soh-neh pehr phah-voh-reh
Hello! Do you have a table for three?	Salve, avete un tavolo per tre persone?	[sˈalve avˈete ˈun tˈavolo pˈer trˈe persˈone]	sahl-veh ah-veh-teh oon tah-voh-loh pehr treh pehr-soh-neh
Do you have any tables available for a group of four?	Avete un tavolo libero per quattro, per favore?	[avˈete ˈun tˈavolo lˈibero pˈer kwˈatːro pˈer favˈore]	ah-veh-teh oon tah-voh-loh pehr koo-aht-troh pehr phah-voh-reh
Do we have to wait long for a table for two?	C'è molto da aspettare per un tavolo per due?	[t͡ʃˈɛː mˈolto dˈa aspetːˈare pˈer ˈun tˈavolo pˈer dˈue]	cheh mohl-toh dah ahs-peht-tah-reh pehr oon tah-voh-loh pehr doo-eh
Are dogs allowed in the restaurant?	È consentito l’accesso ai cani nel ristorante?	[ˈɛː konsentˈito ˈɛlle’at͡ʃːˈɛs͡so ˈaj kˈanɪ nˈɛl ristorˈante]	eh kohn-sehn-tee-toh lah-chehs-soh ahee kah-nee nehl ree-stoh-rahn-teh
I made a reservation for two people under the name Francesco Beltramini.	Ho prenotato un tavolo per quattro persone a nome Francesco Beltramini.	[ˈɔ prenotˈato ˈun tˈavolo pˈer kwˈatːro persˈone ˈaː nˈome frant͡ʃˈesko beltramˈinɪ]	oh preh-noh-tah-toh oon tah-voh-loh pehr koo-aht-troh pehr-soh-neh ah noh-meh frahn-che-skoh behl-trah-mee-nee
There are four of us.	Siamo in quattro.	[sjˈamo ˈiːn kwˈatːro]	see-ah-moh een koo-aht-troh

How to order food in Italian

You are expected to talk a lot with waitstaff while at a restaurant in Italy, so it’s advisable to get prepared with some key phrases, questions, and expressions. The phrases gathered in the table below are very helpful, and can be used when you want to order food, alert your server about your dietary restrictions or food allergies, and ask for the check.

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
Can I see the menu, please?	Posso vedere il menù, per favore?	[pˈɔs͡so vedˈere ˈiːl menˈu pˈer favˈore]	pohs-soh veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo pehr phah-vo-reh
What do you recommend?	Che cosa ci consiglia?	[kˈe kˈɔza t͡ʃˈi konsˈiʎa]	keh koh-sah chee kohn-see-wlhee-ah
What are your specialties?	Quali sono le specialità della casa?	[kwˈalɪ sˈono lˈe spet͡ʃalitˈa dˈella kˈaza]	koo-ah-lee soh-noh leh speh-cha-lee-tah dehl-lah kah-sah
What are the specials of the day?	Quali sono i piatti del giorno?	[kwˈalɪ sˈono ˈi pjˈatːɪ dˈel d͡ʒˈorno]	koo-ah-lee soh-noh ee pee-ah-the dehl johr-noh
Is there a local specialty?	C’è una specialità locale?	[t͡ʃˈi’ˈɛː ˈuna spet͡ʃalitˈa lokˈale]	che oo-nah speh-cha-lee-tah loh-kah-leh
What’s the Genoese pesto sauce made with?	Cosa c’è nel pesto alla genovese?	[kˈɔza t͡ʃˈi’ˈɛː nˈɛl pˈɛsto ˈalla d͡ʒenovˈeze]	koh-sah che nehl pehs-toh ahl-lah jeh-noh-veh-seh
I’ll have the…	Io prendo…	[ˈio prˈɛndo]	ee-oh prehn-doh
I’ll have the…	Per me…	[pˈer mˈe]	pehr meh
I’ll have the…	Vorrei...	[pˈer mˈe]	vohr-reh-ee
I’ll have a well done steak.	Io prendo una bistecca ben cotta, per favore.	[ˈio prˈɛndo ˈuna bistˈekːa bˈɛn kˈɔtːa pˈer favˈore]	ee-oh prehn-doh oo-nah bee-steh-kah behn koht-tah pehr phah-voh-reh
I’ll have a medium beefsteak.	Io prendo una bistecca di manzo a cottura media.	[ˈio prˈɛndo ˈuna bistˈekːa dˈi mˈand͡zo ˈaː kotːˈura mˈɛdia]	ee-oh prehn-doh oo-nah bee-steh-kah dee mahn-tsoh ah koht-too-rah meh-dee-ah
I’ll have a rare Florentine steak.	Io prendo una bistecca Fiorentina al sangue.	[ˈio prˈɛndo ˈuna bistˈekːa fjorentˈina ˈal sˈaŋɡwe]	ee-oh prehn-doh oo-nah bee-steh-kah phee-oh-rehn-tee-nah ahl sahn-goo-eh
A bottle of water for the table, please.	Acqua naturale, per favore.	[ˈakːwa natʊrˈale pˈer favˈore]	ah-koo-ah nah-too-rah-leh pehr phah-voh-reh
May I please order a bottle of white wine?	È possibile ordinare una bottiglia di vino bianco?	[ˈɛː pos͡sˈibile ordinˈare ˈuna botːˈiʎa dˈi vˈino bjˈanko]	eh poh-see-bee-leh ohr-dee-nah-reh oo-nah boht-tee-wlhee-ah dee vee-noh bee-ahn-koh
Which wines do you recommend?	Che vini ci consiglia?	[kˈe vˈinɪ t͡ʃˈi konsˈiʎa]	keh vee-nee chee kohn-see-wlhee-ah
Do you have vegetarian options?	Avete piatti vegetariani?	[avˈete pjˈatːɪ ved͡ʒetariˈanɪ]	ah-veh-the pee-ah-tee veh-jeh-tah-ree-ah-nee
Do you have vegan options?	Avete piatti vegani?	[avˈete pjˈatːɪ veɡˈanɪ]	ah-veh-the pee-ah-tee veh-gah-nee
I’m a vegetarian.	Sono vegetariano.Sono vegetariana.	[sˈono ved͡ʒetariˈano] [sˈono ved͡ʒetariˈana]	soh-noh veh-jeh-tah-ree-ah-nohsoh-noh veh-jeh-tah-ree-ah-nah
I’m vegan.	Sono vegano. Sono vegana.	[sˈono veɡˈano] [sˈono veɡˈana]	soh-noh veh-gah-nohsoh-noh veh-gah-nah
I’m allergic to…	Sono allergico a…Sono allergica a…	[sˈono allˈɛrd͡ʒiko ˈaː] [sˈono allˈɛrd͡ʒika ˈaː]	soh-noh ahl-lehr-jee-koh ahsoh-noh ahl-lehr-jee-kah ah
I have a severe food allergy to…	Ho una grave allergia alimentare a…	[ˈɔ ˈuna ɡrˈave allerd͡ʒˈia alimentˈare ˈaː]	oh oo-nah grah-veh ahl-lehr-jee-ah ah-lee-mehn-tah-reh ah
I can’t eat dishes that contain…	Non posso mangiare cibi che contengono…	[nˈon pˈɔs͡so mand͡ʒˈare t͡ʃˈibɪ kˈe kontˈeŋɡono]	nohn pohs-soh mahn-jah-reh chee-bee keh kohn-tehn-goh-noh
I have celiac disease.	Sono celiaco.Sono celiaca.	[sˈono t͡ʃelˈiako] [sˈono t͡ʃelˈiaka]	soh-noh che-lee-ah-kohsoh-noh che-lee-ah-kah
I’m lactose intolerant.	Sono intollerante al lattosio.	[sˈono intollerˈante ˈal latːˈozio]	soh-noh een-tohl-leh-rahn-teh ahl lath-toh-see-oh
That was delicious!	Era tutto buonissimo!	[ˈɛra tˈutːo bʊonˈis͡simo]	eh-rah toot-toh boo-oh-nee-see-moh
Compliments to the chef!	I miei complimenti allo chef!	[ˈi mjˈɛi komplimˈentɪ ˈallo ʃˈeff]	ee mee-eh-ee kohm-plee-mehn-tee ahl-loh sheph
Could I please have the bill?	Posso avere il conto, per favore?	[pˈɔs͡so avˈere ˈiːl kˈonto pˈer favˈore]	pohs-soh ah-veh-reh eel kohn-toh pehr pha-voh-reh
The bill, please.	Il conto, per favore.	[ˈiːl kˈonto pˈer favˈore]	eel kohn-toh pehr pha-voh-reh
Can we have separate bills?	Possiamo avere un conto separato?	[pos͡sjˈamo avˈere ˈun kˈonto sepaɾˈato]	pohs-see-ah-moh ah-veh-reh oon kohn-toh seh-pah-rah-toh

If you order for delivery, you’ll be asked for some personal details over the phone, such as your address, phone number, and buzzer code.

You can also choose the pick-up option, which means that you have to go to the restaurant to collect your order.

Real-life Italian conversation between a waiter and a restaurant diner

Waiter: Buongiorno, signori.
Hello, Sirs.

Customer: Buongiorno! È consentito l’accesso ai cani nel ristorante?
Hello! Are dogs allowed in the restaurant?

Waiter: Sì, certamente. Avete prenotato?
Yes, sure. Do you have a reservation?

Customer: Sì, ho prenotato un tavolo per due persone a nome Francesco Beltramini.
Yes, I made a reservation for two people under Francesco Beltramini.

Waiter: Perfetto! Prego, venite da questa parte. Porto subito una ciotola con dell’acqua per il cane.
Perfect! Please, come this way. I’ll bring a bowl of water for your dog right away.

Customer: Grazie mille!
Thank you very much!

Waiter: Ecco l’acqua.
Here’s the water.

Customer: Quali sono le specialità della casa?
What are your specialties?

Waiter: Risotto al radicchio rosso, e anguilla marinata.
Red radicchio risotto, and marinated eel.

Customer: Fantastico. Mia sorella prende il risotto al radicchio rosso, mentre io prendo i calamari in umido, senza pepe. Ho una grave allergia alimentare al pepe nero.
Great. My sister will have red radicchio risotto, and l’ll have stewed squid without pepper. I have a severe food allergy to black pepper.

Waiter: Va bene. Ottima scelta!
Alright. That’s a very good choice!

Customer: Grazie!
Thanks!

Waiter: Da bere?
To drink?

Customer: Un quartino di vino bianco della casa, per favore.
A quarter liter of house wine, please.

Waiter: Arriva subito!
It will be here in a moment!

Italian phrases for restaurant workers and waiters

In the table below, we’ve collected phrases and questions you might hear from waitstaff when dining out. By learning them, you’ll better understand what waiters and waitresses are saying to you. Note that they usually speak to customers using formal Lei. Informal tu is used only with children.

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
How many are in your party?	Quanti siete? Quante persone siete?	[kwˈantɪ sjˈete] [kwˈante persˈone sjˈete]	koo-ahn-tee see-eh-teh koo-ahn-tee pehr-soh-neh see-eh-teh
Do you have a reservation?	Ha prenotato?	[ˈa prenotˈato]	ah preh-noh-tah-toh
What would you like to drink?	Cosa porto da bere?	[kˈɔza pˈɔrto dˈa bˈere]	koh-sah pohr-toh dah beh-reh
To drink?	Da bere?	[dˈa bˈere]	dah beh-reh
What would you like to eat?	Che cosa vi porto?	[kˈe kˈɔza vˈi pˈɔrto]	koh-sah vee pohr-toh
Are you ready to order?	Siete pronti per ordinare?	[sjˈete prˈontɪ pˈer ordinˈare]	see-eh-the prohn-tee pehr ohr-dee-nah-reh
Would you like to hear the daily specials?	Desidera che Le illustri le specialità del giorno?	[dezˈidera kˈe lˈe illˈustrɪ lˈe spet͡ʃalitˈa dˈel d͡ʒˈorno]	deh-see-deh-rah keh leh ehl-loo-stree leh speh-cha-lee-tah dehl johr-noh
Would you like to see the wine list?	Volete che vi porti la carta dei vini?	[volˈete kˈe vˈi pˈɔrtɪ lˈa kˈarta dˈe͡ɪ vˈinɪ]	voh-leh-teh keh vee pohr-tee lah kahr-tah deh-ee vee-nee
That’s a very good choice!	Ottima scelta!	[ˈotːima ʃˈelta]	oht-tee-mah shel-tah
I'll bring a bowl of water for your dog.	Le porto subito una ciotola con dell’acqua per il cane.	[lˈe pˈɔrto sˈubito ˈuna t͡ʃˈɔtola kˈon dˈɛl’ˈakːwa pˈer ˈiːl kˈane]	leh pohr-toh soo-bee-toh oo-nah cho-toh-lah kohn dehl ah-koo-ah pehr eel kah-neh
Would you like a high-chair?	Serve un seggiolone?	[sˈɛrve ˈun sed͡ʒːolˈone]	sehr-veh oon seh-joh-loh-neh
How is your meal?	Com’era?	[kˈom’ˈɛra]	kohm-eh-rah
Was it good?	Andava bene?	[andˈava bˈɛne]	ahn-dah-vah beh-neh
Enjoy your meal!	Buon appetito!	[bwˈɔn apːetˈito]	boo-ohn ahp-peh-tee-toh

Real-life Italian conversation between a waiter and a restaurant diner

Waiter: Buongiorno signori. Quanti siete?
Hello, Sirs. How many are in your party?

Customer: Buongiorno, siamo in quattro.
Hello! There are four of us.

Waiter: Avete prenotato?
Do you have a reservation?

Customer: No, non abbiamo prenotato. Passavamo di qua. Avete un tavolo libero per quattro?
No, we don't have a reservation. We were passing by. Do you have a table for four?

Waiter: Sì, abbiamo un tavolo libero. Venite, signori, da questa parte. Serve un seggiolone per la bambina?
Yes, we have a free table. Please come this way. Would you like a high-chair for your little girl?

Customer: Sì, grazie.
Yes, please!

Waiter: Ecco qui. Cosa porto da bere?
Here you go. What would you like to drink?

Customer: Due bottiglie di acqua frizzante, grazie.
Two bottles of fizzy water, please.

Waiter: Ecco a voi. Siete pronti per ordinare?
Here you are. Are you ready to order?

Customer: Che cosa ci consiglia?
What do you recommend?

Waiter: La polenta concia con funghi è ottima. Anche la fonduta valdostana e le costolette sono buonissime.
Polenta concia with mushrooms is excellent. The fondue and the ribs are also very good.

Customer: Ok, prendiamo due porzioni di fonduta valdostana e la polenta concia, grazie.
Okay, we’ll have two servings of Aosta Valley fondue and the polenta concia, please.

Waiter: Ottima scelta!
That’s a very good choice!

Restaurant menu in Italian: food vocabulary

In the table below you’ll find a list of the basic food groups in Italian. Check out our veg and fruit articles as well.

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
Pasta	Pasta	[pˈasta]	pah-stah
Bread	Pane	[pˈane]	pah-neh
Rice	Riso	[rˈizo]	ree-soh
Cereals	Cereali	[t͡ʃereˈalɪ]	che-reh-ah-lee
Vegetables	Ortaggi, verdure	[ortˈad͡ʒːɪ] [verdˈure]	ohr-tah-jee vehr-doo-reh
Legumes	Legumi	[leɡˈumɪ]	leh-goo-mee
Fruits	Frutta	[frˈutːa]	phroo-tah
Dried fruits	Frutta secca	[frˈutːa sˈekːa]	phroo-tah seh-kah
Eggs	Uova	[wˈɔva]	oo-oh-vah
Meat	Carne	[kˈarne]	kahr-neh
Burger	Hamburger, svizzera	[ambˈurɡer] [zvˈɪt͡sːera]	ahm-boor-ghehr svee-tseh-rah
Fish	Pesce	[pˈeʃe]	peh-sheh
Spices	Spezie	[spˈɛt͡sje]	speh-tsee-eh
Seasonings	Condimenti	[kondimˈentɪ]	kohn-dee-mehn-tee
Dairy products	Latticini	[latːit͡ʃˈinɪ]	laht-tee-chee-nee
Milk	Latte	[lˈatːe]	laht-teh
Cheese	Formaggio	[formˈad͡ʒːo]	phor-mah-joh
Salad	Insalata	[insalˈata]	een-sah-lah-tah
Soup	Minestra, zuppa	[minˈɛstra] [d͡zˈupːa]	mee-nehs-strah tsoop-pah
Sauce	Sugo	[sˈuɡo]	soo-ghoh
Dip	Salsa	[sˈalsa]	sahl-sah
Sandwich	Panino	[panˈino]	pah-nee-noh

Types of pasta noodles

Let’s now have a look at the most common types of pasta noodles you will see in restaurant menus in Italy. Note that, in some cases, there may be differences in spelling and pronunciation to what you are accustomed. We’ll show you the right way to pronounce every word in correct Italian. I think Italian-American names, like “maCAroni,” “fettucciNI,” and “linguiNI” probably come from a wrong spelling or a bad pronunciation of the original Italian words.

Italian	Description	IPA	Pronunciation
Spaghetti	Long strands of pasta.	[spaɡˈetːɪ]	spah-ghet-tee
Fettuccine	Pasta in the form of narrow ribbons.	[fetːʊt͡ʃːˈine]	pheht-too-chee-neh
Linguine	Narrow flat pasta.	[liŋɡwˈine]	leen-goo-ee-neh
Maccheroni	Short tubes of pasta.	[makːerˈonɪ]	mah-keh-roh-nee
Ravioli	Small envelopes of pasta containing minced meat, cheese or vegetables.	[ravjˈɔlɪ]	rah-vee-oh-lee
Tortellini	Pasta in the form of little ring-shaped cases containing meat or cheese.	[tortellˈinɪ]	tohr-tehl-lee-nee
Tagliatelle	Thin, long strips of pasta.	[taʎatˈɛlle]	tah-wlhee-ah-tehl-leh
Tagliolini	A type of ribbon pasta.	[taʎolˈinɪ]	tah-wlhee-oh-lee-nee
Penne	A type of pasta in the shape of tubes.	[pˈenne]	pehn-neh
Fusilli	Spiral-shaped pasta.	[fʊzˈillɪ]	phoo-seel-lee
Orecchiette	Small oval pasta.	[orekːjˈetːe]	oh-reh-kee-eh-teh
Gnocchi	Small round balls made out of potatoes.	[ɲˈokːɪ]	nyo-kee
Cannelloni	Boiled tube-shaped pasta filled with a meat, fish, cheese, or vegetable mixture.	[kannellˈonɪ]	kahn-nehl-loh-nee

Meats in Italian

Now we’ll learn what the most common meats are called in Italian.

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
Chicken	Pollo	[pˈollo]	pohl-loh
Turkey	Tacchino	[takːˈino]	tah-kee-noh
Poultry	Pollame	[pollˈame]	pohl-lah-meh
Beef	Manzo	[mˈand͡zo]	mahn-tsoh
Veal	Vitello	[vitˈɛllo]	vee-tehl-loh
Pork	Maiale, carne suina	[majˈale] [kˈarne sʊˈina]	mah-ee-ah-leh kahr-neh soo-ee-nah
Lamb	Agnello	[aɲˈɛllo]	ahn-yehl-loh
Rabbit	Coniglio	[konˈiʎo]	koh-nee-wlhee-oh
Deer	Cervo	[t͡ʃˈɛrvo]	cher-voh
Steak	Bistecca	[bistˈekːa]	bee-steh-kah
Meatball	Polpetta	[polpˈetːa]	pohl-peht-tah
Stew	Stufato, spezzatino	[stʊfˈato] [spet͡sːatˈino]	stoo-pha-toh speh-tsah-tee-noh
Roast beef	Arrosto di manzo	[arɾˈɔsto dˈi mˈand͡zo]	ahr-roh-stoh dee mahn-tsoh
Cold cuts	Affettato	[affetːˈatɪ]	Ah-pheh-tah-toh
Ham	Prosciutto	[proʃˈutːo]	proh-shoo-toh
Sausage	Salsiccia	[salsˈit͡ʃːa]	sahl-see-cha
Ribs	Costolette	[kostolˈetːe]	koh-stoh-leh-teh
Salami	Salame	[salˈame]	sah-lah-meh

Italian names for fish and seafood

Are you curious to know how to say “oyster,” “squid,” and “cod” in Italian? Let’s find out immediately!

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
Seafood	Frutti di mare	[frˈutːɪ dˈi mˈare]	phroo-tee dee mah-reh
Salmon	Salmone	[salmˈone]	sahl-moh-neh
Cod	Merluzzo	[merlˈut͡sːo]	mehr-loo-tsoh
Lobster	Aragosta, astice	[aɾaɡˈɔsta] [ˈastit͡ʃe]	ah-rah-gho-stah ah-stee-cheh
Squid	Calamaro	[kalamˈaro]	kah-lah-mah-roh
Sardine	Sardina	[sardˈina]	sahr-dee-nah
Anchovy	Acciuga	[at͡ʃːˈuɡa]	ah-choo-ghah
Clam	Vongola	[vˈoŋɡola]	vohn-ghoh-lah
Shrimp	Gambero, gamberetto	[ɡˈambero] [ɡamberˈetːo]	ghahm-beh-roh ghahm-beh-reh-toh
Mussel	Cozza	[kˈɔt͡sːa]	koh-tsah
Oyster	Ostrica	[ˈɔstrika]	oh-stree-kah
Octopus	Polpo	[pˈolpo]	pohl-poh
Swordfish	Pesce spada	[pˈeʃe spˈada]	peh-she spah-dah
Mackerel	Sgombro	[zɡˈombro]	sghohm-broh
Eel	Anguilla	[aŋɡwˈilla]	ahn-goo-ee-lah

Spices and seasonings in Italian

Let’s now go through some of the most common spices and seasonings. Note that salad dressings don’t exist in Italy. Instead, you’ll be provided with genuine extra virgin olive oil, salt, and vinegar to dress your own salad at the table.

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
Oil	Olio	[ˈɔlio]	oh-lee-oh
Olive oil	Olio d’oliva	[ˈɔlio dolˈiva]	oh-lee-oh doh-lee-vah
Extra virgin olive oil	Olio extravergine d’oliva	[ˈɔlio ekstravˈɛrd͡ʒine dolˈiva]	oh-lee-oh ehc-strah-vehr-jee-neh doh-lee-vah
Vinegar	Aceto	[at͡ʃˈeto]	ah-cheh-toh
Balsamic vinegar	Aceto balsamico	[at͡ʃˈeto balsˈamiko]	ah-cheh-toh bahl-sah-mee-koh
Salt	Sale	[sˈale]	sah-leh
Pepper	Pepe	[pˈepe]	peh-peh
Herbs	Erbe aromatiche	[ˈɛrbe aromˈatike]	ehr-beh ah-roh-mah-tee-keh
Basil	Basilico	[bazˈiliko]	bah-see-lee-koh
Oregano	Origano	[orˈiɡano]	oh-ree-ghah-noh
Parsley	Prezzemolo	[pretˈtsemolo]	preh-tseh-moh-loh
Rosemary	Rosmarino	[rozmarˈino]	rohs-mah-ree-noh
Thyme	Timo	[tˈimo]	tee-moh
Sage	Salvia	[sˈalvia]	sahl-vee-ah
Sesame	Sesamo	[sˈɛzamo]	seh-sah-moh
Ginger	Zenzero	[d͡zˈend͡zero]	tsehn-tseh-roh
Mint	Menta	[mˈenta]	mehn-tah
Nutmeg	Noce moscata	[nˈot͡ʃe moskˈata]	noh-che moh-skah-tah
Saffron	Zafferano	[d͡zafferˈano]	tsah-pheh-rah-noh
Mayonnaise	Maionese	[majonˈeze]	mah-ee-oh-neh-seh
Mustard	Senape	[senˈape]	seh-nah-peh

Desserts in Italian

Let’s now find out what desserts and sweets are called in Italian.

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
Cake	Torta	[tˈɔrta]	tohr-tah
Sweet	Dolce	[dˈolt͡ʃe]	dohl-che
Ice cream	Gelato	[d͡ʒelˈato]	jeh-lah-toh
Sorbet	Sorbetto	[sorbˈetːo]	sohr-beht-toh
Smoothie	Frappè	[frapːˈɛ]	phrap-peh
Semifreddo	Semifreddo	[semifrˈɛdːo]	seh-mee-phred-doh
Pudding	Budino	[bʊdˈino]	boo-dee-noh
Cream	Panna	[pˈanna]	pahn-nah
Mousse	Mousse	[moˈus͡se]	moos
Chocolate	Cioccolato	[t͡ʃokːolˈato]	cho-koh-lah-toh
Cookie	Biscotto	[biskˈɔtːo]	bees-koht-toh
Tart	Crostata	[krostˈata]	kroh-stah-tah
Ring-shaped cake	Ciambella	[t͡ʃambˈɛlla]	chahm-behl-lah
Meringue	Meringa	[merˈiŋɡa]	meh-reen-ghah
Brioche	Cornetto	[kornˈetːo]	kohr-neht-toh
Pastry	Pasticcino	[pastit͡ʃːˈino]	pah-stee-chee-noh
Panna cotta	Panna cotta	[pˈanna kˈɔtːa]	pahn-nah koht-tah
Trifle	Zuppa inglese	[d͡zˈupːa iŋɡlˈeze]	tsoo-pah een-gleh-seh
Strudel	Strudel	[strˈudel]	stroo-dehl
Chocolate candy	Cioccolatino	[t͡ʃokːolatˈino]	cho-koh-lah-tee-noh
Praline	Pralina	[pralˈina]	prah-lee-nah
Chocolate covered cherry with liqueur	Boero	[boˈɛro]	boh-eh-roh
Candy	Caramella	[kaɾamˈɛlla]	kah-rah-mehl-lah

Italian ways to cook and serve food

Typical words you’ll find on restaurant menus include ways to cook and serve food. Here is a complete list for you to learn.

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
Smoked	Affumicato	[affʊmikˈato]	ah-phoo-mee-kah-toh
Baked	Al forno	[ˈal fˈorno]	ahl phor-noh
Grilled	Ai ferri	[ˈaj fˈɛrɾɪ]	ah-ee pheh-ree
Roasted	Arrosto	[arɾˈɔsto]	ahr-roh-stoh
Marinated	Marinato	[marinˈato]	mah-ree-nah-toh
Fried	Fritto	[frˈitːo]	phreet-toh
Stewed	In umido	[ˈiːn ˈumido]	een oo-mee-doh
Stuffed	Ripieno	[ripjˈɛno]	ree-pee-eh-noh
Creamed	Mantecato	[mantekˈato]	mahn-the-kah-toh
Spicy	Piccante	[pikːˈante]	pee-kahn-teh
Pie	Sformato	[sformˈato]	sphohr-mah-toh
Cooked	Cotto	[kˈɔtːo]	koht-toh
Raw	Crudo	[krˈudo]	kroo-doh

How to order pizza in Italian

I remember I was so fascinated with pizza makers tossing, spinning, and whirling disks of pizza dough over their heads, that I wanted so badly to be a pizzaiolo when I was 5 or 6.

Pizza dough should actually never be rolled with a roller, but gently stretched and flatten into a disk using the palm of your hand. For centuries, Italian pizzaioli have followed traditional methods to create the real, authentic, 12-inch round pizza all’italiana. Neapolitan pizza-making has UNESCO world heritage status.

Traditional Italian pizza is typically cooked in wood-fired brick ovens, so that it takes on a perfectly crispy yet chewy crust, and slightly smoky flavor. The basic version is topped with fresh, ripe, fragrant, juicy tomato, tender basil, genuine extra virgin olive oil, and melty mozzarella. Yummy!

This is pizza according to the Italian model, and there are different varieties. Let’s have a look:

• Pizza al taglio (literally, ‘pizza by the cut’) is baked in large rectangular trays, and generally served in square or rectangular slices. This variety of pizza was invented in Rome, and is now common throughout Italy. It’s also called pizza al trancio (literally, ‘pizza by the slice’), and pizza in teglia (‘pizza in the pan’).
• Pizza al metro (literally, ‘pizza by the meter’) is a variety of pizza baked with the same method of preparation as traditional pizza, but rolling out the dough to a predefined size. This variety was invented in the Sorrento peninsula, and is also called pizza alla pala (literally, ‘pizza loaded with a baker's peel’).
• Pinsa is a Roman-style, delicious, lighter version of the traditional pizza, whose dough is made of 80% water and a variety of premium gluten-free flours.
• Pizza fritta (literally, ‘fried pizza’) is Neapolitan pizza’s lesser-known cousin. This exceptionally airy cocoon of golden goodness is usually filled with ricotta, Provola cheese, and fresh tomato.

The phrases in this table will be useful to know when you want to order pizza in Italian.

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation
What varieties of pizza do you have?	Quali varietà di pizza avete?	[kwˈalɪ varietˈa dˈi pˈit͡sːa avˈete]	koo-ah-lee vah-ree-eh-tah dee pee-tsah ah-veh-teh
What types of dough do you use?	Che impasti di pizza avete?	[kˈe impˈastɪ dˈi pˈit͡sːa avˈete]	keh eem-pah-stee ah-veh-teh
What’s Neapolitan pizza made of?	Cosa c’è sulla pizza napoletana?	[kˈɔza t͡ʃˈi’ˈɛː sˈulla pˈit͡sːa napoletˈana]	koh-sah che sool-lah pee-tsah nah-poh-leh-tah-nah
May I have a gluten-free pizza?	Posso avere una pizza senza glutine?	[pˈɔs͡so avˈere ˈuna pˈit͡sːa sˈɛnt͡sa ɡlˈutine]	poh-soh ah-veh-re oo-nah pee-tsah sehn-tsah gloo-tee-neh
May I have a dairy free pizza?	Posso avere una pizza senza latticini?	[pˈɔs͡so avˈere ˈuna pˈit͡sːa sˈɛnt͡sa latːit͡ʃˈinɪ]	poh-soh ah-veh-re oo-nah pee-tsah sehn-tsah laht-tee-chee-nee
May I have a pizza without mozzarella?	Posso avere una pizza senza mozzarella?	[pˈɔs͡so avˈere ˈuna pˈit͡sːa sˈɛnt͡sa mot͡sːarˈɛlla]	poh-soh ah-veh-re oo-nah pee-tsah sehn-tsah moh-tsah-rehl-lah
Do you have vegetarian pizza options?	Avete pizze vegetariane?	[avˈete pˈit͡sːe ved͡ʒetariˈane]	ah-veh-teh pee-tseh veh-jeh-tah-ree-ah-neh
Do you have vegan pizza options?	Avete pizze vegane?	[avˈete pˈit͡sːe veɡˈane]	ah-veh-teh pee-tseh veh-ghah-neh
I’ll have a ham and mushroom pizza.	Io prendo una pizza al prosciutto e funghi.	[ˈio prˈɛndo ˈuna pˈit͡sːa ˈal proʃˈutːo ˈeː fˈuŋɡɪ]	ee-oh prehn-doh oo-nah pee-tsah ahl proh-shoo-toh eh phoon-ghee
A seafood pizza for me, please!	Per me una pizza ai frutti di mare, grazie!	[pˈer mˈe ˈuna pˈit͡sːa ˈaj frˈutːɪ dˈi mˈare ɡrˈat͡sje]	pehr meh oo-nah pee-tsah ah-ee phroo-tee dee mah-reh grah-tsee-eh

Pizza styles you need to try to understand true Italian pizza

Pizza is loved around the world, and is often the first food people think of when they imagine Italian cuisine. How many real Italian pizza styles can you name? Here is a complete list for you, with ingredients and toppings (spoilers: no chicken, no pineapples).

English	Italian	IPA	Pronunciation	Topping
Margherita pizza	Pizza Margherita	[pˈit͡sːa marɡerˈita]	pee-tsah mahr-gheh-ree-tah	Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, basil
Marinara pizza	Pizza marinara	[pˈit͡sːa marinˈaɾa]	pee-tsah mah-ree-nah-rah	Tomato, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, garlic
Neapolitan pizza	Pizza napoletana	[pˈit͡sːa napoletˈana]	pee-tsah nah-poh-leh-tah-nah	San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo milk mozzarella, basil
Four seasons pizza	Pizza quattro stagioni	[pˈit͡sːa kwˈatːro stad͡ʒˈonɪ]	pee-tsah koo-aht-troh stah-jee-oh-nee	Artichokes, tomatoes, basil, ham, mushrooms
Four cheese pizza	Pizza ai quattro formaggi	[pˈit͡sːa ˈaj kwˈatːro formˈad͡ʒːɪ]	pee-tsah ah-ee koo-aht-troh phor-mah-jee	Parmigiano Reggiano, Gorgonzola, Ricotta, Mozzarella cheese
Capricciosa pizza	Pizza capricciosa	[pˈit͡sːa kaprit͡ʃːˈɔza]	pee-tsah kah-pree-choh-sah	Mozzarella cheese, Italian baked ham, mushroom, artichoke, tomato
Roman pizza	Pizza romana	[pˈit͡sːa romˈana]	pee-tsah roh-mah-nah	Tomato, mozzarella, capers, anchovy
Apulian pizza	Pizza pugliese	[pˈit͡sːa pʊʎˈeze]	pee-tsah poo- wlhee-eh-seh	Tomato, mozzarella, onions
Sicilian pizza	Pizza siciliana	[pˈit͡sːa sit͡ʃiliˈana]	pee-tsah see-chee-lee-ah-nah	Tomato, mozzarella, capers, olives, anchovy
Hot salami pizza	Pizza alla diavola	[pˈit͡sːa ˈalla djˈavola]	pee-tsah ahl-lah dee-ah-voh-lah	Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, hot salami, extra virgin olive oil, oregano
Veggie pizza	Pizza ortolana	[pˈit͡sːa ortolˈana]	pee-tsah ohr-toh-lah-nah	Tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, mozzarella, bell peppers, eggplants, zucchini
Seafood pizza	Pizza ai frutti di mare	[pˈit͡sːa ˈaj frˈutːɪ dˈi mˈare]	pee-tsah ah-ee phroo-tee dee mah-reh	Tomato sauce, clams, scallops, mussels, shrimp, squid
Mushroom pizza	Pizza ai funghi	[pˈit͡sːa ˈaj fˈuŋɡɪ]	pee-tsah ah-ee phoon-ghee	Mushrooms,tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, oregano, garlic
Ham pizza	Pizza al prosciutto	[pˈit͡sːa ˈal proʃˈutːo]	pee-tsah ahl proh-shoo-toh	Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, oregano
Ham and mushroom pizza	Pizza al prosciutto e funghi	[pˈit͡sːa ˈal proʃˈutːo ˈeː fˈuŋɡɪ]	pee-tsah ahl proh-shoo-toh eh phoon-ghee	Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, mushrooms, oregano
Mushroom and sausage pizza	Pizza alla boscaiola	[pˈit͡sːa ˈalla boskajˈɔla]	pee-tsah ahl-lah boh-skah-ee-oh-lah	Tomato sauce, mushrooms, sausage, mozzarella cheese
Parmigiana pizza	Pizza parmigiana	[pˈit͡sːa parmid͡ʒˈana]	pee-tsah pahr-mee-jah-nah	Eggplants, tomatoes, Parmigiano, mozzarella cheese, smoked scamorza cheese, basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil
Arugula pizza	Pizza rucola e Grana	[pˈit͡sːa rˈukola ˈeː ɡrˈana]	pee-tsah roo-koh-lah eh grah-nah	Arugula, Parmigiano, mozzarella cheese, tomato, extra virgin olive oil
Shrimp pizza	Pizza rucola e gamberetti	[pˈit͡sːa rˈukola ˈeː ɡamberˈetːɪ]	pee-tsah roo-koh-lah eh gahm-beh-reht-tee	Shrimps, mozzarella cheese, arugula, tomato, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil
Mushroom and seafood pizza	Pizza mare e monti	[pˈit͡sːa mˈare ˈeː mˈontɪ]	pee-tsah mah-reh eh mohn-tee	Seafood, mushrooms, mozzarella, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, tomato sauce
Pizza with Vienna sausages	Pizza ai würstel	[pˈit͡sːa ˈaj wˈurstel]	pee-tsah ah-ee voor-stehl	Vienna sausages, oregano, tomato sauce, mozzarella
Eggplant pizza	Pizza alle melanzane	[pˈit͡sːa ˈalle melaŋd͡zˈane]	pee-tsah ahl-leh meh-lahn-tsha-neh	Eggplants, extra virgin olive oil, basil, mozzarella, tomato sauce
Tuna pizza with black olives	Pizza al tonno e olive nere	[pˈit͡sːa ˈal tˈonno ˈeː olˈive nˈere]	pee-tsah ahl tohn-noh eh oh-lee-veh neh-reh	Tuna, onions, black olives, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, mozzarella, tomato
Bismarck pizza	Pizza alla Bismarck	[pˈit͡sːa ˈalla bˈizmarkː]	pee-tsah ahl-lah bees-mahrk	Eggs, ham, extra virgin olive oil, parsley, tomato, mozzarella cheese
Buffalo mozzarella pizza	Pizza bufalina	[pˈit͡sːa bʊfalˈina]	pee-tsah boo-pha-lee-nah	Buffalo milk mozzarella, tomato, basil
White pizza	Pizza bianca	[pˈit͡sːa bjˈanka]	pee-tsah bee-ahn-kah	Plain dough drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt and rosemary

Test your knowledge

Now that you know how to order food in Italian, try ordering something off of our Berlitz Italian menu. There are lots of local specials to choose from.

6 things first-time foreign visitors find weird when dining out in Italy

If you’re planning a trip to the Bel Paese, knowing Italy’s habits, customs, and expectations when it comes to tipping, taking leftovers home etc. will help you avoid weird looks, faux-pas, and awkward situations.

1. Not tipping

You’re not expected to tip restaurants in Italy, since you already pay for service in the so-called coperto (service charge), ranging from 1 to 5 euros per person.

2. Free water is not offered in Italian restaurants

Water is rarely if ever offered free of charge in Italian restaurants. You need to purchase bottled water. The whole classical American experience of being offered water free of charge in restaurants along with your meal just doesn’t exist in Italy.

3. Italian restaurants typically don’t have leftover boxes and take-home bags

You probably won’t find a need to do so, since portions in Italy are smaller than in the States, but if you want to take home leftover food from restaurant meals, you’ll have to specifically ask your server for a to-go bag. Your request will probably be treated without much surprise, but taking home food is not generally done in Italy. Despite the growing issue of food waste, for some reason most Italians still believe that taking home leftover food from a restaurant is a sign of rudeness, which is something I totally disagree with. Let’s hope the concept of doggie bags will become popular in Italy soon, to avoid unnecessary waste.

4. Italian meal times

In Italy, the majority of restaurants, trattorias, and pizzerias open for lunch at noon, and close between lunch and dinner. You’ll find that most of them don’t even open their doors until 8pm.

5. Don’t order a cappuccino after a meal

In Italy, cappuccino is strictly a breakfast beverage, usually served with a little pastry. If you want to fit in, don’t order a frothy cappuccino after a meal, then. For a post-dinner caffeine boost, opt for an espresso instead.

6. Don’t order PePPeroni pizza in Italy, because it’s not an Italian thing

In Italian, peperoni is the plural for peperone, which means bell pepper. Pepperoni is an Italian-American name. It doesn’t even mean the same thing in Italy. Don’t order a pepperoni pizza, then, unless you want it topped with bell peppers. Order a pizza alla diavola if you want it with hot salami.

The same goes with “Chicken Parmigiana,” “Spaghetti Bolognese,” “FettucciNI Alfredo,” “MaCAroni and Cheese,” “Marinara sauce,” garlic bread, and “Caesar’s Salad.” Don’t order them, because they are NOT Italian dishes. They’re all Italo-American creations.

Get ready for your next night out in a restaurant!

I know there’s quite a lot to take in here, but now you have all you need to confidently communicate in a restaurant environment, and order your meal by using phrases, questions, expressions, and collocations native Italian speakers use in natural speech.

Craving a slice of veggie pizza? Me too!

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