Restaurant Italian: What You Need to Know Before You Order

Restaurant Italian: What you need to know before you order

"No man is lonely while eating spaghetti; it requires too much attention."- Christopher Morley

Italy is home to 130,000 square miles, 55 million people, and some of the finest food on earth. Americans know spaghetti, but do they know their il dolce from their il contorno? If you are planning a trip to Italy, you may need to brush up on a few simple terms to help you get around in and out of the city. Since Italy is home to some of the best foods, the best place to start learning Italian is with the food phrases.

Italian You Have to Know to Survive in a RestaurantSome phrases you just have to know. While most will be able to understand and speak English, there are some key phrases that every food loving tourist must know.

Potrei vedere il menù? - May I see the Menu?Cosa ci consiglia? - What would you recommend?Cameriere/cameriera! - Waiter/WaitressPuà portarci il conto, per favore? - May we have the check please?Mezze portione - half portionSeggiola, per favore? - high chair please.

Know Italian MenusMost Italian restaurants do not need reservations called in for dinner arrangements, and you should expect the food to be brought out to you in a specific order. Just remember that expresso is a train; if you want a coffee you order espresso.

L'antipasto - appetizer- example: crostini or bruschettaIl primo - first course- example: pasta or zuppa (soup)Il secondo - second course- example: meat or fishIl contorno - side dish- example: eggplant or saladIl dolce -dessert- example: tiramisu

Eating in Italy TipsBreakfast is mainly continentalCoffee is not served with a meal or with dessert, only afterMilk based coffees (lattes, etc) are not drunk after noon Food and drinks at a bar are cheaper than at a table"Chiuso" shows the day the restaurant is closed. All restaurants must close one day a week.