Lesson 4- Talking to the waiter
Module 2 · Al Ristorante · Lesson 3 of 6
Talking to the waiter
How to order, ask questions, and change your mind — without panic.
The waiter will come to your table, say prego or posso prendere?, and wait. You have about ten seconds. Here is everything you need — ordering, asking what something is, changing an order, and handling the small requests that come up during a meal.
Ordering / Ordinare
Vorrei le penne all’arrabbiata.
I’d like the penne all’arrabbiata.
Come primo prendo il risotto.
For the first course I’ll have the risotto.
Come secondo vorrei il pollo alla griglia.
For the main I’d like the grilled chicken.
Per me solo il primo, grazie.
Just the first course for me, thank you.
Acqua gassata, per favore.
Sparkling water, please.
Asking questions / Fare domande
Cos’è questo?
What is this?
Cosa consiglia?
What do you recommend?
È piccante?
Is it spicy?
C’è carne dentro?
Does it contain meat?
Changing or adjusting / Modificare
Posso avere la pasta in bianco?
Can I have the pasta plain (no sauce)?
Senza pepe, per favore. Sono allergica.
Without pepper, please. I’m allergic.
Al posto del risotto, posso prendere la pasta?
Instead of the risotto, can I have the pasta?
Ho cambiato idea — prendo la bistecca.
I’ve changed my mind — I’ll have the steak.
Real talk
Italians do modify dishes — asking for senza (without) something is perfectly normal. What they don’t do is ask for a completely different preparation or substitute ingredients wholesale. Keep modifications simple and the waiter will be happy to help.
During the meal / Durante il pasto
- Scusi, manca un bicchiere. Excuse me, there’s a glass missing.
- Posso avere un po’ di pane? Can I have some bread?
- Tutto bene, grazie. Everything’s fine, thank you. (when asked)
- Era ottimo, grazie. It was excellent, thank you.
- Scusi, questo non l’ho ordinato. Excuse me, I didn’t order this.
- Possiamo avere un altro po’ d’acqua? Could we have some more water?
Getting attention
To call the waiter, say Scusi with a raised hand. Never click your fingers, clap, or shout cameriere across the room. Scusi works every time and keeps everyone happy.