Italian · Real conversations
Restaurant problems: Italian conversation practice
Explain a problem with an order and settle the bill. Read the exchange, reveal the translations when you need them, then try your part before looking at the sample answers.
A2 · Read and rehearse
Your role: A diner speaking politely to restaurant staff.
Goal: Explain a problem with an order and settle the bill.
Read the conversation
Partner
Ecco il suo piatto di pollo.
Show English translation
Here is your chicken dish.
You
Non è quello che ho ordinato.
Show English translation
This isn't what I ordered.
Partner
Mi dispiace. Controllo l'ordine. Siete pronti a scegliere il dolce?
Show English translation
I'm sorry. I'll check your order. Are you ready to choose dessert?
You
Potremmo avere ancora qualche minuto?
Show English translation
Could we have a few more minutes?
Partner
Certo. Come desiderate pagare?
Show English translation
Of course. How would you like to pay?
You
Potremmo avere conti separati?
Show English translation
Could we have separate bills?
Partner
Certamente. È arrivato tutto il resto?
Show English translation
Certainly. Has everything else arrived?
You
Non abbiamo ancora ricevuto le bevande.
Show English translation
We haven't received our drinks yet.
Partner
Le porto subito. Ecco i vostri conti.
Show English translation
I'll bring them now. Here are your bills.
You
Credo che ci sia un errore nel conto.
Show English translation
I think there's a mistake on the bill.
Try your part first
Partner says: Here is your chicken dish. Your goal: This isn't what I ordered.
Reveal a sample reply
Non è quello che ho ordinato.
This isn't what I ordered.
Partner says: I'm sorry. I'll check your order. Are you ready to choose dessert? Your goal: Could we have a few more minutes?
Reveal a sample reply
Potremmo avere ancora qualche minuto?
Could we have a few more minutes?
Partner says: Of course. How would you like to pay? Your goal: Could we have separate bills?
Reveal a sample reply
Potremmo avere conti separati?
Could we have separate bills?
Partner says: Certainly. Has everything else arrived? Your goal: We haven't received our drinks yet.
Reveal a sample reply
Non abbiamo ancora ricevuto le bevande.
We haven't received our drinks yet.
Partner says: I'll bring them now. Here are your bills. Your goal: I think there's a mistake on the bill.
Reveal a sample reply
Credo che ci sia un errore nel conto.
I think there's a mistake on the bill.
Make it your own
- A different dish is missing.
- Ask for a shared bill.
- Explain a different bill error.
Keep the useful expression and change the detail. There can be several appropriate answers; the revealed replies are examples to learn from.
This rehearsal in other languages
A note on speaking Italian
Use tu with friends and Lei with someone you address formally. A request with vorrei or potrebbe can soften the tone; it still helps to say what you need clearly. The examples label the situation so you can choose the appropriate relationship.
Read doubled consonants distinctly and keep the written accents. The English translation explains the intended message; Italian often chooses a different construction rather than matching each English word.
