Italian · Real conversations
Restaurant problems: useful Italian phrases
Explain a problem with an order and settle the bill.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- The check, please
il conto, per favore
The check, please
- A table for two
un tavolo per due
A table for two
- Menu
il menù
Menu
- Napkin
il tovagliolo
Napkin
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Italian |
|---|---|
| The check, please | il conto, per favore The check, please |
| A table for two | un tavolo per due A table for two |
| Menu | il menù Menu |
| Napkin | il tovagliolo Napkin |
| This isn't what I ordered. | Non è quello che ho ordinato. Show English translationThis isn't what I ordered. |
| Could we have a few more minutes? | Potremmo avere ancora qualche minuto? Show English translationCould we have a few more minutes? |
| Could we have separate bills? | Potremmo avere conti separati? Show English translationCould we have separate bills? |
| We haven't received our ... yet. | Non ci è ancora arrivato … Show English translationWe haven't received our … yet. |
| I think there's a mistake on the bill. | Credo che ci sia un errore nel conto. Show English translationI think there's a mistake on the bill. |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Ecco il suo piatto di pollo.
Here is your chicken dish.
You
Non è quello che ho ordinato.
This isn't what I ordered.
Partner
Mi dispiace. Controllo l'ordine. Siete pronti a scegliere il dolce?
I'm sorry. I'll check your order. Are you ready to choose dessert?
You
Potremmo avere ancora qualche minuto?
Could we have a few more minutes?
Restaurant problems 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.
