I am vegetarian. Can I have an alternative meal?
ve-je-ta-RYA-no — five syllables, stress on fourth. 'Alternativo' — al-ter-na-TI-vo.
Inform the hospital catering service of dietary requirements when admitted. Italian hospitals ask about dietary needs at admission.
'Vegetariano' (male) / 'vegetariana' (female). At admission, Italian hospitals ask about dietary restrictions ('restrizioni alimentari') and religious dietary requirements. Common Italian hospital diet options: 'dieta normale' (standard), 'dieta leggera' (light), 'dieta senza glutine' (gluten-free), 'dieta senza lattosio' (lactose-free), 'dieta vegetariana' (vegetarian).
Sono celiaco. Ho bisogno di una dieta senza glutine.
I am coeliac. I need a gluten-free diet.
Italian hospitals are legally required to provide gluten-free meals for coeliacs
Sono diabetico. C'è una dieta per il diabete?
I am diabetic. Is there a diabetes diet?
Diabetic diets ('dieta per diabetici') are standard in Italian hospitals
Non mangio carne per motivi religiosi.
I do not eat meat for religious reasons.
Italian hospitals increasingly accommodate Halal and Kosher requirements in major cities
Italian hospital food ('vitto ospedaliero') varies significantly by region and hospital. Italian catering culture means that even hospital food tends to use fresh seasonal ingredients — pasta, vegetables, and legumes appear regularly. Meals are typically three courses: 'primo' (pasta/soup), 'secondo' (protein), 'contorno' (side vegetables). Family members often bring food from home, a deeply Italian practice ('portare il cibo da casa') that hospitals generally allow for cultural and morale reasons.