Is there a restaurant on board?
'Ristorante' — ri-sto-RAN-te. Stress on the third syllable; four syllables total.
Ask at the check-in desk or information counter when boarding an overnight or long-distance ferry. Services vary greatly between companies and vessel types.
'A bordo' means on board — the same phrase works for ships, planes, and trains. 'C'è' + noun is the existential question. On Italian ferries, 'ristorante' refers to a sit-down restaurant while 'self-service' or 'bar' are cheaper onboard eating options.
Dov'è la mensa di bordo?
Where is the ship's canteen?
'Mensa' is a canteen or cafeteria-style option.
C'è un bar dove posso mangiare qualcosa?
Is there a bar where I can get something to eat?
Bars on Italian ferries often serve hot food and snacks.
Il pasto è incluso nel biglietto?
Is the meal included in the ticket?
Check whether food is covered by the fare.
Overnight ferry restaurants on major Italian lines (GNV, Tirrenia) serve full Italian meals — pasta, secondi, dessert — at sit-down prices. The self-service option is significantly cheaper. Many Italians bring their own food from home for long crossings.