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PhrasesAt the RestaurantAvete un menù per bambini?
A1

Avete un menù per bambini?

Do you have a children's menu?

Pronunciation

bam-BI-ni — three syllables, stress on the second.

When to use it

When dining with young children and looking for simpler or smaller portioned dishes.

What it means

'Bambini' means children. 'Menù per bambini' is a children's menu. Not all Italian restaurants have a formal children's menu, but most will accommodate requests for simpler dishes like pasta al burro or plain grilled chicken.

Variations

Avete una sedia per bambini?

Do you have a high chair?

'Sedia per bambini' = high chair — most family-friendly restaurants have them

Potete fare una pasta al burro per mio figlio?

Can you make a pasta with butter for my son?

Simple classic children's dish — pasta al burro (pasta with butter and parmesan)

Mia figlia è molto piccola — avete porzioni ridotte?

My daughter is very small — do you have reduced portions?

Explain the context to get a more helpful response

Mini Dialogue

— Avete un menù per bambini? — Non abbiamo un menù dedicato, ma facciamo volentieri pasta al burro, patatine o pollo arrosto per i piccoli. — Perfetto. Una pasta al burro e parmigiano per lei, grazie. — Arrivo subito!

— Do you have a children's menu? — We don't have a dedicated menu, but we happily make pasta with butter, chips or roast chicken for little ones. — Perfect. A pasta with butter and parmesan for her, thank you. — Coming right up!

Cultural Note

Italy is an extremely child-friendly country. Bambini are welcomed in virtually all restaurants at any hour — you will regularly see toddlers in restaurants at 10 pm. Italians regard this as completely normal family life, not inconsiderate parenting.