FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the RestaurantCosa consigliate?
A1

Cosa consigliate?

What do you recommend?

Pronunciation

con-si-LIATE — the 'gli' is a palatal lateral, like 'lli' in 'million'. Four syllables total.

When to use it

When you are unsure what to order and want the staff's recommendation. Works equally well for food and wine.

What it means

'Consigliate' is the second person plural of 'consigliare' (to recommend/advise). This is the standard way to address restaurant staff. If speaking to a single person you know well, 'Cosa consigli?' works too.

Variations

Cosa mi consiglia?

What do you recommend to me?

Singular and slightly more personal — good when talking directly with the chef

Qual è il piatto del giorno?

What is the dish of the day?

Specific question — restaurants often have specials not listed on the menu

Cosa prendono di solito i clienti?

What do customers usually order?

More elaborate, shows genuine curiosity about local favourites

Mini Dialogue

— Cosa consigliate oggi? — Oggi è freschissimo il branzino al forno, e abbiamo anche i rigatoni all'amatriciana fatti in casa. — Prendo i rigatoni allora. — Ottima scelta, signora!

— What do you recommend today? — Today the baked sea bass is very fresh, and we also have homemade rigatoni all'amatriciana. — I'll have the rigatoni then. — Excellent choice, madam!

Cultural Note

Asking for a recommendation is a great way to get the freshest ingredient of the day. Italian chefs take seasonal cooking seriously — the answer will reflect what arrived at the market that morning.