Posso assaggiare prima di decidere?

Can I taste it before deciding?

Pronunciation

as-SAG-gia-re — four syllables, stress on the second. The 'gg' is hard.

When to use it

When choosing between wines or dishes and you want a small taste before committing to ordering a full portion.

What it means

'Assaggiare' means 'to taste/to try'. 'Prima di decidere' means 'before deciding'. This is more common with wine than food, but some restaurants will offer a small taste of a dish they are describing.

Variations

Posso assaggiare il vino?

Can I taste the wine?

Specifically for wine — always acceptable before ordering a bottle

Me ne fa assaggiare un po'?

Can you let me taste a little?

More conversational — 'me ne fa' is an idiomatic construction

Posso vedere prima il piatto?

Can I see the dish first?

Ask to look at another table's dish before ordering — perfectly acceptable in Italy

Mini Dialogue

— Vuole il Chianti Classico o il Montepulciano? — Posso assaggiare prima di decidere? — Certo! Le porto due piccoli bicchieri. — Perfetto, grazie mille.

— Would you like the Chianti Classico or the Montepulciano? — Can I taste it before deciding? — Of course! I'll bring you two small glasses. — Perfect, thank you very much.

Cultural Note

Requesting a wine tasting before ordering a bottle is standard in Italian restaurants and wine bars. The sommelier or waiter will bring a small sample — typically 20–30 ml — without any extra charge.

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Mi dispiace, questo non è quello che ho ordinato.

È un po' troppo salato per i miei gusti.

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