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PhrasesAt the RestaurantSiamo pronti per ordinare.
A1

Siamo pronti per ordinare.

We are ready to order.

Pronunciation

OR-di-na-re — four syllables, stress on the first syllable of 'ordinare'.

When to use it

Use this to flag down the waiter when your group has decided what to eat and is waiting to order.

What it means

'Siamo' is the first person plural of 'essere' (to be). 'Pronti' is the plural form of 'pronto' (ready). If you are alone, say 'Sono pronto/a per ordinare'. This is more polite than simply calling out the order.

Variations

Possiamo ordinare?

Can we order?

Slightly more interrogative — fine when the waiter passes by

Sono pronta per ordinare.

I am ready to order.

Feminine singular — use if you are a woman dining alone

Quando ha un momento, vorremmo ordinare.

When you have a moment, we would like to order.

Very polite, used when the waiter is busy

Mini Dialogue

— Scusi, siamo pronti per ordinare. — Benissimo! Cosa prendono? — Per me le tagliatelle al ragù, e per lei la zuppa di pesce. — Ottima scelta!

— Excuse me, we are ready to order. — Wonderful! What will you have? — For me the tagliatelle al ragù, and for her the fish soup. — Excellent choice!

Cultural Note

Italian waiters do not hover or rush you. It is perfectly normal to sit for 15–20 minutes studying the menu before anyone comes to take your order.