27 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
È una trattoria di famiglia?
Is it a family-run trattoria?
When arriving at a traditional eating place and wanting to understand its nature — family-run trattorias are the soul of Italian cuisine.
Il menù è scritto a mano?
Is the menu handwritten?
A knowing question — handwritten menus change daily, indicating fresh ingredients bought that morning.
Fate cucina casalinga?
Do you do home-style cooking?
When seeking the genuine, unpretentious Italian home cooking that the best trattorias excel at.
Avete il vino sfuso?
Do you have house wine sold in a carafe?
In a trattoria where you want simple, inexpensive house wine sold by the carafe or jug rather than by the bottle.
Si mangia al tavolo comune?
Do you eat at a communal table?
When arriving at a traditional trattoria that uses long shared tables rather than individual tables for each group.
La pasta è fatta in casa?
Is the pasta homemade?
Before ordering pasta — the single most important quality indicator in a trattoria.
Un antipasto misto della casa, per favore.
A mixed house antipasto, please.
At the start of a trattoria meal when you want to try a variety of starters representative of the kitchen's style.
Qual è il piatto del giorno?
What is the dish of the day?
To discover the trattoria's freshest offering — the dish of the day is always based on the morning's best ingredients.
Il ragù è fatto come si fa a Bologna?
Is the ragù made the way they do it in Bologna?
In Emilia-Romagna when ordering ragù bolognese — confirming authenticity and showing knowledge of the correct preparation.
Che contorni avete oggi?
What side dishes do you have today?
After ordering a main course, to choose a vegetable side dish — an important part of the Italian meal structure.
C'è la crostata della nonna?
Is there grandmother's tart?
At the end of a trattoria meal, asking about the most classic homemade Italian dessert.
Che olio usate in cucina?
What oil do you use in the kitchen?
When you want to understand the quality of the kitchen's base ingredients — olive oil is the foundation of Italian cooking.
C'è il coperto?
Is there a cover charge?
When sitting down at a trattoria, to check if there is a per-person cover charge before ordering.
C'è il cinghiale con la polenta?
Is there wild boar with polenta?
In Tuscany, Umbria, or any central-Italian trattoria where wild boar ('cinghiale') dishes are traditional.
C'è la ribollita in menù?
Is there ribollita on the menu?
In a Tuscan trattoria when looking for the most iconic Tuscan peasant soup — ribollita.
Questo è aceto balsamico tradizionale?
Is this traditional balsamic vinegar?
In Emilia-Romagna when balsamic vinegar is offered or used in a dish — to understand if it is the genuine aged product or commercial imitation.
Il Parmigiano è Reggiano?
Is the Parmesan Reggiano?
When ordering pasta or risotto and wanting to confirm the cheese used is genuine Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, not an imitation.
Avete i fiori di zucca fritti?
Do you have fried zucchini flowers?
In a Roman trattoria in late spring-summer when zucchini flowers ('fiori di zucca') are in season.
Avete la saltimbocca alla romana?
Do you have saltimbocca alla romana?
In a Roman trattoria when looking for one of the city's most iconic meat dishes.
Dopo cena — un amaro di cortesia?
After dinner — a complimentary digestif?
At the end of a satisfying trattoria meal, acknowledging if the owner offers a complimentary digestif — a traditional gesture of hospitality.
Vorremmo festeggiare un anniversario.
We would like to celebrate an anniversary.
When informing the trattoria of a special occasion — they will typically make extra effort to create a memorable experience.
Siete aperti tutti i giorni?
Are you open every day?
When planning to return and wanting to know the trattoria's schedule.
Posso fare una foto al piatto?
Can I take a photo of the dish?
When a dish arrives and it is so beautifully presented you want to photograph it — always ask first in traditional trattorias.
Avete la lasagna della domenica?
Do you have Sunday lasagna?
On Sundays at a family trattoria — lasagna is the traditional Italian Sunday lunch dish and is only available on the day.
Complimenti — è stata una cena eccezionale.
Congratulations — it has been an exceptional dinner.
When leaving a trattoria where the experience genuinely surpassed expectations — a heartfelt farewell.
Dove posso comprare questi prodotti?
Where can I buy these products?
When you taste something extraordinary — an olive oil, a salami, a cheese — and want to know where to buy it to take home.
Mi racconta la storia di questa trattoria?
Can you tell me the story of this trattoria?
When the trattoria feels historic and you want to hear its story — owners love to share their history with genuinely curious guests.