Can I take a photo of the dish?
FO-to — two syllables, stress on first.
When a dish arrives and it is so beautifully presented you want to photograph it — always ask first in traditional trattorias.
Photography of food is now universal, but in traditional trattorias it is polite to ask. Most owners are flattered — especially if you mention sharing it online. Some older trattoria owners find it slightly puzzling but are generally accommodating.
La metto su Instagram — posso taggarvi?
I'll put it on Instagram — can I tag you?
Savvy question — the trattoria may have a social media presence that welcomes tags
La cucina è fotogenica!
The cooking is photogenic!
A compliment that will always make the cook smile
Mando la foto agli amici — devono venire.
I will send the photo to friends — they must come.
Word-of-mouth marketing — always welcomed by small family trattorias
The pride that Italian cooks take in the presentation of their dishes — even in simple trattorias — makes them genuinely pleased to see guests photograph their work. Inviting the cook for a photo is one of the most touching gestures a guest can make.