What are you having?
CO-sa PREN-di — stress on the first syllable of each word. 'Prendi' uses the present tense of 'prendere' — one of the most useful verbs in Italian.
At a bar, restaurant, or café — asking what your date would like to order. Casual and friendly.
'Prendere' literally means 'to take' but in Italian it is the standard verb for ordering food and drink. Using it instead of 'ordinare' sounds much more natural in everyday speech. 'Cosa' means 'what'.
Ti consiglio il risotto — è ottimo qui.
I recommend the risotto — it's excellent here.
Sharing knowledge of the place shows confidence and care
Vuoi un aperitivo prima?
Would you like an aperitif first?
Very Italian move — starting with a Spritz or Negroni before the meal
Hai delle preferenze alimentari?
Do you have any dietary preferences?
Thoughtful and considerate — appreciated on a first date
In Italy, meals are social rituals — choosing what to eat is discussed together and often involves recommendations. It would be unusual to order immediately without first chatting about the menu. This conversation is part of the date itself, not just a logistical step.