Italian for Beginners: Asking 'What Do You Recommend?' in a Restaurant
Learn to ask for recommendations in Italian, focusing on seeking advice rather than ordering directly. Perfect for beginners.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you're at a restaurant or café in Italy, instead of just ordering, you might want to ask for a recommendation. This lesson teaches you how to ask 'What do you recommend?' or 'What's good here?' in Italian. You'll learn key phrases, how to understand the response, and cultural tips for a smooth interaction. By the end, you'll be able to seek advice like a local, even as a beginner.
By the end, you can…
- ask for a recommendation in Italian.
- understand and respond to suggestions from a waiter or server.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Cosa mi consiglia?
What do you recommend? (formal)
KOH-zah mee kohn-SEEL-yah
Use with a waiter or someone you don't know well. 'Consiglia' is the formal 'you' form.
Cosa consigli?
What do you recommend? (informal)
KOH-zah kohn-SEEL-yee
Use with a friend or someone your age in a casual setting.
Cosa c'è di buono?
What's good here?
KOH-zah cheh dee BWOH-noh
A casual way to ask what's tasty or popular. Literally: 'What is there of good?'
Cosa mi suggerisce?
What do you suggest? (formal)
KOH-zah mee sooj-jeh-REE-sheh
Similar to 'consiglia', but slightly more formal. Use in upscale restaurants.
Qual è il piatto del giorno?
What is the dish of the day?
kwahl eh eel PYAHT-toh del JOHR-noh
Ask about the daily special, often a good recommendation.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
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Useful pattern
To ask for a recommendation, use 'Cosa mi consiglia?' (formal) or 'Cosa consigli?' (informal). The verb 'consigliare' means 'to recommend'. You can also use 'suggerire' (to suggest): 'Cosa mi suggerisce?' (formal). For a more casual tone, 'Cosa c'è di buono?' works well. These phrases are questions, so your intonation should rise at the end. Remember to use the formal form with strangers or elders, and informal with friends.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you want advice on what to eat or drink. For example, at a restaurant after looking at the menu, you can ask 'Cosa mi consiglia?' to get a personal recommendation. If you're at a café and want a quick suggestion, 'Cosa c'è di buono?' is friendly and casual. Avoid using these phrases if you already know what you want; they are specifically for seeking advice. Also, if you're in a group, you can ask 'Cosa mi consigliate?' (plural you).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Buonasera, ha già scelto?
Good evening, have you chosen?bwoh-nah-SEH-rah, ah jah SHKEL-tohNon ancora. Cosa mi consiglia?
Not yet. What do you recommend?nohn ahn-KOH-rah. KOH-zah mee kohn-SEEL-yahLe consiglio i tagliatelle al ragù. Sono ottimi.
I recommend the tagliatelle with ragù. They are excellent.leh kohn-SEEL-yoh ee tah-lyah-TEL-leh ahl rah-GOO. SOH-noh OHT-tee-meePerfetto, prendo quelli. Grazie!
Perfect, I'll take those. Thanks!pehr-FEHT-toh, PREHN-doh KWEHL-lee. GRAH-tsee-ehA little context goes a long way
In Italy, asking for a recommendation is common and appreciated. Waiters often know the best dishes. Use the formal 'Lei' form with staff unless you're in a very casual place. Tipping is not expected, but a 'grazie' is always welcome. If you're in a group, ask 'Cosa mi consigliate?' (plural). Note that in some regions, especially in the south, the informal 'Cosa mi consigli?' may be heard even in service contexts, but standard Italian uses the formal form with strangers and staff.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Cosa vuoi?' to ask 'What do you want?' when seeking a recommendation.
Try this instead: 'Cosa vuoi?' means 'What do you want?' and is not appropriate for asking for advice. Use 'Cosa mi consiglia?' (formal) or 'Cosa consigli?' (informal) instead. For example, say 'Cosa mi consiglia?' to a waiter.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you ask a waiter (formal) what they recommend?
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Cosa mi consiglia?
This is the formal way to ask for a recommendation. 'Cosa consigli?' is informal, and 'Cosa c'è di buono?' is casual. All are valid in different contexts.
2What does 'Cosa c'è di buono?' mean?
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What's good here?
It's a casual phrase to ask what's tasty or popular. It literally means 'What is there of good?'.
3Translate: 'What do you suggest?' (formal)
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Cosa mi suggerisce?
This uses the verb 'suggerire' (to suggest) in the formal form. 'Cosa mi consiglia?' is also correct and more common.
To ask for a recommendation in Italian, use 'Cosa mi consiglia?' (formal) or 'Cosa consigli?' (informal). For a casual 'What's good here?', say 'Cosa c'è di buono?'. Always match the formality to the situation.
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