How to Say Italian Menu Sections: Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts, Drinks
Learn to recognize Italian menu sections: antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, dolci, bevande. Understand how a full Italian meal is structured and what each course includes.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
Italian menus are organized by course, not by main ingredient. If you look for 'appetizers' or 'main courses' as you would in English, you may miss the structure. This lesson teaches the standard names of Italian menu sections and what typically appears in each. You will learn to identify antipasti (starters), primi piatti (first courses), secondi piatti (main courses), contorni (side dishes), dolci (desserts), and bevande (drinks). You will also learn key phrases for asking about the menu structure, so you can navigate any restaurant confidently.
By the end, you can…
- recognize the main sections of an Italian menu: antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, dolci, bevande.
- ask what a section includes and understand a simple answer.
- distinguish between a primo piatto and a secondo piatto.
- identify where desserts and drinks appear on a menu.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Il menù è diviso in antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, dolci e bevande.
The menu is divided into appetizers, first courses, main courses, side dishes, desserts, and drinks.
eel meh-NOO eh dee-VEE-zoh in ahn-tee-PAHS-tee, PREE-mee, seh-KOHN-dee, kohn-TOHR-nee, DOHL-chee eh beh-VAHN-deh
General statement about menu structure. Use when asking how a menu is organized.
Cosa c'è negli antipasti?
What is in the appetizers?
KOH-zah cheh nel-YEE ahn-tee-PAHS-tee
Ask what dishes are included in the antipasti section. 'Negli' is the contraction of 'in' + 'gli'.
Qual è il primo piatto del giorno?
What is the first course of the day?
kwahl EH eel PREE-moh PYAHT-toh dehl JOHR-noh
Ask about the daily primo. Primi are usually pasta, rice, or soup dishes.
I secondi piatti sono di carne o di pesce.
The main courses are meat or fish dishes.
ee seh-KOHN-dee PYAHT-tee SOH-noh dee KAR-neh oh dee PEH-sheh
Describes the secondo section. Secondi are the main protein dishes.
Vorrei vedere la lista dei dolci.
I would like to see the dessert list.
vohr-RAY veh-DEH-reh lah LEE-stah day DOHL-chee
Polite request to see the dessert menu. 'Vorrei' is the conditional of 'volere', used for polite requests.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask about a menu section, use 'Cosa c'è in/nei/negli...?' (What is in...?). For example: 'Cosa c'è nei primi?' (What is in the first courses?), 'Cosa c'è nei secondi?' (What is in the main courses?), 'Cosa c'è nei dolci?' (What is in the desserts?). The preposition changes: 'in' + 'i' becomes 'nei', 'in' + 'gli' becomes 'negli', 'in' + 'le' becomes 'nelle'. So you say 'negli antipasti' but 'nei primi'. This pattern lets you ask about any section.
When to use it
Use these section names when you first receive the menu. In many Italian restaurants, the menu is divided into these categories, and you may order a full meal with multiple courses or just a few. If you want to know what a section includes, ask 'Cosa c'è negli antipasti?' or 'Cosa comprende il primo?' (What does the first course include?). If you are unsure about the difference between primo and secondo, ask 'Qual è la differenza tra primo e secondo?' (What is the difference between first and second course?). The answer will usually explain that primo is a pasta, rice, or soup dish, while secondo is a meat or fish main.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Scusi, può spiegarmi come è organizzato il menù?
Excuse me, can you explain how the menu is organized?SKOO-zee, pwoh spyeh-GAR-mee KOH-meh eh or-gah-nee-DZAH-toh eel meh-NOOCerto. Il menù è diviso in antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, dolci e bevande.
Of course. The menu is divided into appetizers, first courses, main courses, side dishes, desserts, and drinks.CHEHR-toh. eel meh-NOO eh dee-VEE-zoh in ahn-tee-PAHS-tee, PREE-mee, seh-KOHN-dee, kohn-TOHR-nee, DOHL-chee eh beh-VAHN-dehGrazie. Cosa c'è negli antipasti?
Thank you. What is in the appetizers?GRAH-tsyeh. KOH-zah cheh nel-YEE ahn-tee-PAHS-teeNegli antipasti ci sono affettati misti, bruschette e olive ascolane.
In the appetizers there are mixed cold cuts, bruschetta, and Ascoli-style olives.nel-YEE ahn-tee-PAHS-tee chee SOH-noh ahf-feht-TAH-tee MEE-stee, broo-SKEHT-teh eh oh-LEE-veh ah-skoh-LAH-nehA little context goes a long way
In Italy, the traditional meal structure is antipasto, primo, secondo, contorno, dolce, and caffè. However, many Italians do not order all courses every day. At lunch, a primo or a secondo with a contorno is common. At dinner, a full meal may include antipasto, primo, secondo, and dolce. The menu sections reflect this structure, but you are not required to order from every section. In some regions, especially in the south, you may see 'antipasti di mare' (seafood appetizers) or 'primi di pesce' (seafood first courses). In the north, 'antipasti di montagna' (mountain-style appetizers) with cured meats and cheeses are common. The names of the sections remain the same, but the contents vary by region.
One thing to watch for
Assuming 'primo' means 'first course' in the sense of an appetizer, and ordering it as a starter.
Try this instead: In Italian, 'primo' (first course) is a pasta, rice, or soup dish, not an appetizer. The appetizer is 'antipasto'. If you want a starter, order an 'antipasto'. If you want a pasta dish, order a 'primo'. For example: 'Prendo un antipasto e poi un primo' (I'll have an appetizer and then a first course).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1What is the Italian word for the section that includes pasta and rice dishes?
Show a sample answer
Primi (or primi piatti).
Primi piatti are first courses, typically pasta, rice, or soup. They are not appetizers; antipasti are appetizers.
2How would you ask 'What is in the desserts?' in Italian?
Show a sample answer
Cosa c'è nei dolci?
This uses the pattern 'Cosa c'è in...?' with the contraction 'nei' for 'in i'. You could also ask 'Cosa c'è nella sezione dolci?' but 'nei dolci' is more common.
3Which section would you look at to find a steak or grilled fish?
Show a sample answer
Secondi (or secondi piatti).
Secondi piatti are main courses, usually meat or fish. Contorni are side dishes, and antipasti are appetizers.
Italian menus are organized by course: antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, dolci, bevande. Learn these names to navigate any restaurant. Remember that 'primo' is not an appetizer but a pasta, rice, or soup dish. Use 'Cosa c'è nei...?' to ask about a section.
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