A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Compliments to the chef" in Italian
A polite way to praise the chef's cooking after a delicious meal in Italy.
Complimenti allo chef!
kom-plee-MEN-tee AH-loh SHEFneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Say this to your waiter or directly to the chef if they come out of the kitchen. It's best after you've finished your meal and are truly impressed with a dish.
Alternatives
- È stato squisito!Use this if you want to praise the food in general, not specifically the chef.
- Che meraviglia!A more enthusiastic and general exclamation of delight about the food.
Ways to get it wrong
Chef vs. cuoco
While 'chef' is understood, 'cuoco' is the more traditional Italian word for cook.
Pronouncing 'chef'
The 'ch' in 'chef' is pronounced like 'k', not like 'sh'.
A small cultural note
Italians often express appreciation for good food directly, and a compliment to the chef is a very welcome gesture.
Frequently asked
When do I say compliments to the chef in Italy?
You say it after you've enjoyed your meal, usually when paying the bill or speaking with the waiter. It's a nice way to show appreciation for the kitchen's work.
Is 'Complimenti allo chef' too formal?
No, it's a standard and polite phrase that works in most restaurants. You can use it whether you're on first-name terms with the staff or not.
What if I don't know the chef's name?
That's perfectly fine! 'Allo chef' means 'to the chef' in general, so you don't need to know their name to use this phrase.
