A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Delicious" in Italian
Express your delight with this classic Italian word for 'delicious' when enjoying a meal.
Delizioso!
deh-leet-TSYOH-sohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when the food is genuinely excellent and you want to compliment the chef or your host. It's a strong, positive endorsement of the meal.
Alternatives
- Buonissimo!Means 'very good' and is a bit more common and enthusiastic.
- Ottimo!Means 'excellent' and is a strong, versatile compliment for food.
- Squisito!Means 'exquisite' and is used for particularly refined or special dishes.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'Deliciouso'
The Italian word is 'delizioso', not 'deliciouso'. Stick to the correct ending.
Stress the right syllable
The stress is on 'TSYO', not 'DEH' or 'LEET'. Get it right!
A small cultural note
Italians often use more than one word to describe great food, so follow up with 'Buonissimo!' or 'Ottimo!' for extra impact.
Frequently asked
how to say delicious in italian
The most direct translation is 'delizioso!'. You can also use 'buonissimo!' or 'ottimo!'.
when to use delizioso vs buonissimo
'Delizioso' is a direct translation of 'delicious'. 'Buonissimo' means 'very good' and is often used more casually and enthusiastically.
is delizioso formal or informal
'Delizioso' is a neutral compliment that works in most dining settings. It's not overly formal or casual.
What is the Italian word for yummy?
The most common Italian word for yummy is 'buono'. You can also use 'delizioso' or 'squisito' for something especially delicious.
How do you say 'delicious' in Italian slang?
While there isn't one single slang term, 'da paura' (literally 'scary') can be used to describe something incredibly good, including food.
How do you say 'excellent' in Italy?
You can say 'eccellente' for excellent, or use 'ottimo' which means very good or excellent.
What is the Italian for delicious food?
For delicious food, you can say 'cibo delizioso' or 'cibo squisito'. Often, Italians will simply say 'buon cibo' (good food).
