A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Do you have a vegetarian menu" in Italian
Ask for a vegetarian menu in Italian restaurants with this essential phrase.
Avete un menù vegetariano?
ah-VEH-teh oon meh-NOO veh-jeh-tah-ree-AH-nohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're seated at a restaurant and want to see if they offer a dedicated vegetarian menu. It's a polite way to inquire about options before ordering.
Alternatives
- C'è un menù vegetariano?Slightly more informal, asking 'Is there...?'
- Posso avere un menù vegetariano?More direct, asking 'May I have...?'
Ways to get it wrong
Menù vs. Menu
The Italian word for menu is 'menù' with an accent on the 'u'.
Vegetariano vs. Vegetale
Use 'vegetariano' for vegetarian diets; 'vegetale' refers to plants themselves.
A small cultural note
While many restaurants are accommodating, explicitly asking for a 'menù vegetariano' is clearer than just saying 'senza carne' (without meat), as it ensures they understand your dietary preference.
Frequently asked
How to ask for vegetarian options in Italy?
You can ask 'Avete un menù vegetariano?' to see if they have a specific menu. If not, you can ask 'Avete piatti vegetariani?' (Do you have vegetarian dishes?).
What if they don't have a vegetarian menu?
If they don't have a dedicated menu, you can ask 'Avete piatti vegetariani?' or simply point to dishes on the regular menu and ask 'Questo è vegetariano?' (Is this vegetarian?).
Is it common to find vegetarian food in Italy?
Vegetarianism is increasingly common, and most restaurants can offer vegetarian options. However, a dedicated menu isn't universal, especially in smaller towns.
