A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Do you have any specials" in Italian
Ask about daily specials at an Italian restaurant to discover unique, fresh dishes.
Avete dei piatti del giorno?
ah-VEH-teh day PYAHT-tee del JOOR-nohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you've looked at the menu and want to know if there are any special dishes prepared today that aren't listed. It's a great way to try something seasonal or a chef's recommendation.
Alternatives
- C'è qualche specialità?A bit more general, asking about any specialties.
- Avete qualcosa fuori menu?More informal, asking if there's anything not on the menu.
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'speciali' directly
'Speciali' is an adjective; use 'piatti del giorno' (dishes of the day) or 'specialità' (specialties) instead.
Incorrect verb conjugation
Remember to use 'Avete' (you all/polite you) instead of 'Hai' (you singular informal) when addressing staff.
A small cultural note
Many restaurants, especially smaller or more traditional ones, will have daily specials based on fresh market ingredients. It's always worth asking!
Frequently asked
What's the difference between piatti del giorno and specialità?
'Piatti del giorno' refers to dishes specifically prepared for that day, often based on fresh ingredients. 'Specialità' can refer to a restaurant's signature dishes or regional specialties.
Can I ask 'What are the specials?' in English?
In tourist areas, some staff might understand 'What are the specials?'. However, using the Italian phrase will be much more appreciated and effective.
How do I ask about specials if I don't know Italian?
You can try pointing to the phrase in a guidebook or using a translation app. Showing you've made an effort in Italian is always a good start.
