A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Medium rare" in Italian
Order your steak cooked 'al sangue' for a delicious medium-rare finish in Italy.
al sangue
al SANG-gwehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
When ordering a steak or other grilled red meat at a restaurant in Italy. You'll typically be asked how you want it cooked after you choose your cut.
Alternatives
- cottura mediaThis means 'medium' and is a step more cooked than you want.
- a puntoThis means 'medium' or 'medium well' and is too cooked for medium-rare.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'medio raro'
This is a direct translation that Italians won't understand in this context.
Pronounce the 'gg'
The double 'g' in 'sangue' is pronounced with more force than a single 'g'.
A small cultural note
Italians generally prefer their red meat cooked less than many other cultures, so 'al sangue' is a very common request.
Frequently asked
What does 'al sangue' mean for steak?
'Al sangue' literally means 'bloody' and refers to a steak that is very rare, with a bright red, juicy center. It's the Italian equivalent of 'rare' or 'very rare' in English.
How do I ask for medium-rare steak in Italy?
You should ask for your steak 'al sangue', which is the closest Italian equivalent to medium-rare, often leaning towards rare. If you want it slightly more cooked, you might need to specify further or accept a slightly more cooked result.
What's the difference between 'al sangue' and 'media'?
'Al sangue' is for rare to medium-rare, while 'media' or 'cottura media' is for medium, meaning it's cooked more thoroughly.
