A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "The check please" in Italian
The standard Italian phrase to ask for the bill at a restaurant or cafe.
Il conto, per favore.
eel KOHN-toh, pehr fah-VOH-rehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're ready to pay after a meal or drinks. It's polite and direct, suitable for most dining situations.
Alternatives
- Posso avere il conto?Slightly more of a question, asking permission to receive the bill.
- Mi porta il conto?A bit more direct, asking the server to bring you the bill.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'la conta'
'Conta' means count or account, not the bill for a meal. Use 'conto' for the check.
Pronounce 'conto' correctly
The 'o' at the end is a clear 'oh' sound, not a silent 'uh'. Make sure to stress the first syllable.
A small cultural note
While 'Il conto, per favore' is perfectly fine, sometimes a simple wave and 'Conto!' might be used in very casual settings, but it's best to stick to the polite version.
Frequently asked
how to ask for the bill in italian
The most common way is 'Il conto, per favore.' This is polite and universally understood when dining out.
is il conto per favore formal
It's a neutral and polite phrase, suitable for almost any restaurant or cafe situation. You don't need to worry about it being too casual or too formal.
what does conto mean in italian restaurant
In a restaurant context, 'conto' refers to the bill or the check. So, 'Il conto, per favore' translates to 'The bill, please'.
