A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "The menu please" in Italian
Politely ask for the menu in Italian restaurants with this essential phrase.
Il menù, per favore.
eel meh-NOO, pehr fah-VOH-rehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you've been seated and are ready to see the food and drink options. It's the standard way to signal you're ready to order.
Alternatives
- Il menù, grazie.Slightly more casual, like saying 'The menu, thanks.'
- Vorrei il menù.More formal, meaning 'I would like the menu.'
Ways to get it wrong
Menù vs Menu
Remember the accent on the 'ù' in 'menù' – it's a French loanword, but Italianized.
Pronouncing 'gli'
The 'gl' in 'voglio' (I want) is a distinct sound, not like English 'gl'.
A small cultural note
While 'il menù' is standard, some older or very traditional places might still use 'la carta'. If you hear that, use 'la carta, per favore'.
Frequently asked
How to ask for the menu in Italian?
The most common way is 'Il menù, per favore.' This is polite and understood everywhere.
Is 'menù' masculine or feminine in Italian?
'Menù' is masculine in Italian, so you use 'il menù' (the menu).
What if I want to say 'I want the menu'?
You can say 'Voglio il menù,' but 'Il menù, per favore' is generally more polite for initial requests.
