A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "The wine list please" in Italian
How to ask for the wine list at an Italian restaurant.
Il menù del vino, per favore.
eel meh-NOO del VEE-noh, pehr fah-VOH-rehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
When you're seated at a restaurant and want to see the available wines. This is the standard way to request it from your server.
Alternatives
- La carta dei vini, per favore.Slightly more formal, but also very common.
- Posso vedere la lista dei vini?A direct question, also perfectly acceptable.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'menù' and 'carta'
'Menù' usually refers to the food menu; 'carta dei vini' or 'menù del vino' is specifically for wine.
Pronouncing 'vino'
Make sure to clearly pronounce the 'ee' sound in 'vino', not like the English word 'win'.
A small cultural note
While 'menù del vino' is common, 'carta dei vini' is perhaps more traditional and widely understood across Italy.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between menù del vino and carta dei vini?
Both refer to the wine list. 'Carta dei vini' is often considered slightly more formal, but they are largely interchangeable in practice.
Can I just say 'Vino, per favore'?
While people might understand, it's too abrupt and doesn't specify you want to see the list. It sounds like you're ordering wine directly.
Is it okay to ask for the wine list right away?
Yes, it's perfectly normal to ask for the wine list as soon as you're seated, even before looking at the food menu.
