A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "This isn't what i ordered" in Italian
Politely tell your waiter in Italy if your dish isn't what you expected.
Non è quello che ho ordinato.
non EH kwel-lo keh oh or-dee-NAH-tohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this if the waiter brings you a dish that is clearly not what you selected from the menu. It's a direct but polite way to point out the mistake.
Alternatives
- Mi hanno portato un piatto sbagliato.Emphasizes that the staff made an error.
- Questo non è il mio ordine.Slightly more direct, focusing on the order itself.
Ways to get it wrong
Ordering vs. Ordained
Don't confuse 'ordinare' (to order) with words related to 'ordained' in English.
Pronouncing 'ho'
Remember that the 'h' in 'ho' (I have) is silent, so it sounds like 'oh'.
A small cultural note
Italians generally appreciate politeness, so delivering this message with a calm tone and a slight smile goes a long way.
Frequently asked
how to say this is not what I ordered in italian?
The most common phrase is 'Non è quello che ho ordinato.' This is a clear and polite way to state the issue.
what if the waiter brings the wrong food in italy?
You can say 'Non è quello che ho ordinato.' or 'Mi hanno portato un piatto sbagliato.' (They brought me the wrong dish).
is it rude to say this is not what I ordered in italian?
Not necessarily. The phrase 'Non è quello che ho ordinato' is standard. Delivering it politely, perhaps with a smile, is key.
