A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "What do you recommend" in Italian
Learn how to ask for restaurant recommendations in Italy with this essential, polite Italian phrase and cultural guide.
Che cosa mi consiglia?
keh KOH-sah mee kohn-SEEL-yahformal
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when you are seated at a restaurant in Italy and want to ask the waiter for their personal recommendation or the house specialty. It is perfect when you are torn between two dishes or want to try something authentic to the local region. It invites the staff to share what is freshest and best prepared that day.
Alternatives
- Qual è il piatto del giorno?better when you specifically want to know the daily special rather than a general recommendation
- Cosa mi consigli?better in casual settings like a trendy bar or if the waiter is a peer who addressed you informally first
- Cosa c'è di buono oggi?better for a cozy, rustic trattoria where you have already established a friendly rapport with the host
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'raccomandare' instead of 'consigliare'
English speakers often use 'raccomandare', but in Italian, this means to recommend a person for a job, whereas 'consigliare' is used for advice or food dishes.
Mispronouncing the 'gli' sound in 'consiglia'
Avoid pronouncing it as a hard 'g' or a simple English 'l'; it should sound like the 'lli' in 'million'.
A small cultural note
In Italy, asking for a recommendation is highly respected because waitstaff take great pride in their regional cuisine and daily ingredients. Don't be surprised if they recommend a local dish not listed on the main menu.
Frequently asked
how do you ask a waiter for recommendations in Italy
The best way is to use the polite phrase 'Che cosa mi consiglia?'. This shows respect to the staff while opening the door for them to suggest the freshest regional specialties.
difference between consigliare and raccomandare
Use 'consigliare' when you want to suggest a dish, wine, or action to someone. 'Raccomandare' is a false friend that usually means to recommend a person for employment or to strongly urge a behavior.
is it rude to ask for the waiter's opinion in an Italian restaurant
Not at all, it is actually welcomed as Italians love sharing their food culture. Waiters appreciate the trust you place in their knowledge of the kitchen's best offerings.
