A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Without cilantro" in Italian
Tell your waiter you don't want cilantro in your dish. Essential for those who dislike the herb.
senza coriandolo
SEN-tsah koh-ree-AN-doh-lohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when ordering food, especially if you see cilantro listed as an ingredient or suspect it might be included. It's a direct way to prevent it from being added to your meal.
Alternatives
- niente coriandoloSlightly more emphatic, like saying 'absolutely no cilantro'.
- non mettete il coriandoloMore of a direct command, 'don't put the cilantro in'.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'senza' with 'seno'
'Senza' means 'without,' while 'seno' means 'breast' or 'bosom.'
Mispronouncing 'coriandolo'
Pay attention to the double 'r' and the 'o' sounds; it's not 'cori-AND-lo'.
A small cultural note
Cilantro is not as commonly used in traditional Italian cuisine as it is in some other parts of the world, but it's appearing more in modern or fusion dishes. Still, it's always good to be clear.
Frequently asked
How to say without something in Italian restaurant
The most common way to say 'without' is 'senza.' You'll follow it with the name of the ingredient you want to omit.
Is cilantro common in Italian food?
Traditionally, cilantro is not a staple herb in Italian cooking. However, some contemporary restaurants might use it, so it's wise to know how to ask for it to be left out.
What if they don't understand 'senza coriandolo'?
You can try pointing to the word on the menu if it's listed, or use a translation app. Showing a picture of the herb might also help.
