Exercise 10.1: Ordering Like a Local – From Antipasto to Dolce

Exercise 10.1: Ordering Like a Local – From Antipasto to Dolce 🍝🍷 #

Ordering at an Italian restaurant should be easy… unless you’re Geoff. He once tried to order a latte and was very surprised when the waiter brought him a glass of milk. Let’s make sure you don’t make the same mistakes!

1. Fill in the Blanks – What Would You Say? #

Complete the sentences with the correct words: conto, menu, acqua, antipasto, secondo.

  1. Geoff: Buongiorno! Posso vedere il ___, per favore? (Good morning! Can I see the ___, please?)
  2. Waiter: Certo! Cosa desidera? (Of course! What would you like?)
    Geoff: Vorrei un ___ misto, grazie. (I’d like a mixed ___, thanks.)
  3. Waiter: Da bere? (To drink?)
    Geoff: Solo un po’ di ___ naturale, grazie. (Just some still ___, thanks.)
  4. Waiter: Vuole anche un primo o un ___? (Would you also like a first course or a ___?)
  5. Geoff: No, grazie! Ma posso avere il ___, per favore? (No, thanks! But can I have the ___, please?)

2. Match the Dish to Its Course #

Match each Italian dish to the correct course. Write the letter next to the number.

  1. Bruschetta
  2. Risotto ai funghi
  3. Bistecca alla Fiorentina
  4. Patate al forno
  5. Tiramisù

A) Primo
B) Dolce
C) Contorno
D) Antipasto
E) Secondo

3. Multiple Choice – Pick the Right Answer #

  1. How would you ask the waiter for a recommendation?

    • A) Cosa mi consiglia?
    • B) Posso avere un gelato alla pizza?
    • C) Dov’è il bagno?

  2. If you want to order just a coffee after your meal, what do you ask for?

    • A) Un cappuccino, per favore.
    • B) Un caffè, per favore.
    • C) Un tè con latte, per favore.

  3. How do you ask for the bill?

    • A) Posso vedere il menu?
    • B) Posso avere il conto, per favore?
    • C) Posso avere un altro piatto di lasagne?

4. Situational Practice – What Would You Say? #

You’re at a restaurant in Rome, and the waiter approaches. How would you respond in each situation?

  1. The waiter greets you and asks what you’d like to drink.

    • Your response: _____________________________________

  2. You’ve finished your meal, and you need the bill.

    • Your response: _____________________________________

  3. You want to order a typical Italian dessert.

    • Your response: _____________________________________

Answers #

Answers

1. Fill in the Blanks #

  1. menu (menu)
  2. antipasto (starter)
  3. acqua (water)
  4. secondo (main course)
  5. conto (bill)

2. Match the Dish to Its Course #

  1. D) Bruschetta – Antipasto (Starter)
  2. A) Risotto ai funghi – Primo (First course)
  3. E) Bistecca alla Fiorentina – Secondo (Main course)
  4. C) Patate al forno – Contorno (Side dish)
  5. B) Tiramisù – Dolce (Dessert)

3. Multiple Choice #

  1. A) Cosa mi consiglia? – What do you recommend?
  2. B) Un caffè, per favore. – Italians drink espresso after a meal, not cappuccino!
  3. B) Posso avere il conto, per favore? – The right way to ask for the bill.

4. Situational Practice – Example Responses #

  1. Vorrei un’acqua naturale, grazie! (I’d like still water, thanks!)
  2. Il conto, per favore! (The bill, please!)
  3. Prendo un tiramisù! (I’ll take a tiramisu!)

✨ Fantastico! Now you can order at a restaurant like a true Italian—without confusing the waiter or accidentally ordering milk instead of coffee. Buon appetito! 🍽️🇮🇹