When you eat out in Italy, it’s important to say what you prefer to eat. If you want vegetarian food, here’s how to ask for it:

Simple Phrases

1. Basic Request: “Vorrei un'opzione vegetariana, per favore.” (This means “I would like a vegetarian option, please.”)
2. Checking the Menu: If you’re not sure about a dish, you can ask, “Questo piatto è vegetariano?” (This means “Is this dish vegetarian?”)
3. Asking for Options: If you want to know more, say, “Quali piatti sono vegetariani?” (This means “Which dishes are vegetarian?”)

Vegetarian Facts

• A survey from 2022 showed that about 8.6% of Italians are vegetarians.
• The number of vegetarian restaurants in Italy has grown by around 38% in the last ten years. This shows more people want meat-free meals.

Understanding the Menu

• Italian food often includes pasta, veggies, and cheese, so it’s easy to find vegetarian meals.
• Here are some yummy vegetarian dishes you might see:
  • Pasta alla Norma: This dish has pasta with eggplant and ricotta cheese.
  • Caprese Salad: A fresh salad made with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil.
  • Risotto ai funghi: Creamy rice cooked with mushrooms.

Tips for Ordering

• Before you go, you might want to look for restaurants that are known for serving vegetarian food.
• Make sure to clearly say what you can’t eat, and don’t be afraid to ask about what’s in the dishes.

With these handy phrases and some understanding of the food, you’ll have a great time enjoying vegetarian meals in Italy!