Italian Phrase
Sei pronto a ordinare il dolce?
Meaning
Literally, ‘Are you ready to order the dessert?’ It is a polite way to check if the dining partner or a waiter should bring the dessert menu or take the order after the main course.
When to use
Use this question in a restaurant after the main dishes have been served, when you want to move the meal forward to the sweet finale. It works both with friends and with waitstaff, but keep the tone friendly and informal.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Seiprontoaordinareildolce?
Sei (essere)
Second‑person singular present of the verb *essere* (to be). It is used here to form a yes/no question.
pronto
An adjective meaning ‘ready’. It agrees in gender and number with the subject (masc. singular here).
a + infinitive
The preposition *a* introduces an infinitive verb to express purpose or intention (e.g., *a ordinare* = ‘to order’).
ordinare
Infinitive of the verb *ordinare* (to order). In this construction it follows *a*.
il dolce
Definite article *il* + masculine singular noun *dolce* (dessert).
🗨In Conversation
Sei pronto a ordinare il dolce?
Are you ready to order the dessert?
Sì, prendo il tiramisù, per favore.
Yes, I’ll have the tiramisu, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Sei pronto di ordinare il dolce?
The preposition after *pronto* is *a*, not *di*.
Sei pronto a ordinare i dolci?
The noun *dolce* is singular here; *dolci* would mean ‘desserts’ and changes the article.
Sei pronta a ordinare il dolce?
Use *pronta* only when speaking to a female; otherwise it’s a gender agreement error.
↔Alternatives
Vuoi ordinare il dolce?
Do you want to order the dessert?
Sei pronto per il dolce?
Are you ready for dessert?
Ti va di prendere il dolce?
Do you feel like having dessert?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, dessert is often enjoyed after a coffee, and it’s common to ask the table if everyone is ready before the waiter brings the dessert menu. Italians tend to keep the tone light; using *pronto* shows you respect the other person’s pace rather than rushing them.