Italian Phrase
Un tavolo per due, per favore.
Meaning
Literally “A table for two, please.” It’s the standard way to ask a host or waitress for a table that seats two people in a restaurant or café.
When to use
Use this phrase as soon as you arrive at a dining establishment and need to be seated. It works in casual trattorias, fine‑dining restaurants, and even coffee bars that assign tables.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Untavoloperdueperfavore
Un (indefinite article)
Masculine singular indefinite article used before a consonant-starting noun.
tavolo (noun)
Masculine noun meaning “table”.
per (preposition)
Means “for” and is used to indicate purpose or benefit.
due (cardinal number)
The number two; after “per” it indicates the number of people.
per favore (polite phrase)
Literally “for favor”, used like “please” in requests.
🗨In Conversation
Un tavolo per due, per favore.
A table for two, please.
Certamente, seguitemi.
Certainly, follow me.
✕Common Mistakes
un tavolo due per favore
The preposition “per” is required before the number; dropping it makes the sentence ungrammatical.
un tavolo per due persone per favore
While understandable, “persone” is redundant; Italians usually just say “due”.
un tavolo per due, grazie
Using “grazie” instead of “per favore” changes the tone; it sounds like you’re thanking before being served.
↔Alternatives
Vorrei un tavolo per due, per favore.
I would like a table for two, please.
Un tavolo per due, grazie.
A table for two, thank you.
Possiamo avere un tavolo per due?
Can we have a table for two?
Cultural Tip
In Italy it’s customary to greet the staff first – a quick “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” – before asking for a table. If you have a reservation, mention it (“Ho una prenotazione a nome di…”). Also, many Italian restaurants prefer reservations for larger groups, but a simple “Un tavolo per due” is perfectly polite for two.