I'm interested in your suggestions for the correct (and Italian) way to request that the server order your entire meal for you. In the past, I've done this two ways:
1) Simply asking, in Italian, to please order for me.
and
2) Giving the server a euro amount that I am willing to spend, and asking him/her to order for me.
I would especially like to know if there is a way to convey the sentiment (in Italian) that "I put myself in your hands", or something similar. Especially in small family restaurants, I want them to know that I have complete faith in their choices for the best dining experience. Thanks for your thoughts!

I've never really thought of #2, that's a good idea

While I don't do this, you could say, "Scieglie Lei, fino a (insert number) euro, per favore."

quote:

I've never really thought of #2, that's a good idea

I agree Rar. Inevitably, every time I have done this I have received the most expensive entree on the menu. Not that I have ever been disappointed with the selection. It's always delicious.

I have asked waiters to bring me their favorite dish or, if they have a special of the day.

There is one spot I frequent where the waiter will NOT let me order certain things. If I tried to order seafood, for instance, he would say: "No, not today. Tomorrow will be better."

The first time he stopped me from ordering something was when I ordered a pizza for lunch. "No, signora. You do not want our pizza. Let me bring you a nice pasta - piccante con salmone." It was not even on the menu. It was faublous!

On my way to the restroom I happened to notice one of the cooks in the kitchen preparing a pizza. He opened a pre-package pizza round, put the toppings on it and tossed it into the oven.

I don't even order any more when I go there. I let my waiter bring me whatever he chooses. He doesn't even bring me a menu.

quote:

Originally posted by decobabe:
While I don't do this, you could say, "Scieglie Lei, fino a (insert number) euro, per favore."

The correct sentece would be "Per favore scelga lei ma non vorrei spendere più di ... Euro" I would also suggest to look at the menu firs.