15 Other Ways to Say “Bon Appétit” (With Examples)

“Bon Appétit” can feel repetitive if you seek a unique greeting suitable for various settings—from intimate dinners to formal parties. Relying on this single classic phrase can make your invitation lack creativity and personalization. This guide unlocks a treasury of Other Ways to Say ‘Bon Appétit’, offering rich options to wish someone well before a meal in a unique, polite, and more meaningful way. Discover powerful alternatives to elevate the sophistication of your hosting today!

What to Say Instead of “Bon Appetit”?

1. Dig in!
2. Enjoy your meal
3. Tuck in
4. Let’s eat
5. Buon appetito
6. Guten Appetit
7. Itadakimasu
8. Eat up
9. Chow down
10. Enjoy every bite
11. Feast away
12. Mangia
13. Time to chow
14. Here’s to good food
15. Smells amazing—dive in

1. Dig in!

Dig in! is a lively, enthusiastic phrase used as an inviting way to say bon appétit, urging everyone to start eating with excitement.

It conveys a casual, family-style tone that feels like a warm green light.

Using “dig in!” instead of bon appétit adds a playful, shovel-ready nuance that instantly makes the table feel relaxed and hungry.

This phrase is particularly appropriate at barbecues, potlucks, or any gathering where food is piled high.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’ve just carried a huge tray of homemade lasagna to the table, with cheese still bubbling and garlic bread steaming in the basket. Everyone’s eyes are wide. You want to break the silence with joy. You could say: “Dig in!”
• Imagine you’re hosting a backyard taco night, with colorful toppings lined up and cold drinks sweating on ice. Friends are waiting politely. You want to kick off the party. You might say: “Dig in!”

2. Enjoy your meal

Enjoy your meal is a polite, universal phrase used as a gentle way to say bon appétit, wishing someone genuine pleasure from their food.

It carries a warm, considerate tone that feels thoughtful and classic.

Using “enjoy your meal” instead of bon appétit adds a sincere, heartfelt nuance that works in restaurants or at home without sounding stuffy.

This phrase is especially fitting when you want to sound caring rather than commanding.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’re dropping off soup to a sick neighbor, with the container still hot and a loaf of bread wrapped beside it. You want to leave them with kindness. You could say: “Enjoy your meal.”
• Imagine you’re ending a lunch date at a cozy café, with plates nearly empty and coffee refilled. You want to part on a sweet note. You might say: “Enjoy your meal.”

3. Tuck in

Tuck in is a cozy, British-inspired phrase used as an affectionate way to say bon appétit, suggesting everyone snuggle into their food.

It delivers a homey, nurturing tone that feels like a hug.

Using “tuck in” instead of bon appétit adds a comforting, blanket-like nuance that makes any dinner feel like a Sunday roast at grandma’s.

This phrase is particularly perfect for family dinners or cold evenings.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’ve made a giant shepherd’s pie on a rainy night, with candles flickering and kids already in pajamas. You want to wrap everyone in warmth. You could say: “Tuck in.”
• Imagine you’re serving breakfast in bed to your partner, with pancakes stacked high and syrup dripping. You want to spoil them. You might say: “Tuck in.”

4. Let’s eat

Let’s eat is a simple, communal phrase used as an inclusive way to say bon appétit, inviting everyone to start together.

It conveys a friendly, no-more-waiting tone that feels democratic.

Using “let’s eat” instead of bon appétit adds a group-hug, finally-the-food-is-ready nuance that turns a meal into a shared celebration.

This phrase is especially suitable when everyone has been waiting patiently.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose the whole family is gathered for Thanksgiving, with the turkey finally carved and side dishes passed around. You want to unite everyone. You could say: “Let’s eat.”
• Imagine you’re on a double date and the pizza just arrived, with cheese stretching and laughter bubbling. You want to break the ice. You might say: “Let’s eat.”

5. Buon appetito

Buon appetito is the melodic Italian version of bon appétit, used as a romantic way to wish a good meal.

It carries a passionate, musical tone that instantly transports you to a trattoria.

Using “buon appetito” instead of bon appétit adds a sunny, Mediterranean nuance that makes pasta taste even better.

This phrase is particularly fitting at Italian restaurants or when serving homemade Italian food.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’re hosting pasta night with friends, with red sauce simmering and Parmesan snowing onto plates. You want to channel Italy. You could say: “Buon appetito.”
• Imagine you’re surprising your partner with homemade tiramisu after lasagna, with candles glowing and wine poured. You want to keep the romance flowing. You might say: “Buon appetito.”

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6. Guten Appetit

Guten Appetit is the hearty German phrase used as a cheerful way to say bon appétit, full of warmth and tradition.

It delivers a friendly, beer-hall tone that feels welcoming.

Using “Guten Appetit” instead of bon appétit adds a robust, Oktoberfest-ready nuance that pairs perfectly with schnitzel or pretzels.

This phrase is especially great at German gatherings or beer gardens.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’re at a Christmas market with steaming bratwurst, with mulled wine in hand, and snowflakes falling. You want to toast the moment. You could say: “Guten Appetit.”
• Imagine you’re serving sauerbraten to your in-laws, with the table set traditionally and everyone smiling. You want to honor the culture. You might say: “Guten Appetit.”

7. Itadakimasu

Itadakimasu is the humble Japanese phrase used as a grateful way to say bon appétit, expressing thanks for the meal and everyone involved.

It conveys a respectful, mindful tone that feels spiritual.

Using “itadakimasu” instead of bon appétit adds a serene, appreciative nuance that turns eating into a moment of gratitude.

This phrase is particularly appropriate before sushi, ramen, or any Japanese meal.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’re sitting at a sushi counter with friends, with chopsticks ready and the chef nodding behind the glass. You want to show respect. You could say: “Itadakimasu.”
• Imagine you’re teaching your kids to cook simple ramen at home, with steam rising and naruto fish cakes swirling. You want to pass on gratitude. You might say: “Itadakimasu.”

8. Eat up

Eat up is a nurturing, parental phrase used as an encouraging way to say bon appétit, urging someone to finish every bite.

It carries a caring, don’t-waste-it tone that feels loving.

Using “eat up” instead of bon appétit adds a gentle push, grow-big-and-strong nuance that makes vegetables disappear.

This phrase is especially perfect for kids or when serving comfort food.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’ve made chicken soup for a sick friend, with steam fogging their glasses and tissues nearby. You want to help them heal. You could say: “Eat up.”
• Imagine you’re at grandma’s house and she’s piled seconds on your plate, with gravy boats full and love overflowing. You want to make her happy. You might say: “Eat up.”

9. Chow down

Chow down is a fun, informal phrase used as a hungry way to say bon appétit, suggesting enthusiastic, no-holds-barred eating.

It delivers a playful, almost cartoonish tone that feels carefree.

Using “chow down” instead of bon appétit adds a loud, messy-eating-allowed nuance that turns dinner into a feast.

This phrase is particularly fitting at buffets or game nights.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’re at an all-you-can-eat wing night, with sauces everywhere and napkins piling up. You want to unleash the group. You could say: “Chow down.”
• Imagine you’re camping and burgers are finally ready, with the fire crackling and buns toasted golden. You want to celebrate. You might say: “Chow down.”

10. Enjoy every bite

Enjoy every bite is a mindful, savor-focused phrase used as a luxurious way to say bon appétit, encouraging full appreciation of flavors.

It conveys a slow-food, gourmet tone that feels indulgent.

Using “enjoy every bite” instead of bon appétit adds a deliberate, taste-each-layer nuance that elevates any dish.

This phrase is especially suitable for special dinners or tasting menus.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’ve spent all day making a three-course birthday dinner, with candles lit and music soft. You want them to savor it. You could say: “Enjoy every bite.”
• Imagine you’re sharing a box of fancy chocolates after dinner, with wrappers crinkling and flavors blooming. You want to make it last. You might say: “Enjoy every bite.”

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11. Feast away

Feast away is a grand, celebratory phrase used as a royal way to say bon appétit, giving permission for glorious overindulgence.

It carries a medieval-banquet, no-limits tone that feels festive.

Using “feast away” instead of bon appétit adds a dramatic, horns-of-plenty nuance that turns a meal into an event.

This phrase is particularly perfect for holidays or buffets.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose it’s Christmas Eve and the table is groaning with food, with lights twinkling and carols playing. You want to declare the feast open. You could say: “Feast away.”
• Imagine you’re at a wedding reception with endless courses, with champagne flowing and dance floor waiting. You want to celebrate. You might say: “Feast away.”

12. Mangia

Mangia is the direct Italian command “eat!” used as a passionate way to say bon appétit, full of love and urgency.

It delivers a nonna-at-the-table, no-nonsense tone that feels irresistible.

Using “mangia” instead of bon appétit adds a fiery, family-style nuance that makes refusal impossible.

This word is especially great when serving Italian grandmothers’ recipes.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your Italian friend just made fresh gnocchi, with sauce bubbling and basil fragrant. You want to honor tradition. You could say: “Mangia.”
• Imagine you’re at a big Italian family dinner, with plates passing and voices loud. You want to fit right in. You might say: “Mangia.”

13. Time to chow

Time to chow is a rhythmic, military-meets-slang phrase used as a fun way to say bon appétit, announcing meal time with excitement.

It conveys a ready-set-go, cafeteria-line tone that feels youthful.

Using “time to chow” instead of bon appétit adds a countdown-to-delicious nuance that builds anticipation.

This phrase is particularly fitting for large groups or kids.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’re running a summer camp and the bell just rang, with trays clattering and campers sprinting. You want to rally them. You could say: “Time to chow.”
• Imagine you’re road-tripping and finally found a diner, with neon signs buzzing and menus sticky. You want to dive in. You might say: “Time to chow.”

14. Here’s to good food

Here’s to good food is a toast-like phrase used as a celebratory way to say bon appétit, raising an invisible glass to the meal.

It carries a grateful, cheers-filled tone that feels festive.

Using “here’s to good food” instead of bon appétit adds a clink-of-glasses, gratitude-first nuance that honors the cook and the moment.

This phrase is especially lovely at gatherings or date nights.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’ve gathered friends for a picnic, with blankets spread and wine uncorked under a perfect sky. You want to toast. You could say: “Here’s to good food.”
• Imagine you’re cooking with your partner, with music playing and flour on noses. You want to celebrate teamwork. You might say: “Here’s to good food.”

15. Smells amazing—dive in

Smells amazing—dive in is a sensory, enthusiastic phrase used as a spontaneous way to say bon appétit, reacting to aroma and inviting immediate eating.

It delivers a nose-first, can’t-wait tone that feels genuine.

Using “smells amazing—dive in” instead of bon appétit adds a mouth-watering, rise-and-shine aroma-led nuance that makes everyone lean forward.

This phrase is particularly perfect when the food is fresh from the oven.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’ve just pulled garlic bread out of the oven, with butter glistening and the whole kitchen fragrant. Everyone is hovering. You could say: “Smells amazing—dive in.”
• Imagine you’re at a street-food stall with sizzling skewers, with smoke curling and crowds buzzing. You want to share the excitement. You might say: “Smells amazing—dive in.”

Conclusion

Letting a repeated “Bon Appétit” fall flat drains the charm and personalization from your hosting. It is time to replace the generic with a truly unique, appetizing toast. By mastering these Other Ways to Say ‘Bon Appétit’, you will infuse every meal with sophistication and care. Access creative, inspired ways to express hospitality and enrich your English today at Other Ways to Say!