FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the BakeryLa focaccia si porta via?
A1

La focaccia si porta via?

Can the focaccia be taken away?

Pronunciation

Por-ta-TE vi-a — 'portare via' = to take away. Stress: por-TA-te and VI-a.

When to use it

When you want to buy focaccia or other bakery items to take away and eat elsewhere.

What it means

'Portare via' = to take away. Italian bakeries almost always sell food 'da asporto' (for takeaway). Focaccia is typically wrapped in paper. Some larger pieces may be wrapped in aluminium foil ('carta stagnola') to maintain warmth.

Variations

Me la incartate?

Can you wrap it?

'Incartare' = to wrap in paper — ask for proper wrapping for transport

Ce ne dà per quattro persone?

Can you give us enough for four people?

Specify the number of people to get the right quantity

Resta calda quanto?

How long does it stay warm?

Practical question — freshly baked focaccia is best within the first 30 minutes

Mini Dialogue

— La focaccia si porta via? — Certo! Per quante persone? — Siamo in sei — un bel pezzo grande. — Gliela taglio qui e la incarto bene.

— Can the focaccia be taken away? — Of course! For how many people? — There are six of us — a nice large piece. — I'll cut it here and wrap it well.

Cultural Note

Buying focaccia from a Ligurian bakery and eating it on the street, wrapped in paper, while walking through Genoa is one of the great Italian street food experiences. The combination of olive oil, salt, and freshly baked dough is irresistible. This 'street eating' culture is central to Ligurian daily life.