31 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1
Un aperitivo, per favore.
An aperitif, please.
Between 6 and 8 pm when you sit down at a bar for the Italian ritual of aperitivo — a drink before dinner, often accompanied by snacks.
Uno Spritz, per favore.
A Spritz, please.
The most popular aperitivo order in northern Italy — Prosecco or white wine, Aperol or Campari, and a splash of sparkling water, served over ice with an orange slice.
Un Negroni, per favore.
A Negroni, please.
When you want the most iconic Italian cocktail — gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in equal parts, stirred and served over ice with an orange peel.
Cosa avete alla spina?
What do you have on draught?
When choosing a beer and wanting to know which beers are available on draught rather than in bottles.
Un bicchiere di Prosecco, per favore.
A glass of Prosecco, please.
At any Italian bar for a light, refreshing sparkling wine. Prosecco is lighter and less expensive than Champagne and is used in many Italian cocktails.
Un amaro, per favore.
A bitter liqueur, please.
After dinner when you want a digestivo (digestif) — Italy produces hundreds of regional bitters made from herbs, roots, and citrus.
Che cocktail mi consigli?
What cocktail do you recommend to me?
When you want a cocktail but are open to suggestions — a great way to start a conversation with the bartender and discover the bar's speciality.
Vengo solo per l'aperitivo.
I am only coming for the aperitif.
When entering a bar in the aperitivo hour to clarify you want drinks and aperitivo snacks, not a full dinner.
Un gin tonic con limone, per favore.
A gin and tonic with lemon, please.
Ordering a gin and tonic — one of the most popular cocktails in Italian bars, particularly in summer.
Avete qualcosa da sgranocchiare?
Do you have something to nibble on?
When at a bar for drinks and wanting something small to eat — the Italian equivalent of bar snacks.
Avete cocktail analcolici?
Do you have non-alcoholic cocktails?
When you want to participate in the social ritual of cocktail hour without drinking alcohol.
Possiamo prenotare un tavolo per stasera?
Can we reserve a table for tonight?
When calling or visiting a cocktail bar that takes reservations — increasingly common in upscale venues.
Quant'è per tutto?
How much is it for everything?
At the end of a bar session when settling the tab — asking for the total of all drinks consumed.
Un Vermut rosso, per favore.
A red Vermouth, please.
Ordering vermouth as a standalone aperitivo drink — very popular in Piedmont where vermouth was invented.
Un Bellini, per favore.
A Bellini, please.
A classic Venetian cocktail — white peach purée and Prosecco — perfect as an aperitivo or celebratory drink.
Ha una specialità della casa?
Do you have a house speciality?
When you want to discover a bartender's signature creation — a cocktail they are particularly proud of.
Può portarci un piattino con delle olive?
Could you bring us a small plate with some olives?
When snacks are not automatically brought and you would like olives or small nibbles to accompany your drinks.
Che atmosfera! Mi piace questo bar.
What an atmosphere! I like this bar.
When you genuinely enjoy the bar's ambiance and want to express it — a natural conversation starter with staff or other patrons.
C'è musica dal vivo stasera?
Is there live music tonight?
When planning your evening and wanting to know if a bar has live music — a common feature in Italian bars on weekend evenings.
Portateci due birre quando potete.
Bring us two beers when you can.
When ordering a round of beers without urgency — a casual, polite request that acknowledges the bar staff may be busy.
Avete vini naturali al calice?
Do you have natural wines by the glass?
In a wine bar ('enoteca') or cocktail bar with a sophisticated wine selection when you want natural wine.
Solo acqua minerale, grazie.
Just mineral water, please.
When you want water without alcohol — perhaps you are the designated driver, or simply prefer water.
A che ora chiudete?
What time do you close?
When you want to know if there is time for another drink or whether you need to wind up your evening.
Si balla qui?
Do people dance here?
When you want to know if the venue turns into a dance floor later in the evening.
Si può fumare qui fuori?
Can one smoke out here?
When stepping outside a bar and wanting to confirm smoking is permitted in the outdoor area.
Facciamo un brindisi!
Let's make a toast!
When raising glasses in a celebratory toast — at a birthday, arrival of a friend, good news, or simply the joy of being together.
Un caffè shakerato, per favore.
A shaken iced coffee, please.
At an Italian bar in warm weather when you want an elegant iced coffee. The shakerato is more sophisticated than a plain iced coffee.
Dov'è il bagno?
Where is the bathroom?
When you need to use the bathroom at a bar. One of the most universally needed phrases in any situation.
È sempre così pieno?
Is it always this full?
When a bar is very crowded and you want to start a conversation with the bartender or another customer.
Fate corsi di cocktail?
Do you offer cocktail-making courses?
When interested in learning to make cocktails — many Italian bars now offer workshops and experiences.
Buonanotte! È stata una serata bellissima.
Good night! It has been a wonderful evening.
When leaving a bar at the end of the evening — a warm farewell that expresses genuine enjoyment.