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PhrasesAt the BarAvete qualcosa da sgranocchiare?
B1informal

Avete qualcosa da sgranocchiare?

Do you have something to nibble on?

Pronunciation

sgra-noc-CHIA-re — five syllables, stress on fourth. An evocative word that sounds like crunching.

When to use it

When at a bar for drinks and wanting something small to eat — the Italian equivalent of bar snacks.

What it means

'Sgranocchiare' means 'to nibble/crunch' — an onomatopoeic word. This informal question asks for snacks to accompany drinks. Italian bars typically have olives, crisps, peanuts, and small bruschette available.

Variations

Avete delle olive?

Do you have some olives?

Olives are the classic Italian bar snack — always worth asking for

Portate qualcosa con i drink?

Do you bring something with the drinks?

Asking if snacks are automatically served with aperitivo drinks

Degli stuzzichini, per favore.

Some nibbles, please.

'Stuzzichini' = small nibbles/snacks — the standard Italian word for bar snacks

Mini Dialogue

— Avete qualcosa da sgranocchiare? — Sì! Porto un piattino con olive, patatine e grissini. — Perfetto, grazie. — Vengono con l'aperitivo — è compreso.

— Do you have something to nibble on? — Yes! I'll bring a small plate with olives, crisps and breadsticks. — Perfect, thank you. — They come with the aperitif — it's included.

Cultural Note

The Italian concept of 'stuzzichini' (small nibbles) at the bar is connected to the aperitivo culture. In Venice, these are called 'cicchetti' — small bites of bread with toppings, served alongside a glass of wine ('ombra'). Venetian cicchetti bars are among the most enjoyable food experiences in Italy.