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PhrasesAt the BeachC'è un chiosco sulla spiaggia?
A2

C'è un chiosco sulla spiaggia?

Is there a kiosk on the beach?

Pronunciation

cheh oon KYOS-koh SOO-llah SPYA-jah.

When to use it

When you want a snack, drink, or ice cream without leaving the beach. Most Italian lidos have a bar or kiosk service on the beach itself.

What it means

Un chiosco is a kiosk or beach bar. Sulla spiaggia means on the beach. At Italian lidos, the beach bar (bar della spiaggia) is central to the experience — serving coffee, drinks, sandwiches, and ice creams throughout the day.

Variations

Mi porta un caffè allo sdraio?

Can you bring a coffee to my lounger?

At lidos, staff deliver food and drinks to your umbrella.

Hanno ghiaccioli al cocco?

Do they have coconut ice lollies?

Coconut ice lollies (ghiaccioli al cocco) are an Italian summer classic.

C'è il servizio al tavolo?

Is there table service?

Asking whether staff serve you at your spot.

Mini Dialogue

— C'è un chiosco sulla spiaggia? — Sì, il bar è in centro. Portano anche allo sdraio. — Perfetto. Posso ordinare qualcosa da qui? — Sì, chiami il cameriere — vedete quello con il vassoio. — Un granita al limone per me!

— Is there a kiosk on the beach? — Yes, the bar is in the centre. They also deliver to your lounger. — Perfect. Can I order from here? — Yes, call the waiter — you see the one with the tray. — A lemon granita for me!

Cultural Note

The granita al limone (lemon granita) is the quintessential Italian beach drink — a semi-frozen lemon slush that is supremely refreshing. In Sicily, granita is eaten for breakfast with a brioche. The Sicilian tradition of granita-making is recognised as part of Italy's intangible cultural heritage.