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PhrasesAt the PizzeriaUna birra alla spina con la pizza.
A1

Una birra alla spina con la pizza.

A draught beer with the pizza.

Pronunciation

SPI-na — two syllables, stress on first.

When to use it

When ordering a beer to accompany your pizza. Beer and pizza is a classic pairing in Italian pizzerias.

What it means

'Birra alla spina' = draught beer. 'In bottiglia' = bottled. Italian craft beer ('birra artigianale') has exploded in recent years and many pizzerias now offer curated beer lists alongside the traditional house lager.

Variations

Avete birre artigianali?

Do you have craft beers?

'Artigianale' = artisan/craft — the Italian craft beer scene is growing rapidly

Una media, per favore.

A medium beer, please.

'Media' = the standard medium glass (about 40cl) — distinguished from a 'piccola' (small) or 'grande' (large)

Una Peroni ghiacciata.

A very cold Peroni.

'Ghiacciata' = ice-cold. Peroni is Italy's most iconic lager brand.

Mini Dialogue

— Una birra alla spina con la pizza. — Media o grande? — Media, grazie. Avete birre artigianali? — Sì, tre in spina — una IPA, una ambrata e una pilsner.

— A draught beer with the pizza. — Medium or large? — Medium, please. Do you have craft beers? — Yes, three on draught — an IPA, an amber and a pilsner.

Cultural Note

Pizza and beer is one of Italy's most popular combinations, but traditionally Italians also drink wine or Coca-Cola with pizza. The classic Neapolitan choice is Nastro Azzurro or Peroni — simple lagers that do not compete with the pizza flavours.