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PhrasesAt the PizzeriaPosso portare via quello che avanza?
B1

Posso portare via quello che avanza?

Can I take away what is left over?

Pronunciation

a-VAN-za — three syllables, stress on second.

When to use it

When you cannot finish your pizza and want to take the leftovers home rather than waste them.

What it means

Leftover pizza is excellent reheated — in fact, cold pizza the next morning is considered a treat by many Italians. The pizzeria will provide a cardboard box. This is a perfectly normal request.

Variations

Mi dà una scatola per la pizza?

Can you give me a pizza box?

Direct request for the pizza box — specifies exactly what you need

L'avanzo lo metto via?

Shall I box up the leftovers?

What the waiter might ask proactively

Posso avere il doggy bag?

Can I have a doggy bag?

The English term is understood in tourist areas and modern establishments

Mini Dialogue

— Posso portare via quello che avanza? — Ma certo! La pizza avanzata è ottima anche il giorno dopo. — Esatto — per colazione! — Ah, i napoletani lo fanno — pizza a colazione!

— Can I take away what is left over? — But of course! Leftover pizza is excellent even the next day. — Exactly — for breakfast! — Ah, Neapolitans do that — pizza for breakfast!

Cultural Note

Cold pizza for breakfast is a genuine Italian phenomenon, particularly beloved in Naples. The flavours develop overnight as the dough continues to absorb the tomato and oil. Neapolitans consider it one of life's small pleasures — a secret bonus meal from the previous evening.