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PhrasesAt the PortDove si compra qualcosa da mangiare a bordo?
A2informal

Dove si compra qualcosa da mangiare a bordo?

Where can you buy something to eat on board?

Pronunciation

'Mangiare' — man-JA-re. The 'gi' before 'a' is soft like 'j'; stress on the second syllable.

When to use it

Ask a crew member after boarding when you are hungry and want to find the bar or cafeteria. On long crossings, food options may close at certain hours.

What it means

'Qualcosa da mangiare' (something to eat) uses 'qualcosa' (something) + 'da' + infinitive — a construction meaning something for eating. This pattern is very common: 'qualcosa da bere' (something to drink), 'qualcosa da leggere' (something to read), 'qualcosa da fare' (something to do).

Variations

Il bar è aperto?

Is the bar open?

Quick check if the onboard bar/café is currently serving.

Vendono panini a bordo?

Do they sell sandwiches on board?

Sandwiches are the most common quick food option.

A che ora chiude il self-service?

What time does the self-service close?

Important for long crossings where meal times are fixed.

Mini Dialogue

— Dove si compra qualcosa da mangiare a bordo? — Il bar è al ponte cinque, aperto fino a mezzanotte. — Fanno anche piatti caldi? — Sì, pasta e secondo, fino alle ventidue.

— Where can you buy something to eat on board? — The bar is on deck five, open until midnight. — Do they also serve hot dishes? — Yes, pasta and a main course, until ten pm.

Cultural Note

Italian ferry bars are an institution — you can find espresso, cornetti, tramezzini, arancini, and even pizza at reasonable prices. The restaurant-level options use the same fresh Italian quality standards you would expect on land. Bringing your own food is also permitted.