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PhrasesAt the RestaurantScusi, può portarci altro pane?
A2formal

Scusi, può portarci altro pane?

Excuse me, could you bring us some more bread?

Pronunciation

POR-tar-ci — three syllables, stress on the first. 'ci' = 'to us'.

When to use it

When the bread basket is empty and you want more. In Italy, bread is used to 'fare la scarpetta' — wipe the plate clean with bread at the end.

What it means

'Può portarci' is a conditional-style polite request using 'potere' in the present tense. 'Altro' means 'more/additional'. 'Altro pane' = more bread. This is a very natural, everyday request.

Variations

Avete dell'olio d'oliva per il pane?

Do you have some olive oil for the bread?

A great accompaniment — central Italian restaurants often provide it automatically

Può portarci più grissini?

Could you bring us more breadsticks?

'Grissini' are the thin crunchy breadsticks — iconic in northern Italian restaurants

Posso fare la scarpetta?

May I wipe the plate with bread?

Asking permission humorously — la scarpetta is a beloved Italian eating ritual

Mini Dialogue

— Scusi, può portarci altro pane? — Subito! E vuole dell'olio extravergine? — Sì, per favore. Questo sugo è troppo buono per lasciarlo nel piatto. — Ah, la scarpetta! Benissimo!

— Excuse me, could you bring us some more bread? — Right away! And would you like some extra virgin olive oil? — Yes, please. This sauce is too good to leave on the plate. — Ah, la scarpetta! Wonderful!

Cultural Note

'Fare la scarpetta' — wiping the plate clean with bread — is one of the most beloved Italian eating rituals. Technically it is considered slightly informal, but even at mid-range restaurants Italians do it without hesitation. Refusing the urge is almost harder.