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PhrasesAt the RestaurantSiete aperti a pranzo?
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Siete aperti a pranzo?

Are you open for lunch?

Pronunciation

a-PER-ti — three syllables, double 't' is slightly elongated. Stress on the second syllable.

When to use it

Before going to a restaurant for lunch, especially at smaller or family-run places that may close in the afternoons.

What it means

'Siete' is the second person plural of 'essere' (to be). 'Aperti' means 'open' (plural, agreeing with 'voi'). 'A pranzo' means 'for lunch'. Many Italian restaurants close between 3 pm and 7 pm — always worth checking.

Variations

A che ora aprite?

What time do you open?

More specific — useful if you are not sure of the lunch or dinner hours

Fate anche il pranzo?

Do you also do lunch?

Some restaurants are dinner-only — 'fate' here means 'do you serve'

Siete aperti la domenica?

Are you open on Sunday?

Sunday hours vary widely — always call ahead for Sunday visits

Mini Dialogue

— Siete aperti a pranzo? — Sì, apriamo a mezzogiorno e trenta. L'ultimo ordine è alle due e mezzo. — Perfetto, arriviamo verso l'una. — Benissimo, ci vediamo!

— Are you open for lunch? — Yes, we open at twelve thirty. Last orders are at two thirty. — Perfect, we'll arrive around one. — Wonderful, see you then!

Cultural Note

Italian restaurants typically serve lunch from 12:30 to 2:30 pm and dinner from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. The gap in between (the 'pausa') is when staff eat and rest. Arriving at 3 pm and expecting lunch will lead to disappointment in most of Italy.