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PhrasesAt the RestaurantAvete un digestivo?
A2

Avete un digestivo?

Do you have a digestif?

Pronunciation

di-ges-TI-vo — four syllables, stress on the third.

When to use it

After the coffee, when you want to finish the meal with a small spirit. Common at the end of a long, celebratory dinner.

What it means

'Digestivo' refers to after-dinner spirits believed to aid digestion. Italy produces many regional digestivi. Some restaurants offer a complimentary 'digestivo della casa' (house digestif) — a generous gesture that signals a good meal.

Variations

Un limoncello, per favore.

A limoncello, please.

The most famous Italian digestif — lemon liqueur from Campania

Avete la grappa?

Do you have grappa?

Northern Italian grape spirit — very strong, typically 40–50% alcohol

Cosa avete come amaro?

What do you have in terms of amaro?

'Amaro' = bitter herbal liqueur — Averna, Montenegro, Campari are common

Mini Dialogue

— Avete un digestivo? — Certamente! Abbiamo limoncello, grappa al miele e amaro Montenegro. — Un limoncello freddo, grazie. — Gliene porto uno della casa — offre il ristorante! — Che gentilezza, grazie!

— Do you have a digestif? — Of course! We have limoncello, honey grappa and Amaro Montenegro. — A cold limoncello, please. — I'll bring you one on the house — the restaurant's treat! — How kind, thank you!

Cultural Note

Offering a complimentary digestivo is a traditional gesture of hospitality in Italian restaurants. If the owner likes you — or if it has been a large table — you may be offered one 'di cortesia' (as a courtesy) without even asking.