Where is the fish counter?
'Pesce' — 'PE-she'. Two syllables. The 'sc' before 'e' = 'sh'. Don't say 'pesk-e'.
Looking for the fresh fish counter — a key section in Italian supermarkets, especially near the coast. Fresh fish quality in Italian supermarkets is often excellent.
'Il banco' = the counter. 'Del pesce' = of the fish. 'Il banco del pesce' is the staffed fresh fish counter, different from pre-packaged fish in the fridge ('pesce confezionato').
Avete pesce fresco oggi?
Do you have fresh fish today?
Checking daily availability — fresh fish comes in daily
Il pesce è pescato oggi?
Was the fish caught today?
Asking about freshness — a genuine Italian question
Può sfilettare il branzino?
Can you fillet the sea bass?
Requesting fish preparation — standard service at the fish counter
Italians are extremely particular about fish freshness. Signs: bright clear eyes ('occhi lucidi'), red gills ('branchie rosse'), firm flesh ('carne soda'), smell of the sea not of fish. Italian supermarket fish counters staff know these criteria.