Where do you work?
DO-ve la-VO-ri — stress on 'do-' and 'vo-'. Three syllables total.
A standard first-date question — work gives context for lifestyle, interests, and ambitions. Not the most imaginative opener but perfectly natural.
'Dove' = where. 'Lavori' = you work (second person singular present of 'lavorare'). Italian uses the present indicative for habitual actions. Note that in Italy asking about work is common but is usually paired with other more personal questions.
Cosa fai di lavoro?
What do you do for work?
Asks about the job itself rather than location — slightly more revealing
Ti piace il tuo lavoro?
Do you like your work?
More interesting follow-up — shows you care about how they feel, not just what they do
Hai sempre voluto fare questo?
Did you always want to do this?
Opens up backstory and ambitions — a great conversation deepener
Work is an important conversation topic in Italy, but Italians often judge less by salary and more by passion and meaning. Saying 'non lo cambierei per niente' (I wouldn't change it for anything) is a deeply Italian sentiment — work should mean something, not just pay.