Do you come here often? I have never seen you.
'Spesso' = SPES-so with double 's'. 'Avevo' = a-VE-vo.
Use this in a regular social venue — a bar, gym, class, or neighbourhood spot. It is a classic and disarming conversation opener that establishes shared territory and opens a discussion about how each person uses the space.
'Non ti avevo mai visto/a' uses the 'trapassato prossimo' (pluperfect): 'avevo + participle'. The gender of 'visto' agrees with the person seen (masc: visto, fem: vista). 'Mai' (never) in a negative sentence means 'ever' / 'never'.
Frequenti questo posto?
Do you frequent this place?
'Frequentare' implies habitual visits
Sei un habitué del bar?
Are you a regular at the bar?
'Habitué' (French loanword) is commonly used in Italian for bar regulars
Da quanto vieni qui?
How long have you been coming here?
Presupposes they are indeed a regular — used after initial confirmation
The Italian 'bar' (coffee bar) is a critical social institution. Italians have a 'bar di fiducia' (their trusted, regular bar) and the barista knows their order, their name, and often their personal news. The bar is where daily social life unfolds — friendships formed there tend to be warm and lasting.