È il miglior bar del quartiere.

It is the best bar in the neighbourhood.

Pronunciation

quar-TIE-re — three syllables, stress on second.

When to use it

When paying a genuine compliment to a neighbourhood bar you have come to love. This is a powerful statement of loyalty in Italian culture.

What it means

'Migliore' is the comparative/superlative of 'buono' (good) — best. 'Del quartiere' = of the neighbourhood. This phrase signals you are not a tourist but someone who has come to know and appreciate the place.

Variations

Questo è il mio bar preferito.

This is my favourite bar.

'Preferito' (favourite) — a declaration of affection and regular custom

Il caffè qui è imbattibile.

The coffee here is unbeatable.

'Imbattibile' (unbeatable) — a very strong compliment

Vengo qui da vent'anni.

I have been coming here for twenty years.

Longevity as loyalty — the most powerful compliment an Italian bar can receive

Mini Dialogue

— È il miglior bar del quartiere, sa? — Grazie di cuore! È bello sentirlo — siamo qui da trent'anni. — Si vede. C'è qualcosa di speciale qui. — La famiglia, signore. Tutto fatto in casa.

— It is the best bar in the neighbourhood, you know? — Thank you from the heart! It is good to hear that — we have been here for thirty years. — It shows. There is something special here. — The family, sir. Everything made in house.

Cultural Note

The 'bar storico' (historic bar) is a protected category in some Italian cities — establishments that have been operating for over 50 years and are part of the city's cultural identity. Milan's Zucca, Rome's Sant'Eustachio il Caffè, and Naples's Gran Caffè Gambrinus are iconic examples.

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Posso sedermi fuori con il caffè?

Una cioccolata calda, per favore.

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