Café & Drinks

1. Un espresso, per favore

   An espresso, please

   Usage

   Classic phrase to order an espresso at an Italian bar

   Grammar Note

   In Italian bars, espresso is traditionally drunk standing at the counter. Sitting down often costs more

2. Un cappuccino, per favore

   A cappuccino, please

   Usage

   The quintessential Italian morning coffee order

   Grammar Note

   In Italy, cappuccino is traditionally a morning drink. Ordering it after a meal may raise eyebrows

3. Un bicchiere di vino rosso della casa

   A glass of house red wine

   Usage

   Used to order a house glass of red wine at a trattoria or restaurant

   Grammar Note

   Swap: "vino bianco" (white wine), "vino rosato" (rosé). Also order "una bottiglia" (a bottle)

4. Acqua naturale, per favore

   Still water, please

   Usage

   Standard phrase for ordering still (non-sparkling) water at a restaurant

   Grammar Note

   "Acqua frizzante" (sparkling) vs "acqua naturale" (still). Water is typically not free in Italian restaurants

5. Un Aperol Spritz, per favore

   An Aperol Spritz, please

   Usage

   Used to order Italy's iconic aperitivo cocktail

   Grammar Note

   "Aperitivo" time is typically 6–8 pm. Many bars serve complimentary snacks with drinks

6. Cosa mi consiglia da bere?

   What do you recommend to drink?

   Usage

   Used to ask a waiter or bartender to recommend a drink

   Grammar Note

   "Consigliare" means to recommend. Same structure: "Cosa mi consiglia da mangiare?" (What do you recommend to eat?)

7. Un amaro, per favore

   A digestif amaro, please

   Usage

   Used to order an Italian digestif after a meal

   Grammar Note

   "Amaro" also means "bitter" as an adjective. Popular brands: Fernet-Branca, Averna, Cynar, Montenegro

8. Una granita di limone, per favore

   A lemon granita, please

   Usage

   Used to order the iconic Sicilian slushy cold drink/dessert

   Grammar Note

   Granita originated in Sicily. Popular flavors: "al caffè" (coffee), "alla mandorla" (almond), "al limone" (lemon)

9. Avete bevande analcoliche?

   Do you have non-alcoholic drinks?

   Usage

   Used by non-drinkers to ask for alcohol-free options at a bar or restaurant

   Grammar Note

   "Analcolico" = non-alcoholic. Popular options: "succo di frutta" (fruit juice), "aranciata" (orange soda)

10. Il conto, per favore

    The bill, please

    Usage

    Essential phrase to ask for the bill after drinks at a bar or café

    Grammar Note

    Italian restaurants often add a "coperto" (cover charge). Ask: "Paghiamo separatamente?" (Shall we pay separately?)

11. Senza ghiaccio

    No ice

    Usage

    Ask for a drink without ice when you are unsure about the water

12. L'acqua minerale

    Mineral water

    Usage

    Bottled water; add "frizzante" for sparkling or "naturale" for still

13. L'acqua calda

    Hot water

    Usage

    Ask for hot water for medicine or baby formula

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