Which Italian phrases matter most here?

“Possiamo sederci fuori?” (Can we sit outside); “Il tavolo fuori è libero?” (Is the table outside free); “Si accomodi dove vuole.” (Sit wherever you like). The full list is above.

Can I hear how they sound?

Yes: press the speaker next to a phrase to hear it, recorded for the Frasa app.

How can I practise this conversation?

Press “Start the conversation” above to play it through and choose your replies, with a note on why some fit better in Italy. Frasa, an iPhone app, lets you save these phrases and rehearse them out loud.

Italian phrases for getting a table on a café terrace in Italy

At a café with outdoor tables, ask “Possiamo sederci fuori?” or “Il tavolo fuori è libero?”. The waiter usually says “Si accomodi dove vuole” and comes to your table. Ask “Avete il wifi?” and “A che ora chiudete?” if you plan to stay, and call for the bill with “Il conto, per favore”.

Try it · about two minutes

On a sunny afternoon you look for a free table outside a café and ask about the wifi and how late they’re open.

Sound on: the waiter speaks Italian. You choose what to say back, and Frasa tells you why it works.

How does the conversation usually go?

Waiter
Benvenuti!
Welcome.
You
Il tavolo fuori è libero?
Is the table outside free?
Waiter
Si accomodi dove vuole.
Sit wherever you like.
You
Questo posto è libero?
Is this seat free?
Waiter
Che cosa desidera?
What would you like?
You
Un tè freddo, per favore.
An iced tea, please.
Waiter
Desidera altro?
Would you like anything else?
You
A che ora chiudete?
What time do you close?
The sun is still out, so you stay a while. At last you’re ready to leave.
You
Il conto, per favore.
The bill, please.
Waiter
Paga con la carta o in contanti?
Card or cash?
You
Posso pagare con il telefono?
Can I pay with my phone?

Which Italian phrases do you need?

Possiamo sederci fuori?
Can we sit outside?
Il tavolo fuori è libero?
Is the table outside free?
Si accomodi dove vuole.
Sit wherever you like.
Questo posto è libero?
Is this seat free?
Che cosa desidera?
What would you like?
Desidera altro?
Would you like anything else?
Avete il wifi?
Do you have wifi?
Qual è la password del wifi?
What is the wifi password?
A che ora chiudete?
What time do you close?
Il conto, per favore.
The bill, please.

What is worth knowing in Italy?

How a terrace works

1
Look for a free table outside, or ask. At a terrace, staff usually come to you.
Can we sit outside?
2
Order from your table. The same drink often costs more at a table than standing at the counter.
3
Pay at the end. Ask when you’re ready.
The bill, please.

Wifi is not a given

Not every bar has wifi. Where there is some, staff will usually give you the password if you ask.

Qual è la password del wifi?

What is the wifi password?

Lei, not tu

With the waiter

Si accomodi dove vuole.

Sit wherever you like.

Among friends

Accomodati dove vuoi.

Sit wherever you like. (informal)

Waiters speak to customers with the polite Lei, and you do the same. Tu is for friends and family.

Questions about this situation

Which Italian phrases matter most here?: “Possiamo sederci fuori?” (Can we sit outside); “Il tavolo fuori è libero?” (Is the table outside free); “Si accomodi dove vuole.” (Sit wherever you like). The full list is above.
Can I hear how they sound?: Yes: press the speaker next to a phrase to hear it, recorded for the Frasa app.
How can I practise this conversation?: Press “Start the conversation” above to play it through and choose your replies, with a note on why some fit better in Italy. Frasa, an iPhone app, lets you save these phrases and rehearse them out loud.

Related situations in Italian

All situations in Italian

Practise these phrases in Frasa

Frasa is an iPhone app for the conversations in front of you. Save phrases like these, rehearse them out loud, and they come back until they stick.

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AI-generated. May be inaccurate.