A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "A beer please" in Italian
Learn how to order a beer in Italy with the standard phrase 'Una birra, per favore' and master local bar etiquette.
Una birra, per favore.
OO-nah BEER-rah, pehr fah-VOH-rehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when ordering at a bar, pizzeria, or restaurant anywhere in Italy. It is appropriate when speaking directly to the bartender at the counter or to a waiter at your table. It works seamlessly whether you are grabbing a quick drink after work or settling in for a meal.
Alternatives
- Una birra alla spina, per favore.better when you specifically want a draft beer instead of a bottle
- Prendo una birra.better in a slightly more casual setting once the waiter asks what you want
- Una birra media, per favore.better if you want a specific standard medium size (usually 40cl)
Ways to get it wrong
Mispronouncing the double 'r'
Make sure to roll the 'rr' in 'birra', otherwise it can sound like 'bira' which weakens your pronunciation and rhythm.
Forgetting to specify the size
If you just ask for 'una birra', the server will usually ask 'piccola o media' (small or medium), so it is best to specify upfront.
A small cultural note
In Italy, beer is the ultimate companion to pizza, whereas wine is traditionally preferred with pasta. When ordering at a standard bar, check if you need to pay at the cashier ('cassa') first before showing your receipt ('scontrino') to the bartender.
Frequently asked
how do i ask for a large beer in italy
You can ask for 'una birra grande', which is typically a 50cl or 66cl pour. However, many places only serve small (piccola) or medium (media) sizes on tap, so specify 'in bottiglia' if you want a large bottle.
what is the default draft beer in italy
If you do not specify a brand, you will usually get a standard local premium lager like Peroni, Nastro Azzurro, or Moretti. If you prefer something else, ask the waiter 'Che birre avete alla spina?' to hear the draft options.
do you tip bartenders in italy when ordering a drink
Tipping at a bar counter is not expected in Italy, though leaving the small change change of 10 to 50 cents on the counter is a nice gesture. If you are sitting at a table, a service charge called 'coperto' is often already included in your bill.
