Italian Phrase
Avete tavoli fuori?
Meaning
Literally “Do you have tables outside?” It is the standard way to ask a restaurant, café or bar if they have seating available on a terrace or patio.
When to use
Use this phrase when you arrive at a dining place and want to know whether you can sit outdoors, especially in the warm months or when you prefer fresh air.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Avetetavolifuori
avete (avere)
Second‑person plural present of the verb *avere* (to have). Used here to ask a polite question to a group or a business.
tavoli (pl.)
Plural noun meaning “tables”. In Italian nouns agree in number with the article or adjective, but here it stands alone after the verb.
fuori
Adverb meaning “outside”. Placed after the noun it modifies, similar to English “outside”.
Question word‑order
Italian yes‑no questions often keep the statement order; intonation or a question mark signals the question.
🗨In Conversation
Avete tavoli fuori?
Do you have tables outside?
Sì, ne abbiamo due liberi. Vuole prenotare?
Yes, we have two free. Would you like to reserve one?
✕Common Mistakes
Avete tavolo fuori?
Use the plural *tavoli* unless you are sure there is only one table.
Avete dei tavoli fuori?
The article *dei* is unnecessary here; the verb already implies existence.
Avete tavoli fuori, per favore?
While polite, placing *per favore* after the question mark is incorrect punctuation; put it before the question or as a separate sentence.
↔Alternatives
Ci sono tavoli all'esterno?
Are there tables outside?
Possiamo sedere fuori?
Can we sit outside?
Avete posti a sedere fuori?
Do you have seats outside?
Cultural Tip
In most Italian cities outdoor seating ("fuori" or "all'aperto") is very popular in spring and summer, especially in the south. Many places reserve the best terrace spots for locals or for those who book in advance, so it’s polite to ask early and, if possible, to say "per favore". In tourist‑heavy areas you may hear the regional variant "fuori" replaced by "in giardino" (in the garden) or "sul terrazzo" (on the terrace).