Italian Phrase
Possiamo avere un tavolo lontano dalla cucina?
Meaning
This sentence is a polite request asking the staff if it’s possible to be seated at a table that is far away from the kitchen. It conveys a desire for a quieter, less smoky spot, often for comfort or conversation.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re making a reservation or arriving at a restaurant and you want to be seated away from the kitchen’s heat, noise, or strong aromas. It’s also handy in cafés or canteens where the kitchen area can be bustling.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possiamoavereuntavololontanodallacucina?
Potere (Possiamo)
‘Possiamo’ is the first‑person plural present of the modal verb ‘potere’, used to ask for permission or possibility.
Infinitive after modal
When a modal verb like ‘potere’ is used, it is followed by an infinitive verb—in this case ‘avere’ (to have).
Indefinite article ‘un’
‘Un’ is the masculine singular indefinite article, placed before a masculine noun such as ‘tavolo’.
Preposition ‘da’ + article → ‘dalla’
‘Da’ (from) contracts with the feminine singular article ‘la’ to form ‘dalla’, meaning ‘from the’ or ‘away from the’. It introduces the location ‘cucina’.
Adjective placement
Descriptive adjectives like ‘lontano’ normally follow the noun they modify when used in a prepositional phrase (e.g., ‘lontano dalla cucina’).
🗨In Conversation
Possiamo avere un tavolo lontano dalla cucina?
Can we have a table far from the kitchen?
Certo, vi porto al tavolo vicino al finestrino.
Sure, I’ll take you to the table near the window.
✕Common Mistakes
Possiamo avere un tavolo lontano da la cucina?
‘Da’ contracts with the article ‘la’; the correct form is ‘dalla’.
Possiamo avere un tavolo lontano dalla cucina?
While grammatically correct, many native speakers prefer ‘prendere’ or ‘riservare’ for a reservation request.
Possiamo avere un tavolo lontano dalla cucina?
Placing the adjective before the noun (e.g., ‘lontano tavolo’) is incorrect; the adjective must stay with the prepositional phrase.
↔Alternatives
Possiamo avere un tavolo distante dalla cucina?
Can we have a table distant from the kitchen?
Potremmo sedere in un posto più tranquillo, lontano dalla cucina?
Could we sit in a quieter spot, away from the kitchen?
Ci può riservare un tavolo lontano dalla cucina?
Could you reserve us a table far from the kitchen?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, diners often prefer tables away from the kitchen because the heat, steam, and clatter can be distracting. However, many restaurants view the kitchen as the heart of the place and may seat you nearby if the venue is small. Politely stating your preference, as in this sentence, is usually respected, especially in larger establishments or during quieter hours.