When you’re in Italy, coffee isn’t just a drink – it’s a way of life.

We take our coffee rituals pretty seriously.

There are some unwritten rules about when to order which types of coffee.

Get these down, and you’ll blend right in like a true local coffee aficionado.

Coffee Culture in Italy

When to drink your coffee in Italy

We typically sip certain coffee drinks at specific times of day.

For instance, a cappuccino, that mix of espresso, steamed milk, foam and cocoa powder, is strictly a breakfast beverage.

Order one after 11am and you’ll get some judgy side-eyes from the barista.

The same goes for a caffè latte (Latte) – that’s espresso with steamed milk, minus the foam and cocoa.

Mornings only for those milky delights.

If you’re jonesing for something creamy in the afternoon though, go for a caffè macchiato.

That’s a shot of intense espresso just lightly “stained” with a dash of frothy milk. The perfect little afternoon pick-me-up, served either caldo (with hot milk) or freddo (icy cold milk) depending on your vibe.

After lunch or dinner though, the name of the game is espresso, plain and simple. We call this potent little number “un caffè normale.”

It’s the ideal way to cap off a big delizioso meal.

Traditionally sipped from a cute ceramic cup, but you can also get it in a glass if you prefer – just ask for “un caffè al vetro” if you want it that way.

For the sweet tooths out there, indulgent variations like caffè con panna (coffee with whipped cream) or caffè marocchino (espresso concoction with cocoa, foamed milk and maybe even Nutella) make for sinfully good treats to satisfy cravings.

When in Rome, right?

How and Where to drink your coffee in Italy

When you order a coffee in Italy, don’t even think about asking for it to-go.

Coffee here is meant to be sipped and savoured, not rushed.

It’s a moment to hit the pause button on life and just be present.

So ditch the hurry-up mentality and embrace the sweet leisurely pace of la dolce vita.

Caffè al Banco (Coffee standing at the counter)

Get your coffee at the counter (al banco.)

Stand at the bar counter and take in the rich aroma. Then really taste that first soul-warming sip.

If you order a caffè (espresso) at a real Italian bar you’ll probably get a little glass of water alongside it (this usually happens in Southern Italy.)

But don’t go chugging that after sipping your coffee like most tourists.

The proper move? Down that water first.

It seems counterintuitive, but there’s a reason to this madness.

That little rinse preps your palate to fully taste and appreciate the rich, bold flavours of the espresso when you drink it after.

It’s like giving your tastebuds a blank slate before the main event.

This is how we do coffee in Italy – as an experience to be fully enjoyed, not just a caffeine fix.

The other quintessential part of Italy’s coffee culture? The socializing.

Bars (what we call cafes) are lively gathering spots bubbling over with chatter, laughter, and spirited banter between friends and strangers alike.

Don’t be shy – strike up a conversation!

Whether it’s with the ever-knowledgeable barista or a sly-grinning local, you never know what hidden gems they might let you in on.

Engaging with the people is half the fun.

The way we so easily slip into those languid coffee chats is all part of our laidback approach to life.

So go ahead, order another “caffè” and settle in.

There’s no rush around here.

Coffee at the table

When you’re in those touristy spots, you’ll notice the bars and cafes have plenty of tables for sitting down.

We usually sit at a table for an aperitivo before dinner or for a little afternoon sweet treat like pastries or gelato.

I get it though, sometimes it’s nice to take it slow and do some quality people watching over a velvety macchiato.

But just be warned, if you want to have your coffe at the table, you’re gonna have to pay a few extra euros versus just standing at the counter.

There’s nothing quite like kicking back at a street side table, treating yourself to a leisurely caffeine break while soaking in all the delicious Italian atmosphere, am I right?

How to pay for your coffee in Italy

Ordering coffee in Italy can be a slightly different dance depending on where you are.

In touristy hotspots, you’ll likely need to pay first at the cashier (cassa) before ordering at the actual bar counter (bancone.)

But in more local spots, it’s common to just order directly from the barista and pay afterwards. 

If you’re not sure which routine they’ve got going on, take a sec to scope out how the locals are doing it.

See if they’re hitting the register first or just sauntering up to the counter. Then follow their lead.

For the pay-first places, make your way to the cash register and let the cashier know what you’d like.

Pay up, grab your receipt, and take it over to the barista to place your actual order. If it’s crowded, no biggie – just wait for a spot to open up front.

Once you wiggle your way there, pop that receipt down and repeat your order to the barista.

Then kick back and wait for your liquid gold to arrive.

How to order coffee in Italy

Wherever you are, be sure to greet the cashier or barista with a friendly “buongiorno” or “buonasera” depending on the time of day.

Keep it simple when ordering – just say “un caffè per favore” for one coffee.

If you want multiples, specify the number like “due caffè per favore” for two.

No need to literally translate “espresso” or anything.

We don’t really say it that way.

The most important thing? Relax and go with the flow.

Ordering coffee here is like its own little ritual.

Embrace the process and you’ll be ordering like a local in no time.

Popular types of Italian Coffee

When it comes to Italian coffees, there’s quite a fun little world to explore!

Un caffè (Expresso)

Let’s start with the classic – a plain “caffè.”

Now, you might call it an espresso shot anywhere else, but in Italy, that little jolt of pure coffee bliss is simply known as “un caffè.”

It’s like our coffee lifeblood, sipped at all hours of the day.

Caffè doppio (Double espresso)

Sometimes you need an extra kick, am I right?

That’s when you go for “un caffè doppio” – a double shot of espresso. 

Caffè Ristretto

Caffè ristretto is a super concentrated version of your classic Italian espresso shot.

The Barista use the same amount of beans, but only half the water.

So you’re getting all those rich flavours packed into just a tiny, super intense sip.

It’s the perfect pick-me-up if you’re in a rush but still need that quick caffeine boost.

Caffè Lungo (Long Espresso)

Caffè lungo is one of the lesser-known Italian coffee gems.

Think of it like an amped-up version of an Americano.

While an Americano is just an espresso with some hot water splashed in at the end, a caffè lungo takes things a step further. 

Instead of adding that extra water later, the barista simply lets that little cup fill up for longer before cutting off the brew.

Essentially, we’re talking about an espresso or moka pot coffee that’s allowed to flow into the cup for a bit longer than usual.

Now here’s the kicker – what us Italians call a “long coffee” for the rest of the coffee-drinking world, that extended espresso extraction is basically just a normal Italian coffee.

Caffè Americano

Speaking of Americanos, you’ve got to be careful with those around here.

Despite what Americans might assume, a classic caffè Americano in Italy is definitely not the same as your good old drip coffee back home.

Nope, it’s just a shot of intense espresso with a little hot water diluting that bold flavour ever-so-slightly.

Caffè Corretto

If you want to spice things up Italian-style, ask for a caffè corretto.

Literally translated to “corrected coffee,” it’s any regular coffee drink with a sneaky splash of booze added in!

We’re talking grappa, brandy, rum, anisette – you name it.

Caffè Shakerato

For all you iced coffee fans out there, let me introduce the caffè shakerato – your new summer obsession.

This refreshing drink is exactly what it sounds like – espresso that’s been vigorously shaken with ice in a cocktail shaker.

The talented baristas then serve it up in a stylish martini glass. So classy!

We usually enjoy it straight up or with a touch of sugar. But you can also get a little wild and add a splash of liqueur for an extra kick.

Just be prepared – the shakerato may only be available during the warmer months.

Caffè al Ginseng

If you’re a lover of both coffee and tea, you might want to give the caffè ginseng a try.

It’s an Italian espresso combined with nutty ginseng root extract for a totally unique flavour experience.

Either you’ll be obsessed or you’ll hate it – no in-between!

Caffè d’orzo

Speaking of unique, how about the caffè d’orzo?

Despite the name, this “coffee” is actually 100% caffeine-free since it’s made from roasted barley instead of coffee beans.

Caffè Marocchino

For all you chocolate fans, you’ve got to try an iconic marocchino.

We’re talking a shot of rich espresso combined with velvety cocoa powder and a frothy layer of milk foam on top. It’s honestly more like a dessert in a glass than a coffee drink.

We love marocchinos so much that you’ll find tons of variations – some with hot chocolate powder, cinnamon, or even a dollop of Nutella.

Yeah, I know…I’m drooling too.  

Cappuccino

Now, the cappuccino is arguably the king of Italian coffee drinks involving milk.

Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and creamy foam – it’s sinfully good.

But get this: we actually only drink cappuccinos in the morning hours.

You order one of those tasty guys after noonish, and bam, you’re instantly pegged as a tourist!

Caffè Macchiato

In the afternoon, if you prefer your coffee with a touch of milk, a macchiato is the way to go. 

This is an espresso with a dash of frothy milk and is perfect for a little energy boost during the day.

Caffè macchiato caldo is an espresso topped with a few drops of hot milk, or with steamed milk 

Caffè macchiato freddo is an espresso topped with a few drops of cold milk.

Caffè con panna

But if you’ve got more of a sweet tooth, well, you can’t go wrong with an Italian caffè con panna.

This is an espresso topped with a dollop of fresh, whipped cream.

I’m telling you, the way that rich, velvety cream melds with the bold espresso is just pure bliss.

Pro tip though – don’t be shy to ask if that whipped cream is freshly made. Cool Whip? Hard pass. You want the real, high-quality stuff.

Latte Macchiato

Switching gears to the macchiato’s milkier cousin – you’ve got the “latte macchiato.”

This is basically the opposite of the caffè macchiato.

Instead of a touch of milk in your espresso, it’s a good amount of warm milk with just a splash of espresso added in.

Caffè Latte

Last but not least, the “caffè latte.”

This creamy, frothy marvel is a morning staple for Italians and tourists alike.

Just don’t go ordering a plain “latte” around here – that literally means “milk,” and you might accidentally end up with a glass of cold milk instead of your beloved latte. Rookie mistake!

Stick to asking for a proper “caffè latte.” 

One little thing to keep in mind though – Italian lattes tend to be a bit smaller than the big boys you might be used to back home.

But sometimes, good things come in smaller packages, am I right?

The Moka Coffee pot in Italy

Now, I want to share with you a little gem of Italian coffee culture – the Moka pot.

You may not believe this, but 90% of Italian homes have one of these bad boys in the kitchen.

So, what is this moka pot thing, you ask?

Well, it’s a coffee machine on the stove that acts like a percolator.

Invented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti, it’s been a beloved part of the Italian coffee culture for generations.

Here’s how it works: the Moka pot has two chambers – a lower one for water and an upper one for the coffee, and a central filter section for coffee grounds.

As the water in the lower chamber boils, the pressure forces the hot water up through the grounds and into the upper chamber, giving you a delicious brew.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But what about my fancy espresso machine?”

Of course, a moka pot can’t kill flavor like an espresso machine, but trust me, it still delivers a smooth, espresso-like coffee that will knock your socks off.

And in case you need a more convincing one, get this one – the moka pot has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most famous coffee maker in the world.

But wait, there’s more! This little coffee machine has become such an icon it can be found displayed in some of the world’s most prestigious museums, like Smithsonian Design Museum and MoMA.

The “Cuccumela” Neapolitan Coffee Pot

In the homes of Naples, they do things a little differently – and it’s all thanks to a special brewer called the “cuccumella.”

The name “cuccumella” actually comes from the word “cuccuma,” which refers to those old-school copper or terracotta pots our ancestors used for brewing.

This extraction method yields some seriously aromatic, sweet, and full-bodied coffee – but only if you get the technique just right, of course.

Here’s where things get really interesting: the cuccumella has to be flipped upside down to start the brewing process.

It’s all part of the traditional Neapolitan method.

First, you gotta whip up that water and get the ground coffee loaded into the cuccumella. Then, you pop it on the stove and wait for it to reach a rolling boil.

When, you’ll see a little puff of steam or a droplet escaping from a tiny hole about halfway up the pot, you know it’s ready.

Once that happens, you remove the cuccumella from the heat, let it chill for a few seconds, and then flip it upside down.

And there it sits, doing its magic for the next 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your brewer.

To really lock in all those delightful aromas, you can cover the spout with a little paper cone called “‘o’cuppetiello.”

It acts like a stopper, ensuring none of those precious scents escape during the brewing process.

I mean, can you imagine the tantalizing aroma that must fill the kitchen as that cuccumella works its magic?

Even in our modern world of high-tech coffee machines, these old-school brewers are still wildly popular all across Italy.

There’s just something so charmingly vintage about them, yet they produce such a rich, authentic Italian-style coffee.

These classic moka pots would make for such a cool, practical gift from Italy for any coffee lover in your life. 

You can actually find and buy a ton of these iconic moka pots on Amazon too!

How convenient is that?

No need to lug one back from your Italian vacation (unless you want to, of course).

Listen to this episode for the pronunciation of the words and expressions mentioned in this blog post.

If you’re looking for more Italian language lessons visit the “Learn Italian” section of the blog.

Coffee in Italy: Final Tips and Etiquette

Here’re some essential tips and etiquette rules you’ll want to keep in mind.

Consider this your insider’s guide to navigating the caffeinated world of Italian coffee like a local!

In Italy, those beloved coffee spots aren’t called cafes or coffee shops – nope, they’re known as “bars.“

But don’t let that confuse you, we’re not talking about the boozy kind of bar here. These are straight-up coffee, or as the we say, “caffè” bars. 

Now, grabbing your coffee to-go isn’t really a thing in Italy.

The custom is to actually enjoy your caffè right at the bar counter.

So don’t be surprised if you get a puzzled look when asking for a carry-out cup.

We like to savour those few blissful minutes with our coffee in hand before carrying on with the day.

Speaking of ordering, there’s a little ritual to it.

First, you’ll want to pay for your coffee at the register.

Once you’ve got that little receipt, then you can stride up to the bar and place your order like a true local.

Here’s another cultural quirk – there are no sizes for coffee in Italy.

Forget about your venti or grande nonsense, every coffee drink has its own specifically-sized cup or glass.

It’s all about preserving the perfect proportions and ratios, you see.

Price-wise, you’ll often find two different rates listed – one for ordering “al banco” (at the counter), and another pricier “al tavolo” (at a table) option.

That little upcharge covers the table service experience.

Once you’ve got your piping hot cup of Italian coffee goodness, don’t be surprised if the barista also delivers a little glass of water alongside it.

This isn’t just for hydrating purposes – we actually use that water as a palate cleanser!

The custom is to take the water first, then your coffee.

If you’re hankering for a latte, make sure to use both words – “caffè latte” – when ordering. Asking for just “latte” might land you a glass of plain milk instead of that frothy, espresso-spiked deliciousness you’re craving.

But perhaps the most important tip of all?

Embrace the full Italian coffee bar experience!

Don’t just rush in and out – part of the fun is soaking up all that lively, social atmosphere. We adore a good chat, so feel free to linger over your coffee, make new friends, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Trust me, once you get a taste of the authentic Italian way of enjoying coffee, you’ll never want to go back to your fast-paced, to-go caffeine routine.

Slow down, savor each sip, and drink in all the joyful coffee vibes!

That’s the true Italian way.

Ciao and Happy Travels!