Few travel experiences rival the pleasure of sipping coffee in Italy. Every aspect of the experience is delightful—from the cool marble countertop to the enjoyment of ordering coffee in Italy, and the sheer joy of that first morning sip of Italian caffè.
Between us, we’ve probably ordered around a thousand coffees in Italy, and through these experiences, we’ve picked up quite a bit about how to order coffee in Italy!
If you’re gearing up for a trip and want to ensure a smooth coffee shop experience (or more precisely, bar experience) from the start, here’s what you need to know about Italian coffee culture before you set off.
Where to Order Coffee in Italy
When searching for the ideal place to order coffee in Italy, head to a bar.
Italy is dotted with thousands of bars, each typically featuring a marble countertop, a sign reading “bar” or “caffè,” a glass case for pastries and sandwiches, and a massive espresso machine.
Bars in Italy are open all day and serve both coffee and alcohol (with more coffee typically available in the morning and alcohol later in the day).
While many restaurants also offer coffee, for the best coffee and the most authentic experience, go straight to a bar.
The bar is a cornerstone of Italian coffee culture—it all begins with stepping up to the counter.
Different Types of Italian Coffee to Enjoy
At first glance, navigating the variety of coffee options in Italy might seem overwhelming, but it’s actually quite straightforward.
Every coffee here boils down to a few ingredients: coffee (known outside Italy as espresso), milk, and in some cases, alcohol or sugar.
Italian coffee is simple, with no alternative milks, sweeteners, or sugary Starbucks-style concoctions. Although plant-based milks have become a bit more common in major cities, they’re still rare.
Here’s a rundown of the different types of coffee you might encounter in Italy.
Caffè
“Un caffè” is the most basic and popular coffee in Italy, equivalent to what non-Italians refer to as a shot of espresso.
If you want to embrace the iconic Italian coffee experience, this is the drink for you. Sometimes, the bartender might confirm your order with “Un caffè normale?”—a friendly reminder that you’re ordering a classic espresso, not a large cup of drip coffee.
Caffè Doppio
A double shot of espresso. Some say this is a more touristy choice, but it’s a personal favorite of mine, and I often order it each morning I’m in Italy. The more traditional way to enjoy two shots of coffee would be to order one caffè, drink it, and then request a second.
Caffè Lungo
A “long coffee” that resembles the filtered coffee Americans are familiar with, even more so than an Americano. Made by pulling a longer espresso shot, a caffè lungo has twice the volume of a caffè and a milder flavor.
Caffè Corto (Or Ristretto)
The opposite of a caffè lungo, a caffè corto (or “short coffee”) contains less water than a regular caffè and is the densest coffee in Italy.
Caffè Deca (Or Decaffeinato, Or Hag)
A shot of decaffeinated coffee. I order these often because I enjoy a coffee after lunch or dinner but have a low caffeine tolerance. While there are various phrases for decaf coffee, “caffè deca” is what I use and it’s always understood.
Cappuccino
A caffè topped with steamed milk and foam, served in a small mug. It’s a popular coffee choice in Italy and traditionally enjoyed in the morning.
Americano
The most touristy option, an Americano consists of a shot of coffee diluted with hot water. While this might be a familiar choice, I recommend trying Italian coffees first before settling on an Americano.
Caffè Latte
Coffee mixed with hot milk, usually served in a larger glass than a cappuccino.
Caffè Macchiato
A caffè “marked” with a splash of steamed milk. This is a traditional Italian coffee with milk option outside breakfast hours and is a personal favorite.
Latte Macchiato
The reverse of a caffè macchiato: a shot of milk “marked” with a dash of coffee.
Caffè Corretto
A shot of espresso “corrected” with a shot of liquor, commonly grappa.
Caffè Con Panna
Espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream, perfect for combining coffee and dessert.
Cioccolata Calda
If you’re not a coffee drinker but want to experience Italian coffee culture, try a rich hot chocolate.
Caffè con Ghiaccio
Espresso served with a side of ice cubes, allowing you to create your own iced coffee.
Caffè Shakerato
A more refined cold coffee option, made by shaking espresso with ice and sugar.
How to Order Coffee in Italy: Vocab Tips + Language
To order coffee in Italian, simply say “Un caffè, per favore,” meaning “A coffee, please.” You can replace “un caffè” with any of the coffee types listed above.
For a more formal request, you can say “Vorrei un caffè, per favore,” but this is often too formal for most bars.
Try to get comfortable ordering in Italian; it’s simple, and baristas are usually friendly about it. Plus, you’ll see your language skills improve with practice.
A few more Italian words and phrases you might use:
- Buongiorno — Good day.
- Buonasera — Good evening.
- Grazie — Thank you.
- Grazie mille — Thank you very much.
- Uno, Due, Tre, Quattro, Cinque — One, Two, Three, Four, Five
- Arrivederci — See you later.
- Un bicchiere d’acqua, per favore — A glass of water, please.
- Caldo/Freddo — Hot/Cold
- Zucchero — Sugar
- Un Cornetto, Un Brioche — A Pastry
Unspoken Rules for Navigating Coffee Culture in Italy
- Price: Typically, a caffè costs around one Euro, though prices can vary depending on location and whether you’re standing at the bar or sitting down.
- Payment: Most places expect cash for coffee. Credit cards are often not accepted for small amounts.
- Tipping: Tipping is not necessary for coffee, though rounding up the bill is appreciated for exceptional service.
- Size: Coffee in Italy is served in a standard cup size according to the type of coffee ordered, not based on your preference for size.
- Menu: Italian bars must display their menu with prices. Look for it hanging over the bar or near the register.
- Pastries: Consider adding a pastry to your coffee order, especially cornetti or brioche, which are popular at breakfast.
- Timing: Avoid ordering a cappuccino after 11:00 AM, as milk is traditionally reserved for breakfast.
- Avoid “Latte”: In Italy, asking for a “latte” will likely get you a glass of milk. Instead, specify “caffè latte” if you want the coffee and milk combination.
- Coffee “To Go”: In Italy, coffee is meant to be enjoyed at the bar. Takeaway options are rare, especially outside tourist areas.
- Payment Methods: Pay attention to how locals handle payments. In busy bars, you might need to pay before ordering; in quieter places, it’s common to order and pay afterward.
Coffee as the Perfect End to a Meal
In Italy, a quick caffè is the ideal way to conclude a meal, generally enjoyed after dessert. It’s a delightful custom that enhances the dining experience.