Are you planning a trip to Italy and want to blend in with the locals? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll explore what to drink, when to drink it, and how to sip your way through the traditions that define Italy’s famous coffee culture. Whether you’re planning a trip or just love learning about local customs, this is your passport to drinking coffee the Italian way.
What to Order: The Essentials of Italian Coffee
Knowing what kind of coffee to order is your first step to blending in with locals. Take a screenshot of these options (or memorize your go-to)!
- Caffè (Espresso): The default—small, strong, quick.
- Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and a layer of foam. Delicious, but traditionally only in the morning.
- Caffè macchiato: Espresso “stained” with just a touch of milk foam.
- Caffè lungo: A longer pour of espresso with more water.
- Caffè corretto: Espresso “corrected” with a splash of liquor, often grappa, but you can choose something else.
- Caffè latte: Espresso with lots of milk. (Pro tip: order caffè latte, not just “latte,” unless you want a plain glass of milk!)
For more helpful tips, check out this article on Italian coffee culture.
Coffee Etiquette, Italian Style
Now that you know what type of Italian coffee to order, let’s talk about how to enjoy it.
- Don’t expect syrups or flavor shots, Italian coffee is about purity and quality. Save your complicated Starbucks order for when you’re back home.
- Locals frown on cappuccino after lunch or dinner, but if you really want one, go for it, they already know you’re a visitor.
- Coffee bars are everywhere. In the morning, you’ll see locals order, drink their espresso standing at the bar, and head out in a matter of minutes.
- Here’s how it works: first, pay at the register; then take your receipt to the bar to order.
- If you want to linger, grab a table. Someone will come to take your order, but expect to pay more (usually about double). Since a cappuccino is often €2 or less, it’s not a big splurge, and in touristy areas, the people-watching is worth every penny.
Tipping in Italian Coffee Bars
The final part of enjoying Italian coffee is tipping—and it may not be what you expect or are used to.
- Standing at the bar: Most people don’t tip at all. If you want to leave something, you can round up your bill (say your espresso is €1.20, leave €1.50).
- Sitting at a table: Since the service charge (coperto) is often built into the higher price, a tip isn’t expected. Some travelers leave small change (like €1) if they linger for a while.
- General rule of thumb: Italians usually just leave coins—nothing big, no percentages.
The Joy of an Italian Day, One Sip at a Time
Imagine this: you start your morning with a quick espresso standing at the bar, linger over a plate of handmade pasta at a trattoria for lunch, enjoy a glass of wine with small bites at an enoteca in the evening, and finish with an espresso (never a cappuccino) after dinner.
That’s the Italian way—simple, ritualistic, and deeply satisfying. By learning how to order coffee and navigate the dining scene (more on that in my next blog), you’ll not only avoid tourist pitfalls but also connect more deeply with the culture.
Ready to Plan Your Italian Adventure?
Whether you’re sipping an espresso at a bustling bar in Florence or enjoying a cappuccino in a quiet piazza, Italian coffee tells the story of a culture built on ritual and connection. Let this guide to Italian coffee be your first step toward experiencing Italy like a local—one delicious sip at a time.
Book a consultation today, and let’s start planning your adventure!
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