Italy’s history with coffee dates back to Venice in the 16th century, and the Republic was actually one of the first European states to import coffee beans. Since then, save for World War II when coffee beans were hard to come by due to an embargo placed upon Fascist Italy, coffee has become a sacred part of Italian culture.
Since Italians have spent five centuries perfecting the art of making and drinking coffee, there are naturally a few rules to follow when it comes to ordering and drinking it in the country. Below is a brief guide to how to drink coffee like an Italian.
Don’t Order Milk-Based Coffees Past 11:00AM
Milk based coffees in Italy include a cappuccino, equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk; caffè latte, an espresso with less foam and more steamed milk; and a latte macchiato, meaning “marked milk,” which is steamed milk with a splash of espresso.
Italians do not consume these milk-based coffees past 11 a.m., and definitely not after a meal, believing them to be too heavy on the stomach in the afternoon. In major tourist-heavy cities like Rome and Milan, you’ll most likely still be served one if you ask past 11 a.m., albeit with a touch of judgment.
Familiarize Yourself with Different Coffees, Especially Seasonal Ones
Italy is also known for its “caffe corretto,” meaning “correct coffee,” which is an espresso topped with a splash of liquor like cognac or grappa. For the warmer months, there is also the Shakerato, an Italian-style iced coffee in which a shot of espresso and ice cubes are shaken in a cocktail shaker, or granita di caffé, a slushie of coffee, sugar, and water, often served with whipped cream.
Pay for Your Coffee at the Register First, Order Second.
In Italy you purchase your coffee first at the register, where you’ll receive a “scontrino,” a receipt, that you’ll have to show at the coffee counter to get your drink.
Enjoy Your Coffee “Al Banco”
Drinking coffee in Italy is usually a quick affair, and in which it is drunk directly at the coffee counter. Coffee is never taken to go, as in the United States. While it is standard to chat while sipping on a morning cappuccino or afternoon espresso, the whole affair, including paying and ordering, only tends to last 10 minutes.
Don’t Ask for a “Latte”
“Latte” in English literally translates to “milk.” Depending on where you find yourself, if you ask for a latte in Italy, you’ll most likely be handed a glass of milk.
Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual freelance journalist from Rome, Italy. In the past, her work on culture, travel, and history has been published in The Boston Globe, Atlas Obscura, The Christian Science Monitor, and Grub Street, New York Magazine's food section. In her free time, Asia enjoys traveling home to Italy to spend time with family and friends, drinking Hugo Spritzes, and making her nonna's homemade cavatelli.