How to Order Coffee in Italy

Coffee
Photo by Taisiia Shestopal on Unsplash

Every country thinks its coffee culture is the best, but only one can call itself the place where espresso originated. Coffee is not something Italians take lightly. There are rules about what to order when and tons of terminology that can make ordering even simple drinks feel complicated. There are even certain customs that are specific to each region. If you’re traveling to Italy and want to make sure the barista gets your order right the first time, you’ll need to be prepared. Here are some tips we’ve found helpful when visiting the Bel Paese.

Don’t Order a Latte

In Italian, the word “latte” literally just means milk, so if you walk into a coffee shop and ask for a latte, don’t be surprised when the barista hands you a cup of dairy. Instead, ask them to make you a caffè latte, which is espresso with steamed milk and a little foam. 

No Milk After Morning

Italians don’t drink their coffee with milk after 11 a.m., so order your cappuccino early to avoid sticking out as a tourist.

Try Something New

If you’re looking to try something fun and you’ve never had a caffè corretto, consider giving this drink of espresso served with a splash of alcohol a shot after dinner.