A Quick and Easy Guide to Italian Coffee Culture
Italians enjoying their espresso at the bar. Sip and go!
By Michela Diletti, Florence
Italy is famous for a number of things; food, wine, art, history, fashion…the list goes on! Although one thing that they really take close to heart is coffee, more specifically espresso. Travelers to Italy generally catch on quickly as coffee culture here is quite different than in the U.S. For Americans, having coffee in the morning is very much a sit-down, relaxing start to the day. You grab a large mug, take a seat, read the news or whatever you like to do before getting your day started. In Italy, having an espresso is a quick stop on your way to work. Most of the time you’ll find Italians standing at the bar with their coffee instead of sitting down. There’s really no reason to sit anyway as a tiny cup of espresso can be finished in a single sip! That’s not to say there isn’t other types of coffee you can order or you can’t get your big Cup of Joe. With that said, here’s a quick and easy guide to ordering coffee in Italy only without the confusion!
The Basics:
A simple espresso. Rich in flavor and very strong!
Caffe latte.
Caffe = The famous espresso. This is tiny but mightly. Side note: Italians usually take cane sugar with their coffee, but there is regular sugar available as well. Zucchero = white sugar. Zucchero di canna = cane sugar.
Caffe lungo = Long espresso. Still one shot of espresso but a longer pour (more water).
Caffe doppio = Double shot of espresso, same pour as a single shot.
Caffe macchiato = Espresso with a splash of milk foam.
Cappuccino = Cappuccino! Espresso with mostly foam. But in Italy it is frowned upon to have one after noon!!
Caffe latte = Caffe latte (latte means milk, so be careful not to order only latte!). Espresso with mostly steamed milk (less foam compared to a cappuccino). Typically served in a glass. (Also frowned upon after lunch – it’s a milk + digestion combo they disprove of!)
Caffe americano = American coffee. Espresso and hot water.
Caffe corretto = Literally translates to “corrected coffee”. Espresso with a splash of alcohol, usually grappa or sambuca. This is for those of you (ehem, Dad ) that like a little kick with your coffee!
How to Order/Simple Phrases:
“Prendo un caffe/cappuccino/caffe americano/ etc etc...” = I’ll take an espresso/capuccino/american coffee. This is the most common phrase.
“Vorrei un caffe” = I would like an espresso. This is more formal but not really necessary.
“Posso/vorrei ordinare…” = May I/I would like to order _____. This can be used at cafes, bars, and restaurants.
“Prediamo un caffe!” = Let’s go get a coffee!
Last but certainly not least, when ordering coffee don’t forget your greetings/please and thank you’s!
“Buongiorno!” = Good morning!
“Per favore” or “Per piacere” = Please.
“Grazie” = Thank you.
Now you’re ready to take on the Italian coffee scene like a pro! Who knows, you may even be converted to an espresso lover! If you’re looking for some delicious cafes to visit in Florence, check out these ones below:
Ditta Artigianale
Via dello Sprone 5/R & Via dei Neri 30-32/R
Todo Modo
Via dei Fossi 15/R
Caffè Gilli
Via Roma 1/R
Sieni Pasticceria
Via dell’Ariento 29/R
Verrazzano
Via dei Tavolini 18/R
Rivoire
Piazza della Signoria 5/R
Chiaroscuro
Via del Corso 36/R