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Italian Coffee Culture: 9 Things to Know Before You Go to Italy

Italian Coffee Culture: 9 Things to Know Before You Go to Italy

Posted by April Bargout On September 20 2019

Drinking coffee is ingrained in Italian culture. It’s as important as drinking wine, eating pasta and parades at Carnevale.

It’s a sacred beverage, though, so understand how it’s done in Italy before you go. Italians are very peculiar about their coffee. If you want an authentic Italian experience when you drink coffee, read about coffee culture with our 10 tips.

1. Expect a Weird Look Ordering a Milky Coffee After Breakfast Time.

Drinking a milky form of coffee like a cappuccino or latte, is a breakfast ritual in Italy. If you order either of these drinks after 11 am expect to get a very puzzled look from the barman or waiter. Granted, in heavily tourist areas you may find cafes and bars that serve these coffee drinks after 11 am, but don’t bet on it. You can expect the same puzzled look if you order a milky form of coffee after eating a meal as well. Italians know that milk is bad for digestion and they never drink their coffee like this.

2. Drinking Your Coffee Standing Is Common.

standing drinking coffee


Drinking coffee sitting down is not the way it’s done in Italy. Sure, you can find places that offer seating but it comes at a cost, a more expensive coffee. You need to pay to drink your coffee sitting down at most places in Italy so be prepared for it. You shouldn’t really need a seat to drink an espresso because it’s about two sips. Don’t expect their cappuccinos to be supersized either.

3. What Does “To Go” Mean?

If you ask for a coffee “to go,” you’re going to be greeted with a bemused look at best. There is no such thing as to go coffee in Italy. You go to the bar or cafe and drink it there. End of story.

4. In Italy, a Bar Is not Just a Bar.

espresso machine


Americans are used to a bar being just that, a bar. In Italy, a bar has many roles. One of those is serving fresh coffee. Additionally, they also serve alcohol, carbonated soda and snacks that you’ll generally consume standing at the bar or other designated table areas.

5. Don’t Ask for An Espresso.

espresso served with water


Don’t ask for an espresso, simply ask for un caffé, per favore.  After that, you’ll get your piping hot espresso delivered with a small glass of water.

6. Try Local Coffee Specialties.

Some local areas tend to have their own little twist on coffee. For example, in Sicily, they have a coffee unique to that region called caffè d’u parrinu. This is a coffee blended with cloves, cinnamon and cocoa powder. It’s a very strong coffee inspired by the Arabic influence once dominant on the island.

7. Have an Italian Style Breakfast.

cappuccino for breakfast


Coffee for breakfast is typical in Italy. However, they also have a special style of breakfast unique to the country. This breakfast comes with a cream filled croissant you dunk in your cappuccino. Better than a stale donut.

8. It’s Not Starbucks.

Asking for a mint frappuccino or any other concoction that you may be used to drinking in the U.S.  is a bad idea. There is no such thing as a frappucino outside of Starbucks. It’s like asking a Scottish barman to give you a Glenfiddich and Coke. It will be considered an abomination. Italians like genuine coffee and they take it seriously.

9. Decaf Doesn’t Exist.

coffee beans


If you don’t like caffeine, then it’s best to not drink coffee in Italy. Italians like their coffee strong in taste and caffeine and the idea of decaf is also an abomination.

 

April Bargout

Written by April Bargout

Managing Partner BellaVista Tours