You may or may not be aware of the importance of coffee in Italian culture. The locals embrace every cup of coffee – drinking it is an enjoyable and relaxing moment to enjoy the flavour and smell of the coffee, with friends or family or during a quick coffee break ('una pausa'). But do you really know how to order it? Here’s a short guide for you to use in Italy so you can 'act like an Italian’ at the local coffee bar.
Stand, don’t sit
First of all, when taking your coffee you stand at the bar with all the other Italians to drink it. In the larger towns and cities, they usually charge a supplement for sitting at a table.
Milk is for the morning
Part of the Italian coffee-drinking etiquette is to only drink milky coffees in the morning. Never after a meal. If you do order a cappuccino, caffè latte or a latte macchiato after lunchtime, you may get a funny look, but you will be served it as well.
Size matters
There are no size differentials in Italy. Request a grande or a venti and you’ll be met with confusion. It’s standard sizes here.
Latte is not a latte
If you’re looking forward to a milky coffee, served in a glass, prepare to be disappointed. In Italy, asking for a latte is asking for a simple cup of cold milk. Remember to put “caffè” before it when ordering.
Ask for an Americano and you may get alcohol
Similar to ordering a latte, you should remember to put “caffè” before Americano. This is because in Italy, an Americano is a strong alcohol!
