Ordering best coffee in Italy

Most Popular Types of Coffee in Italy

How to Order and Drink Coffee in Italy

by Anastasia Bakker Tuscany, Italy August 8, 2025

8Aug

Coffee in Italy is more than a drink - it’s a ritual, an art form, and an important ceremony of daily life. From the moment you step into an Italian coffee shop, you’re entering a world with its own traditions and unspoken rules. If you’re on the hunt for the best coffee in Italy, you’ll quickly discover that it’s not just about flavor, but also about knowing when and how to order coffee in Italy and how to drink it like a local.

When it comes to choosing your type of coffee in Italy, the options are endless – from the quick, intense espresso to the frothy morning cappuccino, or the indulgent marocchino (coffee with chocolate in Italy). Curious about iced coffee in Italy? You might try a refreshing caffè shakerato, a summer staple, or learn how to order cold coffee in Italy without getting a puzzled look from the barista. And yes, the famous coffee in Italy often changes depending on whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or your afternoon coffee in Italy.

Coffee is the Italian gasoline - it keeps the country running. – Modern Italian saying

Ordering a coffee in Italy can be an adventure in itself. Locals follow what some call “the commandments”: cappuccino is strictly for mornings, espresso can be enjoyed any time, and large takeaway cups are a foreign concept. Understanding the rules about coffee in Italy will help you learn how to ask for coffee in Italy correctly.

Espresso

Espresso is a small, strong shot of coffee, served in a tiny cup. This famous coffee drink in Italy is brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee. Espresso is the base of most other Italian coffee drinks (cappuccino, macchiato, marocchino, shakerato, etc).

How to Order Espresso in Italy & How to Drink Espresso COffee like a Local

Espresso Rules in Italy

How to Order Espresso Coffee in Italy: “Un caffè, per favore” (in Italy, caffè means espresso by default).
How to Drink Espresso like a Local: Espresso is meant to be sipped quickly while standing at the bar (al banco), not carried around like American coffee.

Cappuccino

Cappuccino is an espresso with equal parts steamed milk and foam, creamy and mild. Traditionally it's a popular morning coffee in Italy, a breakfast drink, not ordered after 11 a.m. Italians believe milk after a heavy lunch or dinner is hard to digest. Italians love cappuccino e cornetto (croissant) as a morning combo.

How to Order cappuccino in Italy & How to Drink Cappuccino coffee like a Local

Cappuccino Rules in Italy

How to Order Cappuccino in Italy: “Un cappuccino, per favore.”
How to Drink Cappuccino like a Local: Order, pay, and drink cappuccino quickly at the counter for the local experience (al banco). Forget huge paper cups, this famous coffee in Italy - cappuccino - is always served in a 150–180 ml ceramic cup.

Caffè Macchiato

Caffè Macchiato is an espresso “stained” with a small amount of hot milk or foam. If you find espresso too strong but don’t want a big milk drink, macchiato is the perfect middle ground. Unlike cappuccino, macchiato coffee is acceptable after lunch or dinner since it’s mostly coffee with just a hint of milk.

How to Order Caffè Macchiato in Italy and How to Drink Caffe Macchiato like a Local

Caffè Macchiato Rules in Italy

How to Order Caffe Macchiato in Italy: “Un caffè macchiato, per favore.”
How to Drink Caffe Macchiato like a Local: It’s served in the same small cup as espresso, so drink it standing at the bar (al banco), usually in two or three sips. Italians often drink macchiato without sugar to enjoy the coffee’s flavor, but adding a half teaspoon is common.

Best Italian Coffee

Caffè Latte

Caffè Latte is an espresso with a generous amount of hot milk, mild and creamy, typically served in a tall glass rather than a small cup. Much milkier than famous cappuccino and without the thick foam layer (usually just a thin layer of froth). If you prefer it stronger, ask for “caffè latte con doppio caffè” (with a double shot of espresso).

How to Order Caffè Latte in Italy & How to Drink Caffe Latte like a Local

Caffè Latte Rules in Italy

How to Order Caffe Latte in Italy: “Un caffè latte, per favore.” (Don’t just say ‘latte’ - that means milk.)
How to Drink Caffe Latte like a Local: Unlike espresso or macchiato, it’s sipped slowly, sometimes while seated at a café table. It's another morning coffee in italy as Italians only drink caffè latte in the morning, often with toast or biscuits. Ordering Caffè Latte after 11 a.m. will mark you as a tourist (but the barista will still make it).

Caffè Americano

Caffè Americano is an espresso diluted with hot water, creating a lighter, longer coffee closer to American drip coffee. Still made with espresso, so it retains the crema and aroma, but has a milder flavor and more volume.

How to Order Caffè Americano in Italy & How to Drink Caffe Americano like a Local

Caffè Americano Rules in Italy

How to Order Caffe Americano in Italy: “Un caffè americano, per favore.”
How to Drink Caffe Americano like a Local: While espresso is quick, Americano is meant for lingering - many Italians drink it when they have time to sit and chat. Many drink it plain, but adding sugar is acceptable. Unlike cappuccino or caffè latte, you can drink Americano coffee after meals without breaking local “coffee etiquette” which makes it a popular afternoon coffee.

Caffè Corretto (coffee with alcohol)

Caffè Corretto literally means “corrected coffee”. It’s an espresso “corrected” with a splash of alcohol, most often grappa, but sometimes sambuca, brandy, or other spirits. Сoffee with alcohol in Italy is served in a small espresso cup, with the liquor either poured directly into the coffee or served in a small side glass.

How to Order Caffè Corretto in Italy & How to Drink Caffe Corretto like a Local

Caffè Corretto (Coffee with Alcohol) Rules in Italy

How to Order Caffe Corretto in Italy: “Un caffè corretto, per favore.”
How to Drink Caffe Corretto like a Local: Coffee with alcohol in Italy is usually enjoyed after lunch or dinner as a digestivo (digestive drink) which makes it a popular afternoon coffee in Italy. Sip it slowly, enjoying the mix of hot coffee and the warm kick from the liquor.

Marocchino (Chocolate coffee)

Marocchino is a small coffee drink made with espresso, a dusting of cocoa powder, and milk foam. Some call it coffee with chocolate in Italy, and it's traditionally served in a small glass cup so you can see the layers.

How to Order Caffè Marocchino in Italy & How to Drink Caffe Marocchino like a Local

Caffe Marocchino Rules in Italy

How to Order Caffe Marocchino in Italy: “Un marocchino, per favore.”
How to Drink Caffe Marocchino Like a Local: Marocchino is acceptable at any time of day, unlike cappuccino or caffè latte which are mostly morning drinks. Fine to have al banco (standing) or al tavolo (sitting), often as a mid-morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up. The cocoa and milk add natural sweetness, but some still sprinkle a bit of sugar.

Caffè Shakerato (summer)

Caffè Shakerato is a cold espresso drink made by shaking freshly brewed espresso coffee, ice, and usually sugar in a cocktail shaker. Poured into a martini or stemmed glass, with a light foam layer on top. Iced coffee in italy is popular in summer months for its refreshing yet strong flavor.

How to Order Iced Coffee in Italy & How to Drink Caffe Shakerato like a Local

Caffè Shakerato Rules in Italy

How to Order Iced Coffee (Caffe Shakerato) in Italy: “Un caffè shakerato, per favore.”
How to Drink Caffe Shakerato Like a Local: In Italy, Caffè Shakerato is almost always enjoyed al tavolo (sitting at a table) rather than al banco. You’ll mostly find it in coffee shops from late spring to early autumn. Part of the iced coffee's charm is leisurely sipping it, often outdoors in summer, sometimes with a small snack. The foam and chill are best right after shaking - don’t let it sit. Many bartenders add small twists like flavored syrups or liqueurs (vanilla, hazelnut, Baileys).

Extra Coffee Ordering Tips in Italy

In most bars, you pay first at the cashier, get a receipt, then order at the counter.
Standing at the bar is cheaper than sitting at a table.
If you just say “Un caffè”, you’ll get an espresso by default.
Milk-based coffees (cappuccino, latte) are mostly consumed in the morning - ordering one after lunch will mark you as a tourist, but the barista will still make it for you.
Always greet the barista: “Buongiorno” in the morning, “Buonasera” later.
Say “Per favore” (please) when ordering and “Grazie” (thank you) when served.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does coffee grow in Italy? View Answer+

No — Italy’s climate isn’t suitable for coffee cultivation. Coffee beans are imported (mainly from South America, Central America, Africa, and Asia) and roasted in Italy.

How much is a cup of coffee in Italy?view answer+

An espresso (un caffè) at the bar usually costs €1–€1.50, while sitting at a table can cost €2–€4 depending on location. Tourist spots may charge more.

Does Italy have good coffee? view answer+

Yes — Italy is famous for its high-quality roasting and espresso culture. The skill lies in the roast, grind, and preparation, not in growing beans locally.

Where is Italian coffee grown?view answer+

Nowhere in Italy itself — beans are grown in countries near the equator (Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, Uganda, Indonesia, Mexico) and imported, then roasted and blended by Italian brands like Lavazza, Illy, Segafredo.

Coffee in Italy vs Americaview answer+

In Italy they usually drink small, concentrated espresso shots, quick coffee breaks, no large “to-go” culture. And in America they prefer larger cups, drip coffee common, coffee often consumed slowly or on the move.

How much caffeine in Italian espresso?view answer+

A standard Italian espresso has about 60–80 mg of caffeine per shot.

Why does coffee in Italy taste better??view answer+

Fresh roasting, high-quality blends, precise espresso machines, and strict preparation traditions — plus the use of finely tuned espresso grinders.

Which coffee brand is best in Italy?view answer+

Popular and respected brands include Illy (smooth, refined) and Lavazza (rich, classic). Regional artisanal roasters are also highly valued.

Which coffee is most popular in Italy?view answer+

The espresso (un caffè) — it’s the default coffee order and the base for almost all other Italian coffee drinks.

Which coffee is most popular in Italy?view answer+

A 330 ml can of Coca-Cola in Italy has about 32 mg of caffeine, slightly less than the same size in the U.S.