Buongiorno!
Un caffè, per favore
oon kaf-FEH, pair fa-VOR-eh
An espresso, please
Un cappuccino
oon kap-poo-CHEE-no
A cappuccino (only before 11am!)
Un caffè macchiato
oon kaf-FEH mak-kee-AH-to
Espresso with a dash of milk
Il conto, per favore
eel KON-to, pair fa-VOR-eh
The bill, please
A single espresso. This is THE default coffee in Italy. Just say 'un caffè' and you'll get a perfect shot.
Espresso with steamed milk and foam. Italians strictly drink this before 11am — ordering one after lunch will mark you as a tourist.
Espresso 'stained' with a small amount of steamed milk. The afternoon compromise.
A 'long' espresso — more water through the same grounds. Not an Americano.
Espresso 'corrected' with a shot of grappa, sambuca, or brandy. Yes, even in the morning.
Espresso layered with cocoa powder and frothed milk in a small glass. A Piedmontese specialty.
Stand at the bar (al banco) — it's cheaper and it's what locals do. Sitting at a table often costs more.
Pay first at the cassa (register), then take your receipt to the barista at the bar.
Coffee is meant to be drunk quickly — a few sips and you're done. Lingering over an espresso is not the Italian way.
Never order a cappuccino after 11am. Milky coffees are strictly a breakfast thing.
'Latte' means just 'milk' — if you order a latte, you'll get a glass of warm milk. Say 'caffè latte' instead.
Water is traditionally drunk before coffee, not after, to cleanse the palate.
Not expected in cafes. Rounding up by a few cents is generous. A euro tip at the bar is very appreciated but unusual.
€1.00-1.50 for espresso at the bar, €2.50-4.00 seated at a table
Did you know? In Naples, there's a tradition called 'caffè sospeso' (suspended coffee) — you pay for two coffees and leave one for someone who can't afford it.