How To Order Coffee In Italy – Our Helpful Guide

Ordering a coffee in Italy is almost a requirement when you travel here and our “How To” guide will help you overcome any hesitation you might have.

Ordering coffee in Italy is not just about grabbing a drink, it’s a cultural experience steeped in tradition, social connection, and caffeine precision. Our handy guide walks you through the options, the process and offering tips on everything from payment etiquette to enjoying coffee the Italian way.

Where And When To Pay In An Italian Bar

This might not be obvious to an American traveler to Italy, but one of the first things you need to determine is when and where you need to pay. Once this is determined, everything else seems to fall into place.

Italian coffee bars have a unique rhythm. In many cases, especially if the bar is frequented by tourists, you order your coffee and pastry and pay at the counter. Other, more traditional bars, will have you decide what you will be enjoying first, pay at the cash register (cassa), and present the receipt to the barista for service.

Some establishments may have you pay after enjoying your coffee. This is more common if you are choosing to sit at a table, instead of at the bar. 

If you’re unsure, ask the barista or see if anyone is at the cassa. Payment is typically made in cash and standing at the bar is the most cost-effective way to enjoy your drink, as sitting at a table often incurs extra service charges.

Standing At The Bar To Drink Coffee

Standing at the bar to drink your coffee is the norm in Italy, but I can confirm it can be a bit intimidating. This custom stems from a cultural emphasis on speed and social interaction. The baristas are interacting with the customers and groups of customers are continuing their office talk, albeit in a less formal way.

Coffee is considered a quick break or “pause,” and standing facilitates a lively, bustling atmosphere where patrons can briefly chat. It is usually cheaper to enjoy your espresso at the bar, but more on that in the next topic.

Should You Sit At An Italian Coffee Bar?

This concept can also be a bit confusing for Americans coming to Italy, because the obvious question is: “Why Not Sit?”. Sitting at a table is definitely an option, especially if you are tired from touring around the city all day. Locals rarely seem to do it, but again, they probably just came from sitting in an office all morning.

In some cities or near some famous sites, table service may cost significantly more than standing at the bar. Don’t be surprised by a higher cost than at the bar. You would have a moment to relax, enjoy the surroundings and possibly use the facilities.​

Why Italian Coffee Is Served with Water

I have gotten two different answers when I asked this question. Both answers seem viable, but I have my preference and you can too. In Italy, coffee is often accompanied by a glass of water to cleanse the palate before or after enjoying the espresso.

For me, I prefer the lingering coffee taste in my mouth, so my preference is to cleanse my palate before enjoying the coffee. Others prefer to cleanse the palate after enjoying your cup. I guess if you are concerned about “coffee breath”, this might seem like a better option, but I prefer the lingering taste.

Glass Or Porcelain Cups At The Bar

This is from a recent experience that surprised me, and I’ve been enjoying a morning espresso in an Italian bar for many years. Recently. I went to a bar for an evening espresso with a friend, and the barista asked if we wanted it in glass or porcelain cups.

I have never been asked this, and I stared at her blankly while I formulated a response. I went with Porcelain, but asked her why there was a choice. The explanation was that some people like to see how much coffee vs. foam (crema) is in the cup. Easy with a glass, but not with the porcelain tazzina.

I have literally no preference on this topic, but it is helpful to expect an odd question and be ready with a response.

Types Of Italian Coffee To Try In A Bar

If you are an experienced Italian coffee drinker, you probably don’t need my suggestions. However, new fanatics might want to wade into the options slowly. Italian coffee culture boasts an array of drinks tailored to different times of the day, but a good start to the day can be limited to:

• Espresso (Caffè): The standard choice, served in a small cup with a layer of coffee foam (crema).
• Cappuccino: A morning-only drink (never after 11:00), combining espresso with steamed milk and foam.
• Macchiato: An espresso “stained” with a small touch of milk.

How Do You Ask For Coffee To Go In Italy?

The key Italian phrase you will want to learn is: Portare Via, which literally means To Take Away. One important thing to consider, especially with espresso, is that because the shot is so small, they can get cold quickly so you might consider that when ordering to go.

An interesting change in Italian coffee culture had taken place since the pandemic. Prior to that, it was very unusual to have a take-away espresso. But during, and after the pandemic, it is quite a bit more common, even to the point of espresso delivery from a bar to a business.

How Many Times A Day Italians Drink Coffee?

I’m speaking from personal experience on this one. In the US, I used to drink a large quantity of coffee during the morning, before work, and not touch it again for the rest of the day. It is definitely viewed differently here in Italy.

Italians enjoy coffee multiple times a day, using it to punctuate daily routines. A morning espresso at home kickstarts the day, while a mid-morning or post-lunch coffee is common. Afternoon and evening coffees are usually smaller and served without milk, as milk-based drinks are considered unsuitable for digestion later in the day.

Italian Coffee Bar Etiquette Tips

Again, these tips are for people a little less accustomed to Italian coffee bars. You want an easy, simple experience to gain confidence before trying a more complicated beverage. So, you might consider:

• Keeping It Simple: Order “un caffè” (an espresso) or “un cappuccino” without overcomplicating it.
• Respect Local Norms: Avoid milk-based drinks like cappuccinos after 11:00AM.
• Enjoy The Moment: Take a few minutes to savor the flavors and the lively ambiance of the bar​.

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