Walking into an Italian café can feel intimidating if you're not sure how to order. The barista rattles off questions, locals queue impatiently behind you, and suddenly you forget every Italian word you've ever learned. This guide will help you navigate the ritual of ordering coffee and pastries in Italy with confidence.
Basic coffee vocabulary
Caffè
/kafˈfɛ/“Espresso”
Caffè macchiato
/kafˈfɛ makˈkjaːto/“Espresso with a dash of milk”
Cappuccino
/kap.putˈt͡ʃi.no/How to order
Italian café culture moves fast. Keep your order simple and direct:
- Decide what you want before reaching the counter
- Start with 'buongiorno' (morning) or 'buonasera' (afternoon/evening)
- Use the phrase 'Un/Una [drink], per favore' (One [drink], please)
- Pay first if there's a separate cashier (common in busy places)
Example phrases
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Un caffè, per favore | An espresso, please |
| Un cappuccino e un cornetto, grazie | A cappuccino and a croissant, thank you |
| Posso avere il conto? | Can I have the bill? |
Breakfast favourites
Italian breakfasts are typically light and sweet. Here's what you might want to order:
Cornetto
/korˈnet.to/“Croissant”
Brioche
/briˈɔʃ/Where to drink your coffee
There are three main ways to drink your coffee in Italian cafés:
- Al banco (at the counter) - Cheapest option, standing at the bar like locals do
- Takeaway - Usually costs the same as al banco
- Al tavolo (at a table) - Often twice the price or more, with service charge
Regional variations
Coffee culture varies across Italy:
- In Naples, coffee is stronger and often served with a glass of water
- Venetians sometimes add grappa or other spirits to their coffee
- In Sicily, you might find almond milk as an option
Common mistakes to avoid
- Asking for a latte (you'll just get milk)
- Ordering coffee with dinner (Italians drink it after meals)
- Expecting huge American-style cups (Italian coffee servings are small)
- Tipping (not expected in cafés)
For more on Italian etiquette, see our guide on polite ways to apologise in Italian.
Practice makes perfect
The best way to learn is to practice. Start with simple orders and gradually build up your café vocabulary. Italians appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect. Before long, you'll be ordering your morning espresso like a local.
