Coffee Culture in Italy – A Brief History
Italy and coffee are practically synonymous. But it was not always that way. Coffee first arrived in Venice in the late 1500s through trade with the Ottoman Empire. By the mid-1600s, Venice had its first coffeehouses – called botteghe del caffe – and the drink quickly spread across the peninsula.
The real transformation came in 1884 when Angelo Moriondo patented the first espresso machine in Turin. Then, in 1933, Alfonso Bialetti invented the Moka pot, bringing espresso-style coffee into every Italian home. These two inventions shaped not just Italian coffee culture, but the entire world’s relationship with the drink.
Today, coffee in Italy is not a trend or a lifestyle choice – it is a daily ritual as natural as breathing. The average Italian drinks about 5.9 kg of coffee per year, and the country has over 149,000 bars (cafes) where espresso flows from morning until night. In 2022, Italian espresso culture was even recognized by UNESCO as part of Italy’s intangible cultural heritage.
How Coffee Is Prepared in Italy
Italian coffee preparation is built around one thing: the espresso. Unlike Spain, Italy does not use the torrefacto roasting method. Instead, Italian roasters typically use a medium to dark roast that emphasizes a rich, full-bodied flavor with a thick, golden crema on top.
In bars and cafes, espresso is pulled from professional machines – usually La Marzocco, Nuova Simonelli, or similar Italian-made equipment. The standard shot is about 25-30 ml, extracted in roughly 25 seconds. Baristas in Italy are trained professionals, but you will not see latte art or elaborate pour-over setups. The focus is on consistency, speed, and quality of the base espresso.
At home, the Moka pot (also called the caffettiera) reigns supreme. You will find one in virtually every Italian kitchen. It brews a strong, concentrated coffee on the stovetop that is not quite espresso but captures the same bold spirit. Some Italians have switched to Nespresso-style capsule machines, but the Moka pot remains an icon.
The most common drinks you will encounter include Caffe (a single espresso), Caffe Doppio (double espresso), Cappuccino, Caffe Macchiato, Caffe Latte, and the refreshing Caffe Shakerato in summer. For something stronger, try a Caffe Corretto – espresso “corrected” with a splash of grappa or sambuca.
How to Order Coffee in Italy
Ordering coffee in Italy is refreshingly simple – once you know the system. Walk up to the bar, say what you want, and drink it standing at the counter. That is the Italian way.
If you just say “un caffe, per favore,” you will get a single espresso. No need to specify “espresso” – that is what caffe means in Italy. Want milk? Ask for a macchiato (espresso with a dash of milk) or a cappuccino (but only in the morning – more on that below).
Many traditional bars operate on a two-step system: first you pay at the cassa (cash register), then you bring your receipt (scontrino) to the barista. In smaller or more casual bars, you might just order and pay afterward. Either way, do not be afraid to speak up – Italian bars are lively, noisy places.
For the complete guide to ordering, including the full Italian coffee vocabulary, read our How to Order Coffee in Italy guide.
The Unwritten Rules of Italian Coffee Culture
Italy has more unwritten coffee rules than any other country in Europe. Break them and you will not get arrested – but you might get a look from the barista.
The cappuccino rule: Cappuccino, caffe latte, and other milky coffees are strictly morning drinks. Italians consider warm milk a breakfast food, so ordering a cappuccino after 11 AM – and especially after a meal – is a well-known tourist move. After lunch or dinner, stick to a caffe or corretto.
Stand, do not sit: Drinking your espresso at the bar counter is not just tradition – it is cheaper. Most Italian bars charge a premium for table service (servizio al tavolo). A caffe at the counter might cost 1 EUR, but sit at a table in Piazza San Marco and it could be 6 EUR or more. Stand, sip, chat, and move on.
Coffee is fast: Italians do not linger over their espresso. They drink it in two or three sips and leave. The whole process – ordering, drinking, paying – might take three minutes. This is not rudeness; it is efficiency and a natural part of the rhythm of the day.
No to-go cups: Takeaway coffee culture barely exists in Italy. You will not see Italians walking down the street with paper cups. Coffee is a moment, not a commute accessory.
Do not ask for a “latte”: In Italian, latte just means milk. If you order “un latte,” you will get a glass of milk. Ask for a caffe latte instead.
How Much Does Coffee Cost in Italy?
Italy is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for coffee – especially at the bar counter. Many municipalities actually regulate espresso prices, keeping them accessible to everyone.
At the counter (al banco): A single caffe typically costs between 1.00 and 1.50 EUR. In southern Italy and smaller towns, you might still find it for as low as 0.90 EUR. A cappuccino runs 1.20 to 1.80 EUR.
Seated at a table: Expect to pay 2.00 to 4.00 EUR for the same drink, depending on the location. Tourist hotspots like Piazza Navona or St. Mark’s Square charge significantly more.
Specialty coffee shops: Italy’s specialty coffee scene is growing, particularly in cities like Milan and Turin. At these shops, expect to pay 3.00 to 5.00 EUR for single-origin espresso or filter coffee.
Best Cities for Coffee in Italy
Naples: Many Italians consider Naples the coffee capital of the country. Neapolitan espresso is roasted darker, brewed stronger, and served with more intensity than anywhere else. The tradition of caffe sospeso – paying for an extra coffee for a stranger who cannot afford one – originated here. Do not miss Caffe Gambrinus or Gran Caffe La Caffettiera.
Milan: As a business hub, Milan drinks a lot of coffee. It is also where Italy’s specialty coffee scene is strongest, with shops like Orsonero and Cafezal pushing beyond traditional espresso. Milan was also the city that inspired Howard Schultz to create Starbucks – though Starbucks only opened its first Italian location here in 2018, and opinions remain divided.
Rome: Rome offers the classic Italian bar experience. Sant’Eustachio Il Caffe and Tazza d’Oro near the Pantheon are legendary, both known for their own proprietary blends. Expect thick crema and a rich, almost sweet espresso.
Turin: The birthplace of the espresso machine and home to Lavazza. Turin has a refined cafe culture with beautiful historic coffeehouses like Caffe Al Bicerin, famous for the bicerin – a layered drink of espresso, chocolate, and cream that dates back to the 1700s.
Trieste: This northeastern city drinks more coffee per capita than any other Italian city. Its location near the Austrian border gives it a unique coffeehouse culture that blends Italian espresso with Viennese cafe tradition. Trieste also hosts Illy’s headquarters.
Regional Differences in Italian Coffee
Italy may be a small country, but its coffee varies more than you might expect from north to south.
Southern Italy (Naples, Sicily, Puglia): The roast is darker and the espresso is more intense. Neapolitans often add sugar directly to the espresso while it brews (pre-sweetened). The cups are smaller, the crema thicker, and the flavor bolder. Brands like Kimbo and Passalacqua dominate.
Northern Italy (Milan, Turin, Trieste): The roast tends to be slightly lighter (though still dark by international standards). The espresso is less intense but more balanced. Milan and Turin are more open to specialty coffee and international trends. Lavazza and Illy are the dominant northern brands.
Central Italy (Rome, Florence): A middle ground between north and south. Rome’s coffee is strong but approachable, and Florence has a growing specialty scene alongside traditional bars.
One constant across the country: the caffe is king. No matter where you are in Italy, a quick espresso at the bar counter is the foundation of daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Coffee
What is the most popular coffee in Italy?
The caffe – a single shot of espresso – is by far the most popular coffee in Italy. Italians drink it throughout the day, usually standing at the bar counter. Cappuccino is the second most popular but is traditionally consumed only in the morning.
Why can you not order cappuccino after lunch in Italy?
Italians view milk-based drinks as heavy and suitable only for the morning, when they are paired with a pastry for breakfast. Ordering a cappuccino after a meal – especially after a rich Italian lunch or dinner – is considered poor taste because the milk is thought to interfere with digestion.
Is coffee in Italy really that cheap?
Yes. A single espresso at the bar counter typically costs between 1.00 and 1.50 EUR across most of Italy. Many local governments regulate prices to keep espresso affordable. Sitting at a table or visiting tourist areas will cost more.
What is the difference between caffe and espresso?
In Italy, there is no difference. When you order a “caffe,” you get an espresso. The word “espresso” is rarely used by Italians in everyday conversation – it is more of an international term.
Do Italians drink filter coffee?
Traditional filter coffee is virtually nonexistent in Italian homes and bars. However, Italy’s specialty coffee scene – particularly in Milan and Turin – has begun offering filter and pour-over options for adventurous drinkers. The vast majority of Italians stick to espresso or Moka pot coffee.