A beginner's guide to ordering coffee like an Italian
Order a 'latte' in Italy and you'll get a glass of milk. A two-minute primer to drink like a local.
By Ren Okafor · 2026-04-07
Coffee in Italy is fast, cheap and ringed with quiet rules. Learn a few and a café stops being intimidating.
The essentials
- Caffè — say this for an espresso; it's the default.
- Cappuccino — a morning drink; locals raise an eyebrow after lunch.
- Latte — means milk. Ask for a 'caffè latte' if you want coffee in it.
Local moveDrink it standing at the bar. It's faster, cheaper, and exactly how Italians do it.