Italian Coffee 101: Everything You Need to Know

Most tourists order coffee wrong in Italy—here’s how to get it right (and avoid the awkward looks).

Coffee in Italy is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual, a rhythm, and a way of life. But if you order the wrong thing at the wrong time, you’ll stand out immediately. In this video, we’ll show you how Italians really drink coffee: what to order, when to order it, and how to avoid the most common mistakes tourists make.

With the help of local barista and chef Andrea Tombolini, we’ll cover everything from a simple caffè to cappuccino, macchiato, caffè corretto, and regional favorites you’ve probably never heard of. Along the way, we’ll explain Italian coffee etiquette so you can blend in at the bar, order confidently, and enjoy your coffee like a true Italian.

👉 You’ll discover:
– Why you don't ask for an “espresso” in Italy
– When a cappuccino is fine (and when it’s a dead giveaway you’re a tourist)
– How to avoid paying €8 for the same coffee that costs €1.50 at the bar
– The real difference between a caffè lungo, americano, and latte
– Regional specialties like marocchino, affogato, and caffè pedrocchi
– Essential etiquette tips that locals expect you to know

🎥 Italian coffee is delicious, surprisingly affordable, and part of daily life. This guide will help you enjoy it the right way on your next trip.

Hi, we’re Anne and Ed from Our Big Italian Adventure. We live part of the year in Italy and help travelers 50+ discover the beauty, culture, and everyday magic of this amazing country.

====RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT, ROOMS, AND COOKING CLASSES====
Locanda Le Logge
Corso Giannelli 34, Urbisaglia (MC)
Tel. +39 0733 506788
[email protected]

==== MORE VIDEOS TO HELP YOU SEE ITALY DIFFERENTLY ====

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==== CHAPTERS ====

00:00 - Espresso Isn’t the Right Word
01:13 - Italian Bars
02:00 - Coffee Machine Explained
02:42 - Caffè Normale
04:29 - Short vs Long Coffee
05:25 - Tip: Entering the Bar
06:04 - Cappuccino
08:51 - Tip: The Cappuccino Curfew
09:27 - Locanda Le Logge
10:08 - Tip: Pay Before You Order?
11:01 - Caffè Macchiato
12:07 - At the Bar or At a Table - Prices
12:47 - Tip: Coffee Size
13:21 - Coffee Temperature
14:03 - Tip: Ordering Decaf
14:11 - Caffè Corretto
16:01 - Caffè Ristreto/Caffè Corto
17:05 - Tip: No "To Go" Coffee
17:34 - Caffè Americano
19:02 - Caffè Latte
20:44 - Tip: Coffee Prices US vs. Italy
21:40 - Caffè Shakerato
23:50 - The Importance of Coffee
24:25 - Tip: Special Regional Coffees


==== PRODUCTS WE USE AND RECOMMEND ====
Anne’s AWAY carry-on: https://amzn.to/3Tjp8mD
Ed’s Samsonite carry-on: https://amzn.to/40uM0TR
More in our Amazon Storefront 👉 https://amazon.com/shop/ourbigitalian...

==== SERVICES WE TRUST ====
AutoEurope car rentals: https://autoeurope.tp.st/xIjSIbM5
Priority Pass airport lounges: https://prioritypass.tp.st/1rjjZEZz
Airalo travel eSIM: https://airalo.tp.st/aH7zLEI4
EatWith (meals in local homes): https://eatwith.tpx.gr/Zt5SWcI

🩷 WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ANNE AND ED 🩷
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📧 Email: [email protected]
📍 Website: https://ourbigitalianadventure.com
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