Italian coffee is not complicated. It just has rules. There are 10 types. They're all variations of espresso. The "size" concept doesn't exist (it's always small — that's the point). Standing at the bar costs €1-1.50. Sitting at a table costs €3-5. Cappuccino after 11am marks you as a tourist (not a crime, but noted). And if you ask for a "latte," you'll get a glass of milk. Best coffee bars Rome → · Coffee culture deep dive →
1. Caffè (espresso). The default. Say "un caffè." One shot, 25ml, done in 3 sips. €1-1.50 at the bar. 2. Caffè macchiato. Espresso "stained" with a drop of steamed milk. 3. Cappuccino. Espresso + steamed milk + foam. MORNING ONLY. Nobody enforces this — but everyone notices. 4. Caffè lungo. "Long" espresso — more water through the grounds = milder, larger. 5. Caffè ristretto. "Restricted" — less water = stronger, more concentrated, 15ml. 6. Caffè americano. Espresso + hot water. The closest to filter coffee. Italians view this with polite pity. 7. Caffè corretto. Espresso "corrected" with grappa, sambuca, or brandy. Acceptable at any hour in northern Italy. 8. Caffè shakerato. Espresso shaken with ice and sugar until frothy. Summer drink. 9. Marocchino. Espresso + cocoa powder + milk foam in a glass. Northern specialty (Piedmont/Lombardy). 10. Caffè d'orzo. Barley "coffee" — caffeine-free, roasted barley, served as espresso. For late afternoon/evening.
Step 1: In some bars (especially south): pay at the cassa (cash register) first, get a receipt (scontrino), take it to the bar, repeat your order. In most bars: Order at the bar, drink, pay when leaving. Step 2: Stand at the bar. Say "Un caffè, per favore." Step 3: Drink it in 2-3 sips (Italian espresso is 25ml — it's not meant to last 30 minutes). Step 4: Leave €0.10-0.20 on the bar (optional, appreciated). The sit-down surcharge: Same coffee costs 2-3x at a table. This is legal, posted on the menu, and the price of renting the chair. At the bar = Roman. At the table = tourist.