Espresso in Italy: small and strong
From our editorial team
An espresso in Italy is not a drink, it's a ritual stopover. It's all over in less than two minutes. 5 insider tips.
Italy and coffee - It's a love story with very strict, unwritten rules. Those who master them not only drink better espresso, but are also treated like a local at the bar (and usually pay less). Here's your insider's guide to the perfect caffeine kick beyond the postcard idyll.
1. the golden rule: first the till, then the coffee
In most authentic bars (especially in train stations or city centres), the following principle applies „Scontrino“.
- The hack: Go to the checkout first (Cassa), order your Caffè and pay. With the receipt in hand, you go to the bar, put it down (often with a small 10 cent coin as a Tip on top) and place your order with the barista again.
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2. „Al Banco“ vs. „Al Tavolo“
This is the most common beginner's mistake that blows the budget.
- The price check: An espresso at the bar (al banco) costs around €1.20 to €1.50 on average. As soon as you sit down at a table (al tavolo), this price can triple or quadruple in tourist areas.
- Insider tip: Drink standing up. It's more authentic, quicker and easier on the wallet.
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3. the glass of water: before or after?
Almost every good bar will serve you a small glass of water with your espresso.
- The faux pas: Drinking the water after the coffee is considered an insult to the barista - it signals that the coffee didn't taste good and you need to wash the flavour away.
- The professional move: Drink the water before. It cleanses the taste buds so that you can fully enjoy the flavour of the espresso.
4. how to order espresso like a Roman
Forget the word „espresso“. This is the technical term for the preparation method.
- Simply order „Un caffè“.
- Do you want it extra strong and short? „Un ristretto“.
- Should it be a long, stretched one? „Un lungo“.
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5. the „Caffè Sospeso“ ritual: the karma tip
In Naples in particular, but also in other parts of Italy, there is a wonderful social tradition: the Caffè Sospeso (the „postponed“ coffee).
- This is how it works: You pay for two coffees at the till, but only drink one. The second one is virtually „cancelled“. If someone comes in later who can't afford a coffee, they ask for a Sospeso and is served the coffee you have already paid for.
- Why this is an insider: It's not a „trick“ to save money, but a way to immerse yourself deeply in the social soul of Italy. If you do this, you immediately belong and are treated with completely different respect by the staff.
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