Ordering coffee in Italy has its own unwritten rules, and knowing them makes you feel instantly at home. Remember: un caffè means an espresso, and Italians almost never order a cappuccino after breakfast.
- Buongiorno! — bwohn-JOR-noh — Good morning. The default greeting at the bar.
- Un caffè, per favore. — oon kah-FEH, pehr fah-VOH-reh — An espresso, please.
- Un cappuccino. — oon kah-poo-CHEE-noh — A cappuccino — a morning drink; order one after lunch and you'll get a smile.
- Al banco o al tavolo? — ahl BAHN-koh oh ahl TAH-voh-loh — At the counter or at the table? Standing at the bar is cheaper.
- Un cornetto, per favore. — oon kor-NET-toh — A croissant, please.
- Quant'è? — kwahn-TEH — How much is it?
- Grazie, arrivederci! — GRAH-tsyeh, ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee — Thanks, goodbye!
Order like this and the barista will treat you like a regular. The phrases take a minute to learn — making them automatic takes a few real conversations. Find an Italian speaker and practise until it rolls off the tongue.
