How to Order Coffee Like an Italian (and What to Eat With It)
With a little help from Simone, Tour Director and local coffee expert.
If you're up early in Venice and looking for a more authentic way to start your day than the hotel buffet, follow the locals to a pasticceria, a cozy bakery-café that’s as essential to Venetian mornings as the lagoon itself. This is where the day really begins: over fresh pastry, strong coffee, and a few quiet moments standing at the bar.
Simone, our official guide to the Italian morning ritual, will show you exactly how it’s done. First, find a spot that smells like heaven and has a crowd of locals chatting over the hum of the espresso machine. Then, step confidently up to the bar—there’s no table service here—and order like this: “Un cappuccino e un cornetto, per favore.” Want a filled pastry? Try “alla crema” (custard), “al cioccolato” (chocolate), or “vuoto” (plain).
Once you’ve got your food and drink, don’t rush. Sip your coffee standing, savor the moment, and know you’ve just started your day like a true Venetian—for under 5 euros.
Three classic pastries to try:
Cornetto – Italy’s version of the croissant, lightly sweet and often filled.
Fagottino – A flaky pastry “bundle” filled with fruit or chocolate.
Girella alla crema o uvetta – A sweet spiral pastry filled with custard or raisins, perfect for pairing with your morning espresso.
Coffee orders made simple:
Caffè (espresso)
Ideal time to drink: Any time of day (especially after meals)
How to order in Italian: Un caffè, per favore
What you are getting: A small, strong shot of espresso served in a tiny cup. Default coffee in Italy.
Cappuccino
Ideal time to drink: Morning only (before 11:00 AM)
How to order in Italian: Un cappuccino, per favore
What you are getting: Espresso with steamed milk and a thick foam cap. Breakfast classic.
Caffè Macchiato
Ideal time to drink: Morning or early afternoon
How to order in Italian: Morning or mid-morning snack
What you are getting: Espresso “stained” with a dollop of foamed milk. Less milky than cappuccino.
Latte Macchiato
Ideal time to drink: Morning or mid-morning snack
How to order in Italian: Un latte macchiato, per favore
What you are getting: Steamed milk “stained” with a bit of espresso. Lighter and milkier.
Caffè Doppio
Ideal time to drink: Morning or early afternoon
How to order in Italian: Un caffè doppio, per favore
What you are getting: A double shot of espresso—stronger, for when you need an extra boost.
Caffè Americano
Ideal time to drink: Late morning or early afternoon
How to order in Italian: Un caffè americano, per favore
What you are getting: Espresso diluted with hot water—closest to American-style black coffee.
Caffè Corretto
Ideal time to drink: After lunch or dinner (never morning)
How to order in Italian: Un caffè corretto, per favore
What you are getting: Espresso “corrected” with a splash of liquor (usually grappa or sambuca).
So, there you have it, the authentic Venetian breakfast (or midday pick-me-up). It’s simple, it’s elegant, and it’s one of the best five minutes you’ll spend in Italy.
Oh, and one more thing. Never order a latte, you’ll just get back a glass of milk.
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