Rome: Seven Rules for Navigating the Coffee Culture.
By Sharon Kurtz
I am here in Rome after a four year absence—and the Eternal City is still full of the ancient charms and amazing architecture I remembered. Just walk down the street and you feel the history all around you—turn any corner and you could be stepping into a painting.
The first thing I need to do when I wake up in Rome, or anywhere for that matter, is satisfy my coffee craving.
There is a coffee culture in Rome and it can confuse the uninitiated. No one wants to stand out as a tourist, right? It's much better to confidently walk into any café and order like a local.
Here are a few tips to help you decipher the code. You know, when in Rome….
Italians love their coffee—and the coffee culture in Rome is filled with rituals and nuances that are not always easy for outsiders to understand. There are a few basic rules you must follow to avoid being considered uncivilized. These traditions and unspoken rules around coffee are what makes Italians Italian.
Before I dive into the rules, you must know how to say coffee—it’s un caffé (pronounced as kaf-feh).
You never see Romans walking around on the street with a coffee cup—it is simply not done. They'll pop into bars five or six times a day for a quick cup, gulped down at the counter over some banter with the barista. That's the philosophy; it's part of the lifestyle. For an authentic experience, join the masses at the counter. The clink of the ceramic cups and the routine of shaking and stirring sugar packets makes you feel oh-so Italian.
First, it's important to know what we call a café Italians may refer to as a bar. You'll see hundreds of bars and cafés around Rome, on almost every corner, and sometimes up to three or four in one block. Italians don't linger over their coffee—most never even sit down; they stand at the bar. Romans have strong opinions about their favorite bar, barista, and coffee preparation—the Italian 30-second breakfast is an espresso and a cornetto, eaten at the counter.
How do you order coffee in Rome? Here's the scoop.
Announce a greeting like buon giorno after entering the bar. It’s polite
Decide what you want to order.
Check the price on the menu. Typically, the menu is posted, and it will have different prices for those drinking al banco (standing up at the counter) or those drinking the same drink al tavaolo (sitting at a table). You'll pay more for the table service.
If you drink your coffee at the counter, watch as the others order and do the same. Sometimes you pay the cashier at the register, then hand your receipt to the barista. Other times you order first and drink your coffee, then pay at the register after you have finished your coffee.
If you choose to drink at the table, you can linger over your coffee and take your time enjoying it. You'll get the bill and pay after you finish.
Cappuccinos are generally reserved for breakfast. Italy’s most famous coffee drink is a warm, soothing, perfect ratio of espresso to steamed whole milk, frothed to perfection. But cappuccino comes with a caveat—you cannot order one after noon unless you want to risk being scorned. A macchiato is traditionally enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up, and espresso is served after dinner.
Coffee is enjoyed in Rome at any time of day or after a meal. Digestion plays a crucial role in how Roman coffee is consumed, as caffeine serves as an aid in breaking down food.
Now you’re a pro!
Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed when walking into a bar; someone will undoubtedly offer assistance, and the servers are usually amiable. I have found that a smile with a warm buon giorno will go a long way. The most important thing is that you take in the bar's atmosphere, breathe in the scent of freshly ground coffee and sweet pastries, and enjoy the taste of authentic Italian coffee experience whenever you can.
Sharon Kurtz is a freelance writer who shares her love for travel and food by exploring unique customs, cultures, and flavors at home and around the globe. Follow her on her website, Instagram or Facebook.
