I prefer without caffeine.
kaf-feh-EE-nah — four syllables, stress on third. 'ff' is held slightly longer in Italian.
Use in Italian bars or cafés when ordering coffee. Decaffeinated coffee ('decaffeinato') is widely available in Italy, unlike some other countries.
'Senza caffeina' = without caffeine. Italian bars almost always offer 'caffè decaffeinato' (decaf coffee). The word 'decaffeinato' is commonly shortened to 'deca' in Italian bar slang.
Un caffè decaffeinato, per favore.
A decaffeinated coffee, please.
Direct order for decaf.
Un deca, grazie.
A decaf, thanks.
Informal bar slang — very natural in everyday Italian.
Ha il tè senza caffeina?
Do you have caffeine-free tea?
Herbal teas ('tisane') are caffeine-free alternatives.
Italian bar culture centers on espresso, but decaf ('deca') is a fully accepted option with zero social stigma. Herbal teas ('camomilla', 'tisana') are also popular evening options. Caffeine-free coffee is made with the same espresso machines — identical process, just decaffeinated beans.