40 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Un caffè, per favore.
A coffee, please.
At any Italian bar or café when you want an espresso. 'Un caffè' always means espresso — no other coffee is the default.
Un cappuccino, per favore.
A cappuccino, please.
In the morning only — before 11 am. Ordering a cappuccino after lunch or dinner marks you immediately as a tourist.
Un caffè macchiato caldo, per favore.
A hot espresso with a drop of milk, please.
When you want an espresso but find it too bitter, and want just a small amount of milk to soften it.
Un caffè lungo, per favore.
A long espresso, please.
When you want a larger quantity of espresso with less intensity than a ristretto.
Un caffè decaffeinato, per favore.
A decaf coffee, please.
When you want the taste and ritual of espresso without the caffeine — in the evening or for health reasons.
Si paga prima o dopo?
Do you pay before or after?
In some Italian bars you pay at the cash desk ('cassa') first, then take the receipt to the barista. In others you pay after. Always confirm to avoid embarrassment.
Al banco, grazie.
At the bar, please.
When the barista asks where you want to drink your coffee. 'Al banco' means standing at the bar counter — always cheaper than sitting at a table.
Un caffè con panna, per favore.
A coffee with whipped cream, please.
When you want espresso topped with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream instead of milk.
Quanto costa il caffè?
How much does the coffee cost?
Before ordering if you are unsure of prices, or in touristy areas where coffee at the bar can sometimes be priced unusually.
Un caffè freddo, per favore.
A cold coffee, please.
In summer, especially in the south, when you want an espresso poured over ice or chilled and served cold.
Un orzo, per favore.
A barley coffee, please.
When you want a caffeine-free, coffee-like hot drink — made from roasted barley. Popular with children and those avoiding caffeine.
Un tè caldo, per favore.
A hot tea, please.
When you want tea rather than coffee. Italian bars always have tea, though it is a minor item compared to espresso.
Due caffè, veloci veloci!
Two coffees, quick quick!
In a busy morning bar when you and a companion are in a rush and need service quickly. The repeated adjective is a classic Italian colloquial intensifier.
Lo vuole con lo zucchero?
Would you like it with sugar?
This is what the barista asks you. Knowing how to answer — and how to specify your preference — is essential.
Avete il caffè al ginseng?
Do you have ginseng coffee?
When you want an alternative to espresso — ginseng coffee has become very popular in Italy as a sweeter, energising alternative.
Un cornetto al cioccolato, per favore.
A chocolate croissant, please.
When ordering a croissant to accompany your coffee at breakfast. 'Cornetto' is the Italian word for croissant.
Che tipo di caffè usate?
What type of coffee do you use?
When you are a coffee enthusiast and want to know the blend or origin of the beans before ordering.
Posso fare un caffè sospeso?
Can I pay for a suspended coffee?
When you want to anonymously pay for a coffee for a stranger in need — a beautiful Neapolitan tradition.
Vorrei un caffè macinato per la moka.
I would like ground coffee for a moka pot.
When buying ground coffee at a bar that also sells beans, asking them to grind it to the correct coarseness for a moka pot.
Posso avere un bicchiere d'acqua?
Can I have a glass of water?
Before or alongside your espresso. A glass of water is traditionally offered free with every espresso at quality Italian bars.
Buongiorno! Il solito, per favore.
Good morning! The usual, please.
When you are a regular at a bar and the barista knows your usual order. One of the most satisfying phrases in Italian daily life.
Un caffè corretto alla grappa.
A coffee corrected with grappa.
In the morning (particularly in northern Italy) or after a meal as a warming digestive. The espresso is 'corrected' with a shot of spirit.
Un marocchino, per favore.
A marocchino, please.
When you want a small, rich coffee drink that combines espresso, cocoa powder and hot milk foam — a regional specialty from Turin and Alexandria.
Avete latte senza lattosio?
Do you have lactose-free milk?
If you are lactose intolerant and ordering a milk-based coffee drink.
Posso ricaricare la tessera del caffè?
Can I top up my coffee card?
If the bar offers a loyalty or prepaid coffee card ('tessera'), use this to add credit to it.
Buona colazione!
Enjoy your breakfast!
Said by the barista when serving your breakfast. The customer's response is typically 'grazie, altrettanto!' (thanks, same to you!).
Avete caffè di specialità?
Do you have specialty coffee?
In modern coffee bars ('caffetterie di specialità') when you want to know if they use third-wave specialty coffee with transparent sourcing and precise extraction.
Una granita al caffè, per favore.
A coffee granita, please.
In Sicily and southern Italy in summer — a coffee granita with whipped cream ('con panna') is the quintessential Sicilian summer breakfast.
Un caffè americano, per favore.
An americano, please.
When you want a larger, less concentrated coffee drink — popular with American and Northern European visitors who find espresso too small.
Una brioche torinese, per favore.
A Turinese brioche, please.
In Piedmont and northern Italy where 'brioche' refers to the local sweet bread, different from the French version.
Cosa avete da mangiare con il caffè?
What do you have to eat with the coffee?
When you want something sweet to eat with your coffee but are not sure what is available.
Questo caffè è perfetto.
This coffee is perfect.
When you want to compliment the barista on the quality of the espresso. This will always be appreciated.
Quanto mi deve?
How much do I owe you?
After being served at the bar when you want to pay. More informal than 'quanto costa' — assumes a service relationship.
A che ora aprite al mattino?
What time do you open in the morning?
When you want to plan your morning coffee and need to know opening hours.
Ho bisogno di un caffè — ho dormito pochissimo.
I need a coffee — I slept very little.
A common, relatable phrase used when ordering a morning coffee after a rough night. Instantly creates rapport with the barista.
Posso sedermi fuori con il caffè?
Can I sit outside with my coffee?
In a bar with outdoor seating when you want to take your espresso outside. This may change the price.
È il miglior bar del quartiere.
It is the best bar in the neighbourhood.
When paying a genuine compliment to a neighbourhood bar you have come to love. This is a powerful statement of loyalty in Italian culture.
Una cioccolata calda, per favore.
A hot chocolate, please.
In winter, or when you do not want coffee but want something warm and comforting. Italian hot chocolate ('cioccolata calda') is extremely thick — almost like a pudding.
Senza caffeina, per favore — sono in gravidanza.
Without caffeine, please — I am pregnant.
When ordering a decaf coffee and wanting to explain the medical reason, which may help ensure the order is taken seriously.
Arrivederci! Ci vediamo domani.
Goodbye! See you tomorrow.
When leaving a bar you visit regularly, to signal that you are a regular and will return.