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PhrasesOrdering CoffeeAvete caffè di specialità?
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Avete caffè di specialità?

Do you have specialty coffee?

Pronunciation

spe-cia-li-TÀ — five syllables, accent on last. The final accent is always written.

When to use it

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.

What it means

'Caffè di specialità' refers to specialty-grade coffee — single origins, light roasts, traceability to the farm. Italy's third-wave coffee movement is growing in cities like Milan, Turin, and Rome, challenging the traditional dark-roast espresso culture.

Variations

Avete monorigine etiopico?

Do you have an Ethiopian single origin?

Ethiopia is the most celebrated single-origin country in specialty coffee

Che metodo di estrazione usate?

What extraction method do you use?

Specialty bars often offer pour-over, AeroPress or V60 alongside espresso

La tostatura è chiara o scura?

Is the roast light or dark?

Light roasts are typical of specialty coffee — different from traditional Italian dark roasts

Mini Dialogue

— Avete caffè di specialità? — Sì! Usiamo tre origini diverse — un Etiopia naturale, un Colombia washed e un Guatemala. Quale preferisce? — Provo il Colombia — come lo fate? — Espresso o V60. Consiglio il V60 per apprezzare i fiori.

— Do you have specialty coffee? — Yes! We use three different origins — a natural Ethiopia, a washed Colombia and a Guatemala. Which do you prefer? — I'll try the Colombia — how do you prepare it? — Espresso or V60. I recommend the V60 to appreciate the florals.

Cultural Note

Italy's specialty coffee scene is small but growing rapidly. It faces cultural resistance because Italians are deeply attached to their traditional dark-roast espresso identity. Specialty cafés in Milan and Rome are bridging the gap by respecting Italian espresso culture while introducing new flavour profiles.