Exploring the tradition of Italian coffee bars | History, rules and etiquette
The day at an Italian coffee bar typically begins with a cappuccino or espresso and a pastry, with locals enjoying a boost of caffeine to prepare for the day ahead. Socialising and enjoying the bustling atmosphere, you will often find Italians standing at a bar shortly before heading to work.
Find out more about the history, rules and etiquette surrounding Italian coffee bars.
- Italian coffee bar etiquette
- The history of Italian coffee bars
- What can you expect from a typical Italian coffee bar?
- Bring the Italian coffee bar to your home with Carluccio’s
Read the rules and etiquette of ordering from an Italian coffee bar.
Find out more about the history and significance of Italian coffee bars.
Read what you can expect to find in an Italian coffee bar.
Read the benefits of choosing Carluccio’s.
Italian coffee bar etiquette | Rules to remember
Visiting an Italian coffee bar allows you to enjoy the authentic Italian coffee experience to the fullest. However, navigating a coffee bar involves adhering to certain rules and etiquette, showing respect to cultural traditions:
Respect the time of day
Coffee drinking in Italy follows a specific rhythm, and respecting this helps you to enjoy the full authentic coffee experience. Cappuccinos and other milk-based drinks are typically consumed in the morning, often accompanied by a pastry or an alternative treat. As the day progresses, Italians switch to espresso only. Find out more about how to drink espresso the Italian way here.
In Italy, the focus is on the quality of the coffee and the social experience rather than the size or customisation of the beverage. Find out how to make your own Italian espresso.
Ordering your drink
In many Italian coffee bars, you will order and pay for your coffee at the counter before heading to the bar to present your receipt. This efficient system ensures a smooth experience and prevents any delays in orders. Find out more about enjoying espresso the Italian way here.
Standing at the bar
Drinking your coffee standing at the bar is both traditional and economical, as prices are often higher if you choose to sit at a table. This practice fosters a sense of community and allows for quick interactions.
Keep your order simple
The focus of Italian espresso coffee is on the quality of the coffee itself. Try and order simple, traditional drinks, such as espresso. It may also help to familiarise yourself with Italian terms before you visit an Italian coffee bar. Find out more about drinking espresso the Italian way here.
The history of Italian coffee bars
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pioneers such as Luigi Bezzera introduced and improved the functionality of espresso machines, transforming coffee preparation. These machines enabled the creation of espresso, a concentrated coffee beverage made quickly by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee. This innovation led to the spread of coffee bars across Italy, particularly across urban areas, where they became popular social hubs. Read more about the history of Italian espresso here.
These coffee bars became an important part of daily life in Italy. Following the rise of espresso bars across Italy, this culture spread globally, influencing coffee consumption patterns worldwide.
Shop our range of Italian coffee and hot drinks to enjoy coffee the Italian way from your own home.
What can you expect from a typical Italian coffee bar?
Skilled baristas see creating Italian espresso as an art form, rather than a chore. Every espresso is made perfectly with velvety crema sitting at the top of the beverage. The ambience of Italian coffee bars is characterised by a bustling atmosphere, with a mix of regulars and newcomers.
At the heart of the bar is a high-quality espresso machine, with brands like La Marzocco and Faema being staples, essential for crafting the high-quality beverage. You will likely find a selection of traditional Italian pastries, such as cornetti, biscotti, and crostatine, to perfectly complement your coffee.
Enjoy a dark, exotic roast with Carluccio’s espresso di Napoli
Our Napoli espresso coffee has been blended and roasted in the traditional style of the master roasters of Naples, which is the darkest roast in all Italy using Arabica beans with a little kick of Robusta. This blend is rich, lively and well-rounded, presenting dark cocoa, smoky flavours and blackberry notes.
Our Napoli espresso beans can also be ground finely for use in an espresso machine. When ground coarse for use in a cafetiere, it can present flavours of cinnamon and cherry.
Bring the Italian coffee bar to your home with Carluccio’s
Choosing Carluccio's coffee offers a unique opportunity to indulge in the Italian coffee experience from the comfort of your own home. Carluccio's, with its commitment to authenticity and quality, sources only the finest beans, embracing the rich traditions of Italian coffee culture. Each blend is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of Italian espresso.
The roasters of Carluccio’s blends roast each type of bean separately in the traditional “drum” roasters, which spin the beans constantly while surrounding them with hot air. A longer roasting time at lower temperatures avoids any burnt taste and recreates the results of the constant, careful stirring given to the pan-roasted coffee beans.
Whether you're starting your day with an intense espresso or a smooth latte, Carluccio's brings the authentic Italian café experience to your table, making every coffee moment a special occasion.
Shop our full range of coffee and hot drinks to enjoy coffee the Italian way.
Our coffee beans are roasted in Italy, bringing the authentic Italian bar experience to your table. Choose between our sweet and refined Milano blend, our rich and lively Napoli blend, or our intense, creamy and full-bodied Roma blend.
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