Coffee Shops in Italy: A Mini Guide for Espresso Lovers

Written & Photographs by Samantha Diaz

Do you love coffee? Do you love Italy? If you answered yes to both, you’re in for a treat. Italy isn’t just the birthplace of espresso—it’s a country where coffee is woven into the rhythm of everyday life. From the bustling bars of Rome to quiet cafes tucked into Florence’s historic piazzas, Italian coffee culture is as rich as the drink itself.

As a coffee lover, my rule is simple: if a place has good coffee, it’s already a good place. And Italy? It's a coffee lover’s paradise.

Types of Coffee Shops in Italy

Let’s start by breaking down where Italians actually drink their coffee:

• Bar – This is the classic Italian coffee stop. Most bars are compact and informal. Locals stop in for a quick espresso at the counter—no sitting around for hours with a laptop here.

• Caffetteria – A little more refined, these spots offer more drink options and are perfect if you want to linger over a latte with a book or newspaper.

• Pasticceria – A pastry shop that also serves excellent coffee. If your ideal coffee experience includes something flaky and sweet on the side, this is your spot.

Popular Italian Coffee Drinks

Italians take their coffee seriously—but not always the way you might expect. Here are a few drinks you’ll come across most often:

• Cappuccino – The morning favorite. Espresso with steamed milk and foam, often topped with cocoa or cinnamon. Locals rarely order it after 11 a.m.

• Macchiato – Espresso “stained” with a touch of milk. A small but bold option.

• Caffè Latte – More milk than a macchiato, but still espresso-forward. Just don’t confuse it with a "latte" (that'll get you plain milk).

• Caffè Mocha – Espresso with chocolate and milk, perfect for a sweeter craving.

Must-Visit Coffee Shops Across Italy

Here are a few gems to add to your list when you're sipping your way through Italy:

Rome

• Tazza d’Oro – Open since 1946 and famous for its creamy cappuccinos. It's steps from the Pantheon and a must-visit.

• Sant’Eustachio il Caffè – One of the most iconic spots in the city, serving bold espresso with a secret twist on the traditional brew.

Florence

• Caffè Gilli – With its ornate interior and elegant vibes, it’s ideal for a slow morning with a hot chocolate or coffee and pastry.

• Caffè Rivoire – Right on Piazza della Signoria, this cafe is as much about people-watching as it is about perfect espresso.

Amalfi

• Pasticceria Andrea Pansa – A gorgeous spot overlooking the Amalfi Cathedral. Come for the views, stay for the rich caffè mocha and pastries.

Venice

• Caffè Florian – The oldest cafe in Venice, dating back to 1720. It's elegant, a little theatrical, and a truly iconic experience.

One Last Sip

Whether you’re perched at a bar with locals in Naples or soaking in the scenery at a pasticceria in the Amalfi Coast, every coffee moment in Italy is a cultural ritual worth savoring. With so many cafes rooted in history and bursting with flavor, the hardest part is narrowing down which one to visit first. So next time you’re in Italy, skip the tourist traps and follow the locals—straight to the espresso bar.

Want more travel tips and coffee finds? Visit more posts from Samantha's Travel & Brew blog at www.travelandbrew.com.