Wine and drinks
Italian coffee culture: espresso, cappuccino and the unwritten rules
In short: in Italy, un caffè simply means an espresso: short, strong and drunk quickly. Milky coffee such as cappuccino is for the morning; after a meal, an Italian orders an espresso.
The unwritten rules
- Caffè = espresso. Ask for "a coffee" in Italy and you get an espresso.
- Cappuccino in the morning. After a meal, milk is considered too heavy; many Italians stop drinking cappuccino after 11 am.
- Espresso after dinner. The finishing touch of the meal, possibly followed by a digestivo.
- Quick. An espresso is often drunk standing at the bar, in a few sips.
Variations
- Ristretto: even shorter and more intense
- Macchiato: espresso with a dash of milk foam
- Corretto: espresso "corrected" with a splash of grappa or sambuca
Coffee at Benoti
End your dinner with an espresso or a coffee, and pair it with a dessert such as tiramisù. We also serve tea (mint, green, lemon and rosehip).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between espresso and coffee?
Espresso is brewed under high pressure with finely ground coffee and is short and concentrated. Regular (filter) coffee is longer and lighter.