Ordering Coffee at a Café
Use these essential phrases to confidently order and pay for your drink at an Italian café.
Key Phrases
Un caffè, per favore.
neutralA coffee, please.
In Italy, 'un caffè' always refers to a small shot of espresso.
Prendo un caffè macchiato.
casualI'll have a macchiato.
'Prendo' (I take) is the most natural and simple way to order in the present tense.
Con latte caldo a parte.
neutralWith hot milk on the side.
Un po' di latte freddo.
casualA little bit of cold milk.
Un tè grande.
neutralA large tea.
Italian coffee usually comes in one size, but you can specify sizes for tea or American coffee.
Da portare via.
neutralTo take away.
Al banco, grazie.
casualAt the counter, thanks.
It is very common and often cheaper to drink your coffee standing at the bar counter.
Quanto costa il tè?
neutralHow much does the tea cost?
Quant'è in tutto?
casualHow much is it in total?
Pago in contanti.
neutralI pay in cash.
Con la carta, grazie.
casualWith card, thanks.