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The Culture of Coffee in Italy: How Italians Drink, Live, and Celebrate It
- Alessandro Loja
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
In Italy, coffee is never just coffee. In the morning, it signals the start of the day, a burst of energy taken at home or quickly at the bar before the world begins to move. As the hours pass, it becomes a continuation, a way to pause, reconnect, and mark the flow of time. And after dinner, that final espresso is the gentle conclusion, the ritual that says “we’re done, a domani.” More than a drink, coffee is a rite of passage: children watching the grown-ups sip it would dream of the day they, too, could take part. Even in the office, coffee speaks its own language. When exhaustion sets in or when there’s simply a need to pause, one doesn’t ask, “Do you want to take a break?” Instead, a simple “caffè?” is enough. No need for eye contact, no further explanation; everyone understands. It’s the universal Italian shorthand for stepping away, for sharing a moment. Perhaps that’s why, almost without realizing it, so many coffees are sipped throughout the day. To drink coffee in Italy is to step into a tradition, a cultural rhythm that transforms something simple into something profoundly shared.
Overview:
From Past to Present: The Culture of Italian Coffee
In Italy, we drink a lot of coffee - but when and where did it all start? The first tastes were taken in Venice in the 16th century, when traders brought Middle Eastern beans to the city. Soon after, the first Venetian cafés opened, Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco, founded in 1720, is the oldest bar in Italy and still welcomes visitors today. The scent of coffee spread quickly, especially in port cities like Trieste, which later became home to Illy, and Naples, where strong, dark brews became a tradition. In fact, Naples coffee tastes completely different from ordinary Italian coffees, and neapolitans love to point this out. By the 18th century, coffee houses had turned into true social salons, places where merchants, nobles, and artists would gather.
When the espresso machine was invented in the late 1800s, coffee went from being a leisurely beverage, to a fast-paced ritual, helping power Italians throughout the day. Coffee, in particular, influenced a cultural rhythm that endures today. Getting together with friends to get a coffee at a bar became a way to reconnect, an excuse to chat and catch up.
My Reflection on Coffee as an Italian
I like to think there are two ways of enjoying coffee: the quick pit-stop and the thoughtful pause. The difference lies not only in the time it takes to drink it, but in the feeling I associate with that moment. While the first mostly happens to refuel energy, more like a shot, (usually with a classic espresso or ristretto), the second refers more to escape and freedom from a routine. A way to order all my thoughts and make sense of them, maybe to not get too overwhelmed.
That's why I take it as an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the moment when traveling around Italy. Imagine sitting on a terrace, facing the sea, in Sicily or Apulia, calm surroundings, a fresh breeze, just you and your coffee. You drink it slowly as an excuse to think, meditate about the moment you are living.
And you think to yourself: it's just me, myself, a my cup of coffee. The rest can wait.
The Moka: A Metal-Art Representation of Italy's Morning Ritual
When thinking about enjoying a coffee, there is one domestic tool that echoes and enhances the moment: the moka. A simple yet trusty companion, it can be found in almost every Italian home, making the ritual of coffee a complete experience.
The moka was created by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933, and completely transformed domestic coffee-making. Its octagonal, Art Deco shape remained unchanged for almost a century, proving that form and function can coexist. By the 1950s, it had become a common sight in Italian kitchens, particularly in rural houses where access to café culture was limited.
Yet, the moka is more than a tool, it's a ceremony (much like the Japanese and their teas). Its sound serves as an unofficial national alarm clock, and Italian love to be awakened by the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Moka pots are often passed down through generations. In a world of pods and machines, the moka remains a deeply personal and timeless joy.
The Most Ordered Coffees in Italy
Italy speaks many dialects of coffee. There is no guide that tells you which is the best coffee to take at each time of day; but there is one sacred golden rule: no cappuccino after mezzogiorno (12 p.m.)!
Below is a list of the most popular Italian varieties.
Celebrating Coffee: Festivals in Palermo, Naples, and Trieste
Italy celebrates coffee, not just consumes it. Across the nation, celebrations honoring the popular bean turn cities and villages into fragrant arenas where customs, creativity, and community come together.
Expo TriestEspresso - Trieste
The world of professional coffee comes together at this industry-leading expo, held every two years in Trieste - a port city that has long been regarded as Italy's coffee capital. It is anticipated that the next edition will take place from 21 to 23 October 2026, carrying on its tradition as a centre of espresso culture worldwide.
Coffee Fest - Naples
In Naples, where coffee is considered nearly a religion, Coffee Fest blends tradition and entertainment. Scheduled for September 17 - 20, 2025, this festival focuses on Naples coffee culture through tastings, barista demonstrations, live entertainment, and latte art performances.
The Palermo Coffee Festival
The Palermo Coffee Festival, a new gem on the Italian coffee scene, is set for May 16 - 17, 2026. The event combines Sicily's Mediterranean coffee history with contemporary flair; expect coffee-infused street cuisine, espresso cocktails, and cultural performances in the Sicilian sun.
The Taste of Coffee in the Kitchen: Tiramisù, Coppa del Nonno & Family Memories
So why limit it to a beverage and not bring it into another Italian realm: the food! Coffee is now used in many culinary preparations, especially desserts. The two most iconic coffee-based creations are Tiramisù and Coppa del Nonno. Let’s dive in and discover how to make them.
Tiramisù
Tiramisù, which translates to "pick me up," was born in Treviso in the 1960s. It's a dessert with layers of cocoa, mascarpone cream, and savoiardi biscuits steeped in coffee.
1. Brew (moka) coffee and let it cool.
2. Whip egg yolks with half of the sugar, then blend in mascarpone until smooth.
3. In a clean bowl, whip egg whites with remaining sugar to stiff peaks and gently fold them into the mascarpone cream.
4. Dip ladyfingers briefly in coffee and layer them in a dish, alternating with spoonfuls of cream.
5. Finish with a final layer of cream and dust with cocoa. Chill for a few hours before serving.
Coppa del Nonno (Ice Cream)
This creamy, frozen coffee dessert is beloved across generations.
1. Combine and mix sweetened condensed milk with cooled espressos.
2. Gently fold this mixture into 400 g whipped vegetable cream until smooth.
3. Divide into cups, freeze 3+ hours, rest for 15-20 minutes before serving, garnish with coffee beans.
In the end, coffee in Italy is never just about what’s in the cup. It’s about how and where you drink it, the seaside terrace in Apulia, a bustling piazza in Sicily, or a quiet bar in the Trentino mountains. Each sip invites you to pause, connect, and experience a piece of Italian life as locals do. If you want to go deeper, you can explore the stories behind the moka pot, discover the most beloved coffee recipes, or even plan a trip around Italy’s coffee festivals. However you choose to enjoy it, one thing is certain: every cup is an invitation to slow down and savor the moment.
