This milky drink is the perfect morning coffee and beloved by Italians and tourists alike. You don't want to order a simple “latte” in Italy, however, as “latte” means milk. If you try doing that, you might end up with a glass of milk instead of the delicious coffee drink that you were hoping to enjoy.
In Italy, asking for a latte is asking for a simple cup of cold milk. Remember to put “caffè” before it when ordering.
Caffè Latte kahf|FEH LAHT|teh
Order just a latte in Italy and you might be surprised to be served a tall glass of milk. What we in the US call a latte is a caffè latte in Italy. It's ⅓ espresso, 2/3 heated milk, and a little foam.
One of these customs is that it is considered strange to order a cappuccino after 11am. The reason for this is that cappuccinos are traditionally considered a morning drink. They are made with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, and are typically drunk with a sweet breakfast pastry or croissant.
It is improper to put one's hands on one's lap, or to stretch one's arms while at the table. Resting one's elbows on the table is also considered to be poor manners. Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. Drinking beverages other than water or wine with a meal is quite uncommon.
Latte simply means milk in Italian. So latte is not actually a coffee drink. That's also why you call it latte art, milk art. Some baristas get upset about the term latte art and prefer to call it milk patterns.
Don't order a cappuccino after noon…
Italians have a thing about drinking cappuccino after noon. It's just not done (some say it's because the milk and foam makes it a replacement for a meal, and all that dairy upsets the digestion). And you'll never see an Italian ordering a cappuccino after dinner.
Latte. Cappuccino and latte (also called Caffè latte) are the two most popular Italian coffee drinks and are both prepared using hot milk. The difference is that cappuccino is prepared with less steamed or textured milk than caffe latte.
Much like a cappuccino, caffè lattes are traditionally enjoyed in the morning.
Latte. If you ask for one of these, you're literally just asking for a glass of milk. If you want a milky coffee you must ask for “un caffè con latte” – a coffee with milk, or un caffè latte.
According to etiquette, you have to lift the cup using only thumb and index finger without ever raising the little finger. The coffee should be drunk in small sips without blowing on it if it's too hot; just wait a few minutes before drinking it.
Are you allowed to drink in Public in Italy? In Italy, it's illegal to consume alcohol in public places such as streets, squares, and parks. This means that you cannot walk around with an open container of alcohol or drink alcohol in public areas. Violating this law can result in fines and other legal consequences.
Milan, Italy - $1.33
Although Italy is world famous for its wide variety of coffee, the average cup of coffee will only cost you about $1.33.
You don't want to order a simple “latte” in Italy, however, as “latte” means milk. If you try doing that, you might end up with a glass of milk instead of the delicious coffee drink that you were hoping to enjoy. What is this? Instead, you'll want to order a caffè latte.
The Cappuccino Law: Absolutely NO cappuccinos after 12:00 pm, the general rule is 11:00 am, but I've seen some Italians go later. Latte Macchiatos are also not consumed after this hour. Side note: you CAN consume Caffe Macchiato anytime during the day.
To sip a cappuccino after lunch is a direct and major violation of an Italian Food Rule. Italians believe the fresh whole milk that makes up over half of the contents of this drink plays havoc with digestion.
A caffe latte typically has a 2:1 ratio of milk to espresso, with more steamed milk than a latte, which usually has a 1:2 ratio of milk to coffee.
Sugar is traditionally added to espresso by Italians, who invented the drink. Not all of them take it this way, but most of them do. Why? Because that's how you make it taste good.
Italians like their morning coffee milky. Breakfast time is the traditional time for macchiato, cappuccino, and mokaccino.
11:00pm – Midnight.
Don't request a slice of pizza. In Italy, unless sold on the street or “al taglio” (sold in rectangular or square slices by weight), it's always round and served on a plate. 2. You cut the pizza yourself and then eat it with a knife and fork, the most common way, or fold each slice and eat it with your hands.