One sip of an Italian coffee, and it will be hard to go back to Starbucks.

That said, your first time in an Italian café can be confusing if you’re not properly prepped. No worries: Here’s our guide to ordering coffee in Italy like a pro.

More tips for Italy:
• The best budget hotels in Rome 
• An affordable 10-day itinerary through Italy
• Our favorite cheap hotels in Florence

How to order coffee in Italy

1. A cafe is actually called a “bar” in Italy

First, it’s important to know that what we call a “café”, Italians call a “bar”. (What’s especially confusing, but we’ll get to in a minute, is that caffè actually means “coffee”.) You’ll see hundreds of bars around Rome, on almost every corner and sometimes up to three or four in one block. To an untrained eye, you might think Italians have a drinking problem but don’t worry, they’re only coffee addicts!

Related: Our glossary of types of coffee in Rome, with a list of our favorite Roman coffee bars.

2. Drink at the counter: Italians don’t linger

Italians drink their coffee fast, and at the bar. Espresso is an essential, so they don’t waste time sipping while reading the paper or visiting with friends. Instead, they’ll pop into bars five or six times a day for a quick cup, gulped down at the counter over some banter with the barista.

So for an authentic experience, join the masses standing at the bar. The clink of ceramic cups and routine of shaking and stirring sugar packets is endearing, and one you won’t get from a table. If you do feel like sitting, be prepared for a slightly larger bill. It’s usually twice the price if you use table service.

Related: The two best espresso in Rome, steps from the Pantheon

3. Paying systems can vary

This is where it gets a little tricky. Where and how you pay depends on where and how you order. If you’re sitting, you can usually order and pay at the table, but if you’re standing, the rules are murkier. In most cases, you order and pay at the cash register, then bring your receipt to the barista, who will make your order. In other cases, you order at the bar, drink your coffee, and then tell the person at the cash register what you had. As a general rule, try the cash register first, or take a moment to watch what others are doing.

4. A guide to every drink

• Caffè: “Caffe” means “coffee” in Italian, but what you get isn’t filter coffee, but what we call espresso. You can say “espresso” instead of “caffe” if you want.

• Caffè Americano: If you’re looking for filter coffee, this is the closest you’ll get. It’s espresso with hot water added, and probably still a bit stronger than what you’re used to.

• Caffè macchiato: Meaning “stained” or “spotted” coffee, this is an espresso with a dash of hot, foamy milk on top. It’s delicious with a bit of sugar and a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

• Caffè con panna: Similar to the macchiato, but sweeter, this espresso is topped with sweet whipped cream.

• Caffè corretto: This “corrected” coffee is served with a drop of liquor, usually cognac, grappa or Sambuca, but feel free to add whatever you prefer.

• Caffè shakerato: Delicious in the sweltering summer months, a caffè shakerato is a fresh espresso mixed with sugar and ice, and shaken vigorously like a martini until it froths as it’s poured into a chilled glass. Some people add chocolate syrup, which makes it extra divine.

• Caffè latte: This is espresso with hot milk, just like a latte in the US. But careful to specify the “caffè” part, because “latte” just means “milk”. Many tourists order a “latte” and are shocked when they’re presented with a steaming mug of white milk, much to the confusion of everyone involved. Even ordered correctly though, the caffè latte is not a common drink in Italy, and you might not get what you expect.

• Cappuccino: Saving the best for last! Italy’s most famous coffee drink, the cappuccino is a warm, soothing, perfect ratio of espresso to whole milk, frothed to perfection. One sip and you’ll realize it’s completely different than whatever cappuccino you’re used to, and in a good way. But they come with a caveat—you cannot order them after noon, unless you want to risk being scorned. Italians have a weird thing about drinking cappuccinos only in the morning, and they’ll give you very funny looks if you do otherwise.

You might notice throughout your time in Italy that Italians have strict food rules, and this is one of them. The heavy milk and foam in a cappuccino constitute their breakfast, and they deem cappuccinos far too heavy for an afternoon coffee break. They believe that dairy upsets digestion and they might be right. You’ll never see an Italian order a cappuccino after dinner, yet it’s almost all they drink in the morning.

Maybe they’re onto something, or maybe it’s one of those rituals we’ll never understand, but either way, if you want to fit in, stick to ordering them for breakfast.

Now you’re a pro! And don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed when walking into a bar. Someone will surely offer to assist, and the servers are usually very friendly. The most important thing is that you take in the bar’s atmosphere, breathe in the scent of freshly ground coffee and sweet pastries, and enjoy the taste of real Italian coffee while you can.

Your favorite cafe beverage

What’s your favorite type of coffee in Italy? Let us know in the comments below!

The post How to order coffee in Italy: Navigating cafe culture like a pro appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Most people know that the Bologna region is home to the best Bolognese sauce, (as well as many other types of meat and cheeses), that Tuscany is sacred wine territory and that the south is the place to be for limoncello and seafood.

Rome, for all its history and architectural glory, often gets overlooked as a food haven in the shadows of its more famous neighbors. But Roman dishes aren’t to be missed.

Rome food: 5 must-try dishes

Simple, fresh and mouthwatering, these top Roman dishes will fill you up for less than €10. So book your Rome hotel room and start building up your appetite!

Roman-style artichokes

 Artichokes are big in Rome, and carciofialla Romana, or ‘Roman-style artichokes,’ is one of the region’s most famous dishes. It’s served in restaurants year-round, but traditionally it’s a spring dish because the Romanesco artichoke variety is harvested between February and April.

The artichokes are cleaned and rubbed with lemon juice, then stuffed with Roman parsley, salt, pepper and crushed garlic. Next, they’re placed in a deep pan, doused with water, white wine and a bit of oil, and braised until they’re soft. The smooth leaves break from the artichoke head easily, and the lemony, salty, garlic flavor will blow your mind. Even those who don’t usually like artichokes should try this delicious preparation.

Try it at: La Campana

Cacio e pepe

The simplest of Roman dishes, yet also one of the most popular, cacio e pepe is like macaroni and cheese on steroids — it will have you dreaming of it long after you’ve left the Eternal City. Fresh tonnarelli pasta is tossed with lots and lots of pecorino cheese and cracked black pepper.

The pecorino, a tangy, salty cheese, is the perfect complement to warm, homemade pasta, and you’ll be amazed how creamy the sauce becomes with just a touch of pasta water.

Try it at: Da Enzo in Trastevere, or Felice a Testaccio dating back to 1936.

Bucatini all’amatriciana

Another dish with just a handful of ingredients, amatriciana is one of the most traditional Roman dishes. Purists insist on no deviations from the recipe, and they have a point. Why ruin a good thing? Fresh tomatoes and guanciale, (pork jowl — like really fatty, delicious bacon), make up the base, and a bit of cheese, oil, onion and pepper are thrown in as well.

The pasta is usually bucatini. It’s simple, but if the ingredients are fresh, the flavor will explode on your taste buds and make you wonder why you’ve never thought of such a simple and delicious combination. Best of all, it’s fairly easy to make when you get home.

Try it at: Da Gigetto, a trattoria in the Jewish Ghetto.

Spaghetti carbonara

Carbonara is like Cacio e Pepe, but with two important additions — egg and guanciale. The pork is cooked in fat, while the fresh spaghetti is cooked al dente, then tossed with raw eggs, cheese and more fat. (This is done away from the heat so that the egg doesn’t coagulate). Add in the guanciale, and you have the creamiest, most decadent of the Roman dishes.

Try it at: Roscioli and Da Danilo, both in central Rome, serve two of the best.

Roman-style pizza

Everyone knows that Naples has the best pizza in Italy, but Rome is a close second if you can even compare the two. Roman-style pizza is nothing like the pies in Napoli, making them almost completely different dishes. Where Naples boasts fluffy crusts, the Romans make them thin and crispy, with wood-fired, almost burnt edges. A thin layer of fresh tomato sauce is spread across the dough and sprinkled with fresh mozzarella and a variety of toppings.

When in Rome, try to hold back from toppings at least once, and settle on a plain margherita — tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil. We promise you won’t regret it.

Try it at: Da Remo, in Testaccio and L’Archetto, near the Vatican, both have excellent pizzas and atmospheres.

Still hungry for more?

For more budget eating ideas in Rome, check out EuroCheapo’s full list of tips on the blog.

The post Don’t leave Rome without tasting these 5 classic dishes (each under €10) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are our favorite sandwich shops in Florence, with their respective specialties:

I Fratellini
Via dei Cimatori, 38r (near Piazza Signoria)
Web site

Everyone seems to knows this little stand situated in the heart of Florence. The cheerful guys stuffed behind the counter make small round sandwiches (€2.50 each) at the speed of light. Choose from a long list of options; my favorites are the prosciutto, goat cheese and rucola and well, anything with sundried tomatoes or “finocchiona,” a salami made with fennel.

Don’t forget to order a “bicchiere” of the house wine for only €1. You can rest it on the shelves hanging on the wall while you eat. I Fratellini is a strictly street food place, so be prepared to eat standing (or eat outside if the weather is nice).

Oil Shoppe
Via Sant’Egidio, 22r

This sandwich shop is actually not well known to most Florentines. It is especially popular with Americans, and plenty of students stop by to fill up during their breaks. Don’t let the foreign atmosphere or the long line deter you: This is one of the best places to get your money’s worth.

For €5 at lunchtime, you can buy a large sandwich (think foot-long) filled with layers and layers of goodies, plus a serving of garlic fries and a bottle of water. Trust me, every American I know loves it and every Italian I’ve ever brought here has been amazed to discover it.

Pugi
Piazza San Marco
Web site

Another Florentine specialty, and my personal favorite, is “schiacciata.” Schiacciata is a light, fluffy salty flatbread, similar to the more common focaccia. Pugi is the home to some of Florence’s best schiacciata, along with sandwiches and pizza made from this delicious dough.

This place is also packed around lunch, but it’s worth it to take a number, sneak a peak at the display case and pick out whatever your heart desires. Prices are based on weight, so buying pizza can be a bit more expensive once you add olives and sausage. However, Pugi is still a cheap spot for lunch

Bonus Tip: Lampredotto

A Florentine lunch tradition is the “lampredotto,” which is the fourth stomach of a cow boiled, seasoned and served on bread. To some this may not seem very appetizing, but there is a reason that this sandwich has been eaten for hundreds of years!

While you’ll find many lampredotto carts all over Florence, try the one in San Lorenzo, right across the street from the Central Market at the corner of Via Sant’Antonino. If you like it, you won’t ever stop wanting it; if you don’t, at least you have a good story to tell. And don’t forget, it’s cheap and quick.

The post Florence Cheap Eats: The 3 best panini shops in town appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.