Italian for English speakers Cafe · Lesson 4

Ordering Italian coffee

Order Italian coffee like a local — un espresso e un macchiato — and choose al tavolo o al banco (at the table or at the counter).

Conversation

  1. Muri Muri

    Salve, un espresso e un macchiato, per favore

    Hi, one espresso and one macchiato, please

    Tip: Beware: some Italian coffee names do not match up to the names given by chain coffee stores in English-speaking countries

  2. Kyle Kyle

    Al tavolo o al banco?

    At the table or at the counter?

    Tip: <Banco> in this context means counter or bar, but it can mean bench, desk and even bank! In Italy, it is common to drink coffee standing at the counter. It is cheaper and you get good company.

  3. Muri Muri

    Tutti e due al banco, grazie

    Both at the counter, thanks

    Tip: <Tutti e> + number = all + number Here, that's <tutti e due>, so "all two". In English, "all two" is changed to "both", but "all three" or "all four" follows the same pattern as Italian

  4. Kyle Kyle

    Ecco a voi

    There you are

    Tip: <Voi> = You (plural). Kyle is addressing both Muri and Yaya

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

Italian coffee types?

Un caffè (= espresso), un caffè macchiato (with a dash of milk), un cappuccino, un caffè latte, un caffè americano (long). Cappuccino is morning-only in Italy.

Al tavolo vs al banco?

Al tavolo = at a table (more expensive). Al banco = at the bar/counter (cheaper, faster). The traditional Italian way.

Cultural tip on Italian coffee?

Italians drink espresso quickly standing at the counter. Cappuccino is never ordered after a meal — Italians find that strange.

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