Why Do Italians Drink Coffee Standing Up?

Italy is a country obsessed with coffee, where it’s not uncommon to find seven or eight cafés on a single street. Italians particularly adore Espresso. If American coffee can be likened to beer, Espresso would be akin to strong spirits. Unlike coffee shops in many other countries that emphasize comfort and encourage customers to linger, Italian cafés present a very different scene—most Italians prefer to drink their coffee standing up at the counter.

The Reason Behind Standing Coffee Culture

The primary reason Italians drink coffee standing up is due to Italy’s dense population and limited space. Real estate in Italian cities is expensive and scarce. If all these numerous cafés provided extensive seating areas, it would consume significant space and greatly increase costs. Consequently, cafés opt for counters rather than seating. Moreover, authentic Italian espresso is so strong and stimulating that standing for a few minutes is hardly tiring. An additional benefit of standing is that customers tend to drink quickly and leave promptly, thus freeing up space for the next customer. In fact, the Italian word "Espresso" literally means "fast," highlighting the quick brewing time of around 10 seconds per cup.

A Relatively Recent Tradition

Interestingly, this tradition of standing to drink coffee only dates back around 60 years. The Espresso machine, which made quick coffee possible, was invented in 1946 by Italian Achille Gaggia. Espresso is traditionally served in small glass cups, filled halfway. For newcomers, it is advisable not to exceed two cups per day initially, as its strong caffeine content can be challenging to handle.

Coffee Drinking Etiquette and Pricing

It’s also worth noting that authentic Italian coffee is typically enjoyed without milk. Milk-based coffees are mainly found in cafés serving breakfast, which tend to offer seating. However, many Italians consider these places as not being genuine coffee bars.

Additionally, visitors should be cautious about sitting down in Italian cafés. If a server invites you to sit and promises to serve your coffee at the table, it usually means an additional service charge will be added to your bill. This is why many neighborhood cafés in Italy don’t even have chairs.

How to Drink Coffee Like a Local

Being perceived as a local in Italy is not just about appearance; it also involves mastering coffee etiquette. In Italy, Espresso is acceptable at any time of day. However, Cappuccino (coffee topped with steamed milk foam) is traditionally consumed only before 10:30 AM. Ordering it after this time instantly identifies you as a foreigner to the locals.

Understanding these nuances helps visitors immerse themselves in Italian culture, truly enjoying coffee the Italian way.