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Italian Coffee Culture - History, Roasts, Robusta, Real Cafe Expectations, And More

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Italian Coffee Culture - History, Roasts, Robusta, Real Cafe Expectations, And More

13 min read MAR 09, 2026

Quick Answer

Italy is known as the birthplace of the espresso machine and espresso (of course), so as all eyes shifted to this European wonder for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, we were also reminded of this country’s contributions to coffee culture around the world. Here, we’d like to highlight the characteristics of Italian coffee culture, both those qualities which we’ve seen incorporated into cafe practices and habits globally as well as those things which make Italian coffee culture unique.

Key Takeaways

Italy’s coffee/cafe history
Both Arabica and Robusta beans in Italian brews
Roasting differences in Italian cafes
Italian coffee preparation methods
The Italian Cafe experience

While many of us haven’t been impressed by the sheer amount of…well…winter we’ve received this season - snow, ice, snow, more snow, and more ice - this 2026 winter season has brought about some pretty awe-inspiring things, specifically one spectacular event hosting talent from all around the world.

Yes, we’re talking about the Olympics, and as all eyes were focused on Italy for the games throughout the month of February, especially with Starbucks Coffee being one of the sponsors of Team USA, Italian coffee culture has garnered some well-deserved attention.

From specialty locations we’ve learned of - with many travelers highlighting cafe experiences in Milan - to unique menu offerings, the overall pace of coffee shop culture in Italy, roasting specifics, and more, through this year’s Olympic games we’ve had our Italian coffee interests piqued.

So, let’s spend a few moments today exploring the intricacies, excitement, and unique characteristics woven throughout the historically rich and culturally significant qualities of Italian coffee culture.

Italian Coffee Culture

If you’ve traveled much, even if only within the states, as a coffee lover and cafe connoisseur you may have noticed subtle differences in cafe culture, menu offerings, and even brewing techniques depending on the region you’ve visited.

Then, if you’ve travelled outside of the US, you may have noticed even greater differences in cafes depending not only on region but culture as well.

With Italy spending some time in the world spotlight due to the recent Olympic games, Italian cafe culture has inevitably been highlighted.

And, one of the most special aspects of this focus, if you ask me, comes down to history.

Did you know much of the cafe experiences we enjoy, and even expect, today stem from historic Italian coffee culture?

Of course, time brings about change in many ways, a wonderful aspect of life that allows for influence as well as individual distinctions which make cafe experiences unique, even special, no matter where you are.

But, for the next few moments, we’re all adventuring in Italy, so let’s take a look at not only the historic influences this country has graciously given to coffee culture worldwide, but a few unique qualities still present in Italian cafes today as well.

1- Historic Influences

Italy’s introduction to coffee is said to date back to the 16th century.

During this time, Prospero Alpini, a Venetian botanist and physician, encountered this magic bean while spending some time in Egypt.

This Italian introduction takes place roughly during the same time that coffeehouses emerged in the Middle East during the Ottoman Empire.

But, when coffee met Italy, it was love at first sip, and I guess you could say this relationship progressed rather quickly.

Cafes or coffeehouses in Italy rapidly became popular, these locations serving as hotspots or hubs for both intellectuals and artists.

Hint, hint…while most American cafes can be seen filled with all sorts of patrons, it’s not uncommon for coffeehouses here in the states to host intellectual meetings, writers, artists, and more on a daily basis - a cafe characteristic we can attribute to our coffee-loving friends in Italy.

However, the invention of the espresso machine truly transformed Italian coffee culture!

Here’s a quick glimpse into how this invention unfolded, now a staple in cafes around the globe:

Angelo Moriondo is said to have invented the first espresso machine in 1884, though this machine differed greatly from what we know today. Though some accredit Moriondo with the espresso machine, his invention is most commonly known as a large, bulky, steam-driven coffee machine. And, while this revolutionized coffee brewing at the time, it was seen as impractical for regular cafe use.
In 1901, an inventor from Milan by the name of Luigi Bezzera introduced Italy (and later the world) to the first true espresso machine, his revolutionary design allowing for pressurized steam, forced through finely ground coffee to produce single servings of rich, more concentrated, coffee.
Later, Desiderio Pavoni would make a few updates and adjustments to Bezzera’s design to refine this process, even making it more suitable for cafe/barista use with the addition of a pressure release valve.

Today, in Italy and across the globe, we appreciate the work of each of these inventors as we enjoy rich, concentrated, high quality cafe sips through their efficient innovations.

As you can imagine, the espresso machine changed Italian coffee culture to even include what we now consider a beloved ritual, something Italians call “pausa caffe,” or the coffee break.

2- Arabica and Robusta

There are two types of coffee beans most commonly used for consumption - Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica coffee is typically the type of bean you’ll find, buy, and sip here in the states. And, it’s usually described, compared to Robusta, as being more aromatically pleasing, sweeter, and having an all-around more “appreciated” flavor and mouthfeel.

Robusta coffee, on the other hand, is less widespread.

Generally, folks describe Robusta coffee as being far more strong, even harsh, though its high caffeine content and deep flavors do, rightfully, command a niche following.

And, where will you most likely find this niche Robusta-fan following?

In Italian cafes, that’s where!

Robusta is commonly used in making espresso blends, and in Italy, this species of coffee “significantly shapes Italy’s unique coffee culture.”

Here, Italians find the addition of Robusta coffee aids in bringing balance to more acidic Arabica beans yielding the classic, deeply dark, intense, and even bitter-sweet flavors associated with Italian cafe coffee.

Some have even described the use of Robusta in Italian coffee as a foundation or “backbone of Italy’s iconic espresso blends.”

And, while it’s not typical to find Robusta coffee on the menu in American cafes, some believe climate change may lead to a rise of the use of this java species, known for being more resilient to drought as well as heavy rains.

So, who knows, the world may soon be adopting even more features of classic Italian cafe culture.

3- Roasting

Having discussed the notion of espresso being a part of Italy’s iconic brew, specifically a mixture of Arabica and Robusta beans to make such a cup, you might have guessed that dark is just how it’s done in Italy.

Espresso coffee is truly just very darkly roasted coffee beans, finely ground, then brewed in a machine which utilizes steam and pressure to yield a compressed, tasty cup.

And, with this in mind, it’s no surprise that Italian coffee is roasted differently than your typical medium roast, or even dark roast.

Italian coffee, mirrored after deeply dark espresso, is roasted for longer times and at hotter temps to yield what many refer to as “the darkest of the dark” coffee roasts.
Perhaps these stipulations in roasting come about in an attempt to yield those Robusta additions?

Either way, Italian coffee is roasted at temperatures near 455 degrees Fahrenheit (or hotter) to bring out bitter and robust flavors, delivering a very full body and deeply rich mouthfeel, sip after sip.

4- Let It Breathe

From the bold, deeply dark base to the airy, artful, and naturally produced crema resting on top, an Italian espresso is a beauty to behold.

But how do they get that crema just right…every time?!
It seems the secret here lies in patience, timing, and simply giving your cup a few moments to breathe.

Now, don’t get me wrong, we’re not talking about a significant amount of time here, as too much time would allow the espresso to cool too much, resulting in a less-than-ideal sipping experience.

So, before serving a freshly made shot of espresso in an Italian cafe, you’ll find the barista lets the cup rest for a few quick moments, a practice which allows the espresso to cool ever-so-slightly (avoiding burnt sips) while unlocking the intense taste and aroma of the coffee.

This practice also allows the crema to slightly settle, improving both the appearance and taste of each sip.

To accomplish this in an at-home setting, Moka pots are typically used in brewing, and when using this method (letting it breathe), leaving the lid open while brewing allows for the release of steam, preventing your brew from overheating and becoming too bitter.

5- The Italian Coffee Culture Experience

In America, experience is everything when it comes to cafe culture.

In Italy, not so much.

I suppose you could say Italian coffee speaks for itself, with no need for an added experience?

Or, maybe Italians are just plain serious about their coffee?

Either way, there are a few noticeable differences in typical cafe culture here in the states versus what you might experience in Italy.

The Winter Olympics put the spotlight on Italian Coffee, and as Starbucks was a sponsor of Team USA, you may have seen the feature regarding what most are referring to as the best Starbucks on the planet.

Located in the historic building which used to house the Italian stock exchange and post office in Milan, this Starbucks Reserve Roastery is said to be the Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory of coffeehouses, something highly atypical as far as Italian cafes are concerned.

With a vast menu, one which features espresso martini flights, olive oil affogatos, pizza, and decadent tiramisu, this location also roasts coffee for the public to view, then piping the roasted, bagged beans through overhead tubes to then be shipped to cafes throughout the region.

And, while this experience sure seems like something coffee-lovers definitely would not want to miss, it doesn’t speak for the Italian cafe norm.

So then, what can you expect when visiting an Italian cafe?

Expect Espresso… While Italian cafes have a variety of menu offerings, the most classic Italian order is an espresso. Daria Illy, Coffee Culture Director at illycaffe, describes the ideal Italian drink as “a concentrated beverage with a kick to it and a layer of crema,” noting also that “espresso is the maximum expression of coffee.”

In fact, espresso is coffee in Italy, or the standard type of coffee one would order in a cafe. Nearly 70% of Italian consumers drink espresso, a beverage second only to water.

Other Options… With espresso being the primary coffee beverage in Italian coffee, espresso-based drinks are also commonly available, items such as cappuccinos, macchiatos, lattes, corretos, and lungos.

Sip and Savor… I’ve actually found conflicting information regarding Italian cafe etiquette as it pertains to the time folks spend sipping and savoring beverages in coffee shops.

Some describe Italian coffee as something not to be experienced alone, highlighting the social aspects of both coffee and cafes.

Still others detail cafe experiences as quick breaks in the day, something enjoyed in a few savored sips from a demitasse (not a to-go cup) while standing at a counter as opposed to the lattes, long sips, and even longer time spent in cafe chairs here in the states.

While these quick stops and standing room only sips seem out of the ordinary and less than ideal for connection compared to cafe experiences in the US, this part of Italian coffee culture is still described as a treasured ritual amongst connoisseurs, providing opportunity, albeit somewhat rushed, for both indulgence and connection.

Timing and Tastes… Espresso based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes, etc. typically contain milk in varying forms and amounts. However, when in Italy, there’s only one time of day in which it’s deemed appropriate to order such a sip.

Morning hours are those times when you can expect to see orders of milk infused espresso drinks, but in the afternoon, you’ll find Italians switching to only espresso, with a macchiato sometimes being acceptable as well.

Some have described ordering a cappuccino or latte in the afternoon as the best way to indicate to baristas and fellow cafe customers that you are, in fact, a tourist.

Another tidbit regarding Italian cafe culture tastes involves dessert. Here in the states we typically enjoy our sips alongside something sweet. But, Italians generally only enjoy coffee paired with dessert in an after-dinner setting. In fact, the general consensus is "dessert and coffee are separate pleasures in Italy.”

You can also expect your Italian caffe, or coffee, to be consumed in house - in other words, to-go cups aren’t a typical finding in Italian cafes.

Size and Temp… Another unique aspect of Italian coffee culture centers around an absence of specification when compared to US cafes. In Italy, you’ll rarely find small, medium, or large sizes, no grandes, ventis, or otherwise. Instead, when you order a coffee, you simply order un caffe, or a cappuccino, macchiato, etc. And upon ordering, you’ll receive your drink in its designated cup, as Italian cafe cups are generally specific to the type of beverage you order.

You can also expect a noticeable difference in temperature when ordering in an Italian cafe.

Italian coffee is often served warm, not piping hot, as baristas do not wish to serve burnt-tasting coffee due to excessive brewing temps.

Ordering Imperatives… Many of the cafe selections we love here in the states get their names from Italian cafe offerings - cappuccino, macchiato, latte, etc. However, these titles, when used in the states, have actually had part of their original names removed.

For instance, a latte in the US describes a drink with milk and coffee. But in Italy, the original name for this beverage is a caffe latte. To shorten it to the American beverage moniker would actually omit the caffe, or the coffee. Yep, order a “latte” in Italy, and you’ll be served milk alone, a cup completely void of the good stuff - caffe (coffee).

While American coffee lovers may experience a bit of cafe culture shock when travelling to Italy, with a potentially fast-paced coffee break, void of milk in the afternoons, milder-temped, and traditionally absent of a sweet treat side kick, the rich tastes of Italian coffee, enjoyed in the birthplace of espresso, allowing indulgences in Robusta varieties mingled with milder Arabica in a classic Italian blend…well, these sure sound enticing to me!

What about you?

Any Italian excursions on your radar complete with cafe samplings on your itinerary?

Or, have you visited or frequented Italian cafes throughout your adventures in life?

If so, how would you describe Italian coffee, cafe culture, etc.?

FAQ

1- How can I make Italian coffee at home?

A true espresso, complete with bold flavor, rich aroma, and an aesthetically pleasing crema resting atop this deeply hued brew should get you close to an Italian espresso. However, if you’d like to take this one step further, search for a clean Robusta coffee you can mix with Lifeboost Medium or Dark Roast Coffee.

A traditional Italian espresso blend generally contains 70-80% Arabica coffee and 20-30% Robusta coffee.

The Arabica beans provide a pleasing aroma alongside a touch of sweetness, while the Robusta beans yield a thick and creamy body and crema.

Be sure to grind these to a fine ground before using an espresso machine or Moka pot to deliver your at-home Italian cafe coffee.