☕ Italian phrase guide
How to order coffee in Italian
Ordering a coffee is one of the first real conversations you'll have abroad. It's short and predictable, and a great place to build confidence. Here are the phrases you'll actually hear and say at the counter.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key Italian phrases
| Italian | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Ciao / Buongiorno | Hello / Good morning | |
| Vorrei un caffè, per favore. | I'd like a coffee, please. | |
| Un caffellatte, per favore. | A milky coffee (latte), please. | |
| piccolo / medio / grande | Small / medium / large | |
| Qui o da portare via? | For here or to go? | |
| Da portare via, per favore. | To go, please. | |
| Con latte d'avena, per favore. | With oat milk, please. | |
| Quant'è? | How much is it? | |
| Posso pagare con la carta? | Can I pay by card? | |
| Grazie, buona giornata! | Thanks, have a nice day! |
Example conversation
Barista
Buongiorno! Cosa le preparo?
Hi! What can I get you?
You
Vorrei un caffellatte, per favore.
I'd like a latte, please.
Barista
Piccolo o grande?
Small or large?
You
Grande, da portare via.
Large, to go.
Barista
Sono quattro euro e cinquanta.
That's four euros fifty.
You
Ecco a lei. Grazie!
Here you go. Thanks!
Good to know
💡 In Italy, "un caffè" is an espresso, and ordering just "latte" gets you a glass of milk. Locals often drink coffee standing at the bar, which is usually cheaper than sitting down.
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
Have this conversation with an AI partner who plays the other person, answers back, gives you a tip when something sounds off, and lets you speak your replies out loud. Free, no signup needed.
Practice "Order a coffee" in Italian →More Italian situations
🍽️ How to order at a restaurant🧭 How to ask for directions🏨 How to check into a hotel🙋 How to introduce yourself🩺 How to make a doctor's appointment