Typical Breakfast In Italy & How To Order It!
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Hollywood had me thinking a typical breakfast in Italy was a cigarette and an espresso!
Here to tell you, it’s a bit more than that… but not by much. Breakfast in Italy is usually a coffee with some sort of freshly baked pastry, and depending on the region, maybe a little ham and cheese sandwich (especially in the north).
Either way, breakfast in Italy is caffeine and carbs.
It is not common to have eggs or bacon for breakfast in Italy, nor is brunch a thing in Italy (although that is growing in popularity in bigger cities like Rome and Milan).
Typical Breakfast In Italy
So we all know that Italian food is the global comfort food for all cultures and kids – pasta, pizza, and meat sauces. But what the heck do Italians have for breakfast?
In Italy, breakfast (colazione) is usually a simple meal that consists of a coffee (espresso or cappuccino) and a pastry (cornetto or brioche). A slice of toasted bread (pane tostato) with butter and jam or honey or a small sandwich (panino) with ham and cheese are also typical breakfasts.
I don’t know how the Italians keep so fit because all of the breakfast pastries are often filled with jam, cream, or chocolate and sometimes sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Toasted Bread, Butter, and Jam
The most typical breakfast in Italy is simple. Some sort of toasted bread. Then a spread, like butter and jam. Add an espresso or cappuccino. Voila!
Depending on the region of Italy, you will have a different type of fresh bread.
➡️ In Italian: pane, burro e marmellata
Cornettos & Other Baked Goodies
Another typical breakfast in Italy is grabbing a pastry with your espresso.
This is especially amazing because all the bakeries in the morning have fresh goodies, and the smells are enough to get your taste buds going.
➡️ Cornetto – Italian croissant
➡️ Ciambella – Italian Donut
➡️ Saccottino – Pan au chocolate
➡️ Ventaglio – millefeuille pastry
Quicky Espresso & Cornetto At The Bar
This is when you know you’ve reached peak “Italian mode.” You’ll often see people standing around a ‘breakfast bar’ in Italy, quickly grabbing a cornetto (or other baked good) and a short espresso.
I’ve often wondered – don’t Italians get hungry after this little breakfast?
And I learned that before this quickie breakfast, they actually have a more substantial carb overload breakfast at home. Italians do love their bread.
Most Popular Breakfast In Italy
The most popular breakfast in Italy is going to be an espresso or cappuccino with some sort of fresh pastry, like a cornetto (which is basically an Italian croissant).
Fun Fact: The region you are in dictates the type of breakfast you will have. In Sicily, a typical breakfast is a brioche with granita (icy drink – usually fruit or coffee flavored)
Coffee Culture In Italy
As we all know, coffee culture in Italy is a thing. It is an integral part of the country’s social fabric and daily life.
In Italy, coffee is not just a drink but a way of life. It is enjoyed throughout the day, often standing up at the bar of a coffee shop or café. Coffee shops in Italy are commonly referred to as “bars” and are a social hub where locals gather to catch up with friends, read the newspaper, or simply take a break from their busy day.
The most popular coffee drink in Italy is espresso, a strong shot of coffee served in a small cup.
Northern Italy Road Trip
This is one of the best northern Italy road trips I’ve done – the Dolomites, Rome, Florence, Milan, and Lake Como included!
Now, I’ve heard tourists not think that espressos in a small plastic cup is authentic Italian just because it does not look Instagramable, and that really blows my bubble. You don’t need a silver spoon to enjoy a good meal, just like you don’t need a small porcelain cup to enjoy a good espresso.
I’ve seen very authentic Napoli old men drink their espresso out of a tiny little plastic cup while sitting on a curb judging the passerby – and it doesn’t get any more Italian than that!
While the cup may not matter as much, the coffee does. Italians take their espresso seriously and believe that it should be served at the perfect temperature, with a thick layer of crema on top (all other European countries, please take note!)
Other popular coffee drinks in Italy include cappuccino, caffè latte, and macchiato.
FUN FACT: Cappuccino is typically only consumed in the morning and not after a meal, as milk is believed to interfere with digestion. Genius.
Italians also have specific customs and rituals surrounding coffee consumption. For example, it is common for Italians to order a coffee after a meal, known as “caffè corretto,” which is an espresso with a shot of liquor in it.
Overall, coffee culture in Italy is a cherished tradition that reflects the country’s passion for food, drink, caffeine, and socializing.
Ordering Coffee The Italian Way
Ordering coffee in Italy can be quite different from ordering coffee in other parts of the world. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose your coffee: In Italy, coffee typically means espresso. So when you order a “caffe”, you will get an espresso. You can order it “normale” (normal), “lungo” (long, which means more water in the espresso-making it an Americano), “ristretto” (short), or “macchiato” (with milk).
- Find a bar: Look for a “bar” or “caffè” in Italy. This is where you’ll find the coffee, not a coffee shop or Starbucks, as you might find in other countries.
- Stand at the bar: In Italy, people typically drink their coffee standing up at the bar. If you prefer to sit, there may be tables available, but be aware that you’ll likely be charged more for the privilege.
- Place your order & pay: When the person at the register is available, place your order by saying “Un caffè per favore” (A coffee, please) and specify how you’d like it prepared.
- Get your coffee from the barista: In Italy, you typically pay for your coffee first and then take the receipt to the barista to get your coffee.
- Enjoy: Sip your coffee at the bar or take it with you if you’re in a hurry. And don’t forget to enjoy the flavor!
Types of Coffees In Italy
Here are some of the most popular types of coffee you can order in Italy:
✔️ Espresso – a strong shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. I like espresso dopio (double espresso).
✔️ Caffè macchiato – espresso with a small amount of steamed milk.
✔️ Cappuccino – equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
✔️ Latte macchiato – a tall glass of steamed milk with a shot of espresso on top.
✔️ Americano – a shot of espresso diluted with hot water.
✔️ Caffè corretto – espresso “corrected” with a shot of grappa or other alcohol.
✔️ Caffè lungo – a “long” espresso made with more water and a longer extraction time.
These are just a few examples of the many types of coffee you can find in Italy. Keep in mind that Italian coffee culture is all about savoring the taste of the coffee, so don’t rush your order!
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Times In Italy
In Italy, traditional meal times vary somewhat depending on the region and individual habits but generally follow the following pattern:
✅ Breakfast (Colazione)
This typically consists of a coffee, tea, or cappuccino with some type of pastry or bread, such as a croissant (cornetto) or toast with jam. Breakfast is usually consumed quickly and on the go and is typically served between 7:30 am and 10:00 am.
✅ Lunch (Pranzo)
Lunch is the most important meal of the day and is usually consumed between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm. It typically consists of multiple courses, starting with a pasta dish, followed by a meat or fish course, and ending with a salad or dessert. And, of course, a coffee.
Lunch is often enjoyed with a glass of wine and may include a siesta or rest period afterward.
✅ Dinner (Cena)
Dinner is typically eaten later in the evening and is lighter than lunch. It is usually served between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm and may consist of a simple pasta dish, a soup or salad, or a selection of antipasti.
Dinner is often accompanied by wine or beer and may be followed by a small dessert or cheese plate.
In Closing: My Favorite Breakfast In Italy
I love a good breakfast in Italy because it reminds me of home. Being brought up Romanian, we, too, have an abnormal addiction to sweet carbs, toasted bread with butter and jam, and strong coffee to chase it down.
