It's no secret that Italians love their coffee. Take a look at a menu from any American coffee shop and you'll find that nearly all the drinks on the menu get their names from the Italian language (barista, cappuccino, latte - just to name a few). There's one thing we share with the country of Italy when it comes to coffee consumption - and that's a passion for drinking it. But there's one big difference that stands between us: culture.
Italian coffee culture is different from anywhere around the world. If you don't know what you're ordering you could be left feeling disappointed. For example, if you order a latte in Italy don't be surprised when a large glass of milk is placed in front of you. Here's a sampling of some of the coolest coffee spots in Florence (and one in Milan that you can't miss) served with a handful of culture and tips on how to order your espresso - the Italian way.
Chiaroscuro Coffee Bar
Via delle Torri, 55 - 50142 Florence, Italy
Monday - Saturday 7:30am-9:30pm
Sunday 8am-9:30pm
In 1503, Leonardo Da Vinci started painting the famous Mona Lisa in Florence - the portrait of the woman with the mystic smile that has been sung about, written about and talked about for centuries.
In 1999, Chiaroscuro was opened up in the heart of Mona Lisa's hometown (way before she moved to The Louvre Paris). Named after the painting technique used in Da Vinci’s masterpiece, Chiaroscuro is a coffee bar designed to celebrate the art of Italian coffee and culture.
When you walk in on your right you’ll be greeted by a glass cases full of savory lunch items and flaky Italian pastries on wooden cutting boards. Dark wooden furniture and navy tiled floors guide you toward the back of the bar - an open space with lots of seating. Whether you’re there to enjoy the company of a friend or to grind out a homework assignment, Chiaroscuro’s calm vibe is perfect for a long stay. And since you have to pay on your way out, you can take your time to sip and enjoy.
But this coffee shop serves more than just your average latte macchiato or steamy cappuccino. Along with drinks, their menu is full of appetizers like cheese plates and main dishes like risotto.
The staff is friendly, and ready to answer any questions you have about Italian coffee culture. For example, how do you drink a caffè corretto? When you order this coffee concoction you're given tiny cup of espresso served with a single shot of Italian brandy (usually grappa).The drink it, pour as much of the shot as you prefer in your steaming cup of espresso, stir and drink. Literally translated as "corrected coffee,"caffè corretto is usually enjoyed by Italians in the late afternoon or evening. The taste of the grappa can over power the coffee, which is why places like Chiaroscuro will give you a shot glass to add the liquor to your liking. But beware, even a small drop or two will leave your espresso tasting strong and bitter.
The best part of this cool coffee bar is probably its central location: Chiaroscuro is located just a few short blocks away from the popular Piazza della Repubblica, a central area lined with lots of shopping. So to avoid dropping while shopping, this is the best place for a quick pick-me-up. Want to look like a true Italian and avoid an extra cover charge? Order and drink your coffee by the bar.
Ditta Artigianale
Via dei Neri, 32/R - 50122 Florence, Italy
Monday - Friday 8am-10pm
Saturday 9:30am - 12am
Sunday 9:30am-10pm
Ditta Artigianale is tucked away and hidden from the tourist traps of Florence. It sits on a quiet street, and you would almost pass it if it weren't for the delicious smell of coffee and pastries wafting from their front door. Similar to Chiaroscuro, the staff here is cheerful and chatty. It's also the best place to go if you're in a rush - the baristas behind the bar efficiently whip up the most delicious cappuccinos that can be taken to go. How good is this cappuccino, you ask? Well it was good enough to make Ditta Artigianale founder Francesco Sanapo sixth-best bartender at the World Barista Championship.
Something that you might not find when you walk into this coffee bar is that they offer classes to coffee lovers looking to expand their knowledge of the wonderful world of caffeine. From teaching potential baristas how to work behind the counter to giving beginners the basics of a coffee education, this coffee bar offers courses of all sorts.
American study abroad student Katie Varan said Artigianale feels authentically Italian.
"They also stimulate a social environment and you can only use laptops for certain hours," Varan said.
There are two locations in Florence, but the Ditta Artigianale featured in this article is only a few blocks away from Santa Croce - a church turned museum featuring the works (and bodies) of some of Florence's famous geniuses (Michelangelo and Galileo are among the well-known scholars and artists laid to rest there). Why not grab a croissant to go and take a stroll towards Santa Croce?
La Milkeria
Borgo degli Albizi, 87 - 50122 Florence, Italy
Monday - Thursday 8am - 7:30pm
Friday & Sunday 8am - 11:30pm
Saturday 8am - 12:30am
La Milkeria is more than just your average coffee spot - it's also a gelateria and creperie with a bright and airy atmosphere. While standing outside on the sidewalk, you can watch the staff pouring batter over a skillet to make crepes. Inside, the white walls, high ceilings and silver accents make stepping into La Milkeria feel like taking a breath of fresh air.
When you walk in there are plenty of places to sit (either at a table or at a small high top bar) and take in the sweet smells of freshly made crepes and gelato (and eat some, too). Nutella is featured on several crepes and waffles on the menu - but if the hazelnut-chocolate spread isn't for you, you can also customize your crepe with other add-ins. Try trading in Nutella for melted white chocolate and fruit.
While this spot was made for the sweet tooth, La Milkeria also has a several savory menu options to choose from. Wraps, sandwiches and bagels can be filled with anything you like. They also serve salted french galettes - a French baked good that's a mix between a quiche, a cake and a pie.
And of course, at La Milkeria, the coffee is overflowing. Their coffee menu offers the normal favorites found in nearly all coffee shops, cafes and bars all over Italy. Try a shakerato - an espresso drink served over ice cubes with a hint of of sweetener.
Keep in mind when ordering your coffee that in Italy there's sort of a coffee drinking schedule. If you are craving a latte macchiato (steamed milk "spotted" with espresso), take a glance at your watch - coffee drinks served with milk aren't consumed after 11 a.m. Italians do not enjoy them in the afternoon or after meals so if you want to order your cappuccino without looking like a tourist, do it early!
Bar Luce
Largo Isarco, 2, 20139 - Milan, Italy
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday - Sunday 9am -10pm
Closed Tuesday
Even though this bar is not in Florence like the others listed here, it is just way too cool to not include on this list. Bar Luce is a coffee bar designed by renown film director Wes Anderson. His movies like Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel have captured the attention of movie buffs from around the world. With a quirky style and signature symmetry these movies have entered into a genre of their own. If you're even slightly familiar with his films, visiting this cool coffee spot is worth the journey. Bar Luce is located on the grounds of contemporary art museum Fondazione Prada, but is open to the public.
Needless to say, being inside this bar is like living in a colorful (and aesthetically pleasing) Wes Anderson set. According to Mr. Anderson himself, every detail of this bar was thought out: He said he wanted to create a bar he would want to write a script in. Everything from the pastel furniture to the perfectly pressed black bow ties worn by the waiters is picture perfect. On every mint green table there are pink and white napkins sitting next to pink and white sugar packets. Even the light-colored menu is written in a clean typewriter font.
Beating the crowd is the key to good service at this local coffee joint, so get there early before the museum rush starts. When you've finished your tart and espresso you can head inside Fondazione Prada (it seems like Italians love their coffee close to their art galleries).
Next time your in Italy, take advantage of the coffee culture that can be found in every coffee bar and caffe you walk into. More importantly, savor every sip: In Italy, coffee is a craft, and bakers wake up at the crack of dawn to see that each delightful pastry is made with care. So, think twice before you put that espresso in a to-go cup and enjoy the atmosphere of your favorite coffee bar.