Espresso Rules
"Espresso (called 'caffè' in Italy) is a concentrated coffee shot consumed in under 60 seconds while standing at the bar. Sitting adds a €2-4 surcharge. Cappuccino is strictly a breakfast drink before 11am; ordering it after lunch marks you as a tourist. Romans drink caffè (espresso) after meals with a small glass of water."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Fast, ritualistic
Duration
2 minutes
Best For
Everyone
The Backstory
Espresso culture arrived in Rome in the 1900s with modern machines. The ritual is social: you stop at your local bar twice daily, greet the barista by name, and exchange neighborhood gossip while sipping.
Local Secret
"At bars, pay at the register first, take your receipt to the bar, then order. Never order 'espresso'—say 'un caffè.' For strong coffee, ask for 'caffè ristretto.'"