DinaLast Updated on January 3, 2025
Unlike Greece and other European countries where savory breakfast options dominate, Italian breakfast (colazione) is distinctly SWEET. First-time visitors are often surprised to learn that Italians skip the familiar breakfast spreads of cheese, ham, and salami that are common throughout Europe. In fact, the concept of a hearty English breakfast or Greek breakfast with eggs and meats is completely foreign to Italian breakfast culture.
WHAT DO ITALIANS EAT FOR BREAKFAST AT THE BAR?
Most Italians take their breakfast, “la colazione,” at a bar, standing up for just 5 minutes. The first time I tried to drink a cappuccino standing at the bar ‘Italian-style,’ it took me about 10 minutes. During those 10 minutes, about 10 Italians had come in, ordered their cappuccino, and left! While I eventually got used to it, I still find it impossible to drink a cappuccino in less than 5 minutes!
At the bar, the most classic Italian breakfast order is un cornetto e un cappuccino – a croissant (cornetto) and a cappuccino, which as I mentioned above, they’ll drink in just three sips. The cornetto comes in various flavors, from Nutella to jam, honey, and cream, or simply plain.
Here’s a cultural surprise: While in Greece it’s perfectly normal to enjoy a cappuccino in the afternoon, you’ll never see an Italian drinking cappuccino after lunch or in the evening. It’s strictly considered a ‘breakfast drink’
Cappuccino, macchiato, caffè latte, or latte macchiato
Beyond the classic cappuccino, at an Italian bar you can order:
Latte macchiato – hot milk ‘marked’ with a drop of espresso, served in a tall glass, creating distinct layers of milk and coffee
Un caffè macchiato – an espresso ‘marked’ (macchiato means ‘stained’ in Italian) with just a drop of milk
Caffelatte – a generous amount of espresso with hot milk (usually served in a glass), similar to what the rest of the world calls a ‘latte’
What do Italians have for breakfast at home?
While cappuccino is the top breakfast drink in Italy, you’ll rarely see Italians making it at home. Instead, they typically drink classic espresso, made either with a machine or the traditional ‘moka’ pot, accompanied by:
- Slices of bread or toast with jam or Nutella
- Cookies (biscotti) – yes, Italians consume these by the kilo, but strictly in the morning!
- Mini croissants – and I say ‘mini‘ because they’re noticeably smaller than what we’re used to in Greece
- Classic cereals with milk
Regional Breakfast Differences: Unlike Greece, Italian food habits vary significantly by region. While this might be the typical breakfast in Rome, in Sicily you’ll find people enjoying brioche with granita (sweet ice granules, often with coffee or fruit flavors)!
And for lunch? Pasta, of course! Check out my authentic carbonara recipe without cream here.
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