Explore Italia
During various stays in Italy, you will surely notice that the color of espresso varies significantly across the country. This phenomenon is easy to explain—for example, an espresso in northern Italy is roasted lighter than in southern Italy. Join us on a journey from northern to southern Italy as we explore the differences in roasting and flavor across different places and regions.
Coffee in Italy
The Italian cuisine is famous for pizza, pasta & amore, but equally important in the land of love is Italian caffè. In Italian culture, coffee plays a significant role—it is not just a drink but an essential part of daily social life. Italians take their coffee tradition very seriously, associating their favorite beverage with a certain elegance and style. In Italy, it is common to drink an espresso while standing at the bar or counter, chatting with friends or simply soaking in the atmosphere. For many, visiting a café has become a daily ritual and an essential part of the Italian way of life. Even at home, coffee is often offered as a symbol of hospitality.
Coffee in Europe has its origins in Italy, as the first coffee beans arrived in Venice as early as the 17th century. And although this new indulgence was initially reserved for the wealthy elite, the aromatic hot beverage quickly spread. Before long, coffee became accessible to the general population and has been associated with Italy ever since. What makes Italian coffee so special is the diversity of its roasting styles.
A journey from the north to the south of Italy beautifully highlights the regional differences in coffee. Whether from Lake Garda, Venice, Tuscany, Rome, Naples, or Sicily—each region’s coffee roasting style has its own unique characteristics. On this coffee journey through Italy, we will explore the different flavors and roasts, introducing you to carefully selected products so that you can find your favorite among Italy’s incredibly aromatic coffee beans—true to the motto: 'Explore Coffee – Explore Italia'.
Typical Italian Coffees
Coffee at Lake Garda: An Unforgettable Experience
Our coffee journey from northern to southern Italy begins at Lake Garda. If you’re looking for an unforgettable coffee break, Lake Garda is the perfect choice. This picturesque lake offers breathtaking views, and you can enjoy a relaxed coffee experience here all year round. The idyllic atmosphere invites you to spend a cozy afternoon by the lakeshore, where you can simply unwind with a delicious cup of coffee.
Northern Italy is known for its light coffee roasts. The blends roasted and served here typically contain a high proportion of Arabica coffee beans, with common Arabica-to-Robusta ratios of 80/20 or 90/10. Due to the lighter roast, coffees in northern Italy are often milder, sweeter, and more fruity, reflecting the cheerful and vibrant flair of the Lake Garda region. Since coffee in the north is generally roasted much lighter than in the south, you can expect blends with flavor notes of milk chocolate, marzipan, citrus fruits like grapefruit, and stone fruits such as mango, apricot, or peach.
The cafés around Lake Garda offer everything from traditional Italian cuisine to the most modern coffee preparation methods. Here, you can taste different coffee varieties as well as cappuccino and latte macchiato with milk foam, which are particularly popular in this region.
You’ll also find several long-established coffee roasteries around Lake Garda, where the art of roasting has been passed down for generations. Here, coffee is not a mass product but is carefully crafted in small batches—and you can truly taste the passion in every cup!
Coffees from Lake Garda
Coffee Culture in Milan: The Art of Espresso Making
Are you a true coffee lover? Then a visit to Milan should definitely be on your list! Brewing espresso is a true Italian tradition, and in the metropolis of Milan, coffee culture is taken seriously. In bars and cafés, our favorite drink is prepared by skilled baristas who have mastered their craft to perfection. This makes Milan not only a must-visit for art and fashion enthusiasts but also a paradise for coffee lovers.
The light roasting style typical of northern Italy is often referred to as "Milanese-style roasting." Similar to the coffees from the Lake Garda region, blends in Milan also tend to have a significantly higher proportion of Arabica beans compared to Robusta. These blends offer a delicate and medium-bodied aroma, with low acidity and bitterness. A fine crema completes the mild and well-balanced coffee experience.
One of the most highly recommended spots to enjoy coffee in Milan is Zucca Galleria, one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cafés. Here, you can not only savor excellent coffee but also immerse yourself in a truly impressive atmosphere. However, Milan is home to countless cafés and bars where you can indulge in outstanding coffee specialties.
Milan is a city of many facets—from art and fashion to its vibrant coffee scene. A visit is definitely worth it, and it remains one of the top recommendations for tourists who want to experience it all firsthand—while enjoying a traditionally light-roasted espresso at an authentic Italian coffee bar!
Coffees from Milan & Milanese-Style Coffee
Venice: A Lighter, Less Darkly Roasted Coffee for the Venetians
Venice is one of Italy’s most famous coffee cities and the starting point of Italian coffee culture. As a renowned coffee hub, Venice holds a significant place in the history of Italian coffee. It was here that the tradition of light roasting began—a tradition that continues in many parts of Italy to this day. The sweet aroma and hazelnut-colored hue make the experience truly special.
Venetians appreciate a clear, not-too-darkly roasted coffee that is neither too strong nor overly bitter. Typically, Venetian coffee features a light, hazelnut-colored crema and a full-bodied, low-acidity, well-balanced profile. It often carries pleasant notes of chocolate, nuts, and vanilla without being too intense. This type of coffee has a subtle sweetness, reminiscent of caramelized almonds, which prevents any excessive bitterness.
With its high Arabica content, Venetian coffee offers a fruity sweetness and a mild yet distinct character. Espresso in Venice is known for its delicate bitterness and slightly tangy taste. If you find yourself in Venice, be sure to try this lighter roast—it will give you an authentic taste of Venetian coffee culture!
Coffees from Venice
Tuscany: The Perfect Blend of Northern and Southern Italy
What makes Tuscan coffee so special? In Tuscany, coffee and art come together in a truly unique way. The region is known for its excellent coffee beans and its rich cultural history, reflected in countless works of art. From Renaissance masters to contemporary artists, Tuscany has a long-standing tradition of fostering art and culture. This harmonious fusion of coffee and art allows us to experience and appreciate the beauty of Tuscany in a special way. After all, what could be better than wandering through the streets of Florence or Siena with a delicious espresso or cappuccino in hand while admiring breathtaking masterpieces?
When you taste a coffee from Tuscany, you’ll notice that it is different from the typical roasts of northern or southern Italy. It combines the floral and fruity notes of northern Italian roasts with the body and bold roasted flavors of the south, creating a unique taste that is both full-bodied and intense. Tuscan coffee features a rich crema, and the beans tend to be darker and slightly oilier than those in the north.
In general, Tuscan roasts are well-balanced and elegant—offering a fine acidity paired with refined strength. The aroma is fragrant, and the body is strong. If you’re looking to try something new or searching for a delicious Italian coffee, a café visit in Tuscany is highly recommended. This perfect fusion of both parts of Italy offers an unparalleled depth of flavor!
Coffees from Tuscany
Coffee in Rome: Exquisite Blends and Great Enjoyment
Rome is renowned for its warm hospitality, magnificent monuments, and exquisite cuisine—but one of the most delightful experiences the Eternal City has to offer is its coffee. With the highest density of cafés in all of Italy, Rome boasts an impressive selection of premium coffee blends that cater to every taste and preference.
But what makes Roman coffee so special? The secret lies in its roasting style, which leans heavily towards a southern Italian tradition. As we travel further south in Italy, coffee roasts become progressively darker. In Rome, espresso is typically roasted to a deep, rich hue, giving it a bold, spicy flavor with a fuller, more robust body and a slightly oily texture. You’ll often find notes of chocolate, toasted bread, and clove, adding depth to its distinctive taste.
What also sets Roman coffee apart is its emphasis on quality and variety. The city is home to an impressive selection of fine coffee blends, many of which are still crafted using time-honored dark roasting techniques. This results in a uniquely flavorful cup with a pleasant spiciness and a smooth, velvety finish.
Rome’s thriving café culture offers an unmatched coffee experience. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino, the city’s wealth of top-quality coffee and diverse blends is sure to impress. A visit to Rome is not just a journey through history and gastronomy—it’s an opportunity to savor some of Italy’s finest coffee.
Coffees from Rome
Neapolitan Coffee: Rich in Robusta and Intensely Roasted
If you’re heading to Naples, get ready to experience a truly unique coffee culture. Coffee in Naples is known for its bold, intense flavors, shaped by deep-rooted traditions and a preference for strong roasts.
Neapolitan coffee is typically roasted much darker than in northern regions of Italy. The longer roasting process results in dark, almost black coffee beans with a rich, full-bodied taste. The intense roasting draws out the oils from the beans, reducing acidity and minimizing fruity notes while enhancing the coffee’s bold, smoky character.
Another defining feature of Neapolitan coffee is the traditional drum roasting method, which has been passed down through generations. Many small, family-run roasteries in Naples still adhere to this artisanal process, carefully roasting their beans to achieve a distinctive and robust flavor profile.
If you appreciate strong, full-bodied espresso with a deep, roasted intensity, then a coffee break in Naples is a must. Let yourself be immersed in the city’s passionate coffee culture—every sip is a taste of Neapolitan tradition!
Coffees from Naples
Discover Sicilian Coffee: Bold Roasts with Strong Character
Embark on a journey to Sicily, where coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a deep-rooted tradition. The island is famous for its rich and intense coffee blends, renowned for their bold character and full-bodied taste. Whether you prefer a powerful espresso or a cappuccino crowned with a thick, velvety crema, Sicilian coffee offers an unforgettable experience for every coffee lover.
Unlike the lighter roasts popular in northern Italy, Sicilian coffee is known for its dark, intense roasting process. The beans are carefully selected and roasted at high temperatures to produce a strong, full-bodied flavor with a deep, aromatic complexity. The result? A coffee rich in roasted notes, with hints of chocolate, nuts, and malt. Thanks to the higher Robusta content, the crema takes on a hazelnut hue, adding to the coffee’s bold, slightly smoky character and pronounced bitterness.
Sicilians are passionate about their coffee, and this is reflected in their unique coffee culture. While a strong, dark espresso remains a local favorite, chilled coffee drinks are also highly popular, especially during the island’s warm summers.
If you’re looking to experience an espresso culture that embraces deep, intense roasts and distinctive flavors, then Sicily is the perfect destination. Don’t miss the chance to savor these rich and powerful coffee blends—it's a taste adventure like no other!
Coffees from Sicily
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