đŽđš Caffè? Oh, YAY! Letâs Brew Up a Chat on Coffee Culture in Italy
In this weekâs Per Te we talk about coffee bars â the lifeblood of any Italian town⌠We also explore clickbait when it comes to moving to Italy, meet another Smart Move Italy team member â more!
Italyâs Love Affair With Coffee âis WAY More Than Just Espresso! Letâs Order Up Some Options
Today, letâs wake up, smell the coffee, and explore Italian coffee culture. We wouldnât go so far as to call Italy coffee-obsessed (more so than many other countries), but it certainly looms large in everyday Italian life. And, it is undoubtedly one of the first things people think of when they think of la dolce vita.
So hereâs a primer on Italian "bars" to help you order your morning joe like a pro.
We all know espresso rules the day in Italy. But there are many ways to take your best âshotâ â and it changes throughout the day.
First, letâs talk about what it means to head down to your local bar, order something al banco (at the counter), and connect yourself to a ritual that millions of Italians follow daily:
The bar is the neighborhood meeting place. Even if you have the ability to make coffee at home (and most Italian residents do), there is simply nothing like beginning your day among locals and a quick chat about the weather or how the townâs football team played the night before. Thatâs why so many people venture to their local bar, even when they could just stay in and throw their Moka pot on the stove.
Many places do now offer caffè to go⌠but thatâs not really going to garner much good grace with your barista! Theyâll see it as not being able to let go of North American culture â always on the go, and no time to sip away some minutes just⌠well⌠not being in a hurry to get to whatâs next. Coffee is to be savored⌠appreciated⌠shared.
So, what to order?
Un caffè, or caffè normale: A standard shot of espresso. Italians drink this morning, noon, and night! But espressos are also way less coffee (though stronger) than what a tourist may be used to with a venti cup of drip coffee (which is not seen so much in Italy) Donât be afraid to dress that single shot up a bit! Here are some options:
Cappuccino: Ahh, that most Italian of beverages. Youâll read a lot about how itâs meant to only be an early-day drink in Italy. And, while true for Italians, if thatâs your jam, feel free to order one any time you like â yes, even after dinner. Just know the barista will probably roll their eyes when they turn around!
Caffè latte: These have become a worldwide sensation, in no small part due to the explosion of Starbucks over 40+ years. A shot of espresso and steamed milk. What a pairing. And more places in Italy are beginning to carry non-dairy milks like Oat and Almond. Just donât make the mistake of ordering a latte, or you will be given (if not asked to clarify) a glass of milk! Itâs caffè latte.
Caffè macchiato: If youâre lactose intolerant and the bar doesnât have non-dairy options, or you just donât like so much milk in your coffee, the macchiato is the way to go. Itâs just a dash of frothed milk poured on top of a normale. Still delicious while saving some calories.
Ristretto/Lungo: These adjust the amount of water used. Want a more concentrated shot with less water? Go ristretto. Want a longer pour to savor the shot a little longer? Lungo is for you. Itâs the perfect halfway point between a normale and âŚ
Caffè Americano: This is the closest thing in Italy to a cup of drip coffee at home. You get your espresso, but with a good amount of water to make it seem like youâve got a whole cup of coffee. Looking for something that will last you enough time to check out the first few pages of the newspaper the bar leaves out for customers? This is a great option.
Shakerato: Thereâs nothing better in the summer than pairing your espresso with ice, your milk of choice, and a little sugar. It answers the âiced coffeeâ craze, Italy-style.
Caffè Corretto: Coffee + alcohol â what could go wrong?! For an evening espresso, ask to dress it up with a shot of liquore like grappa or Sambuca.
Ginseng/Orzo: Not feeling a full-on coffee blast? These two varietals could be for you. Ginseng eases off on the coffee punch with ginseng flavoring to make it cappuccino-like, but less milky and less intense. If you like chai lattes, this could be up your alley. And a caffè dâorzo is a non-coffee, non-caffeinated product that is made from barley and offers a new twist on an old tradition.
Thirsty for more? On your next trip to Italy, try something new when you belly up to the bar!
Get To Know Ali Frothingham đ SMI's Community Leader
PerTe continues its series this week, introducing you to the heart and soul behind Smart Move Italy â the people who power it! This is a great way to get to know a little more about the folks whose names you may see on our site or mentioned in videos and AMAs. Perhaps youâll meet someone you read about here in the future!
Today, we talked to Ali Frothingham, SMIâs Community Membership Leader. What does that mean? She makes all the magic our New Life in Italy members see happen every day! Letâs find out more about Ali.
Where are you originally from and where have you lived?
Iâm originally from Vermont, USA, and Iâve always loved to travel. Growing up, I lived in the Caribbean for a few years, and as I got older, Iâve spent time living in Spain, Austria, the UK, and, of course, Italy.
What do you do at SMI?
Iâm the Community Membership Leader at Smart Move Italy. I manage our A New Life in Italy membership, where I assist members, keep resources updated, and organize live online events to support them in their journey to Italy.
Whatâs been your favorite task to work on, and why?
My favorite part of my job is helping members connect with each other and providing the essential information they need for their big (and sometimes complicated, with the bureaucracy) move to Italy. Knowing I can help them take that leap and live out their dreams here is incredibly rewarding.
Whatâs the best thing about what you do, and whatâs the hardest?
The best part is helping people achieve their dreams of moving to Italy. The hardest part is ensuring we answer everyone's questions and provide the most accurate, helpful information â especially since every case is unique.
Whatâs your favorite place to travel, both in Italy and abroad?
Itâs so hard to choose in Italy because there are so many places I love and all of them are so different! In the summer, exploring the little rocky beaches along the Tuscan coast has a special place in my heart. Abroad, I had an incredible month-long trip traveling around Thailand a few years ago, and I love Vienna and the lakes in Austria.
Whatâs your favorite thing to order at a restaurant?
In Italy, pizza â always! I honestly love any kind of pizza. Some of my favourites are prosciutto e funghi, la diavola with salsiccia piccante, provola e pepe, and of course a good old margherita. For pasta, pappardelle al cinghiale in Tuscany is one of my favorites.
Grazie, Ali, for taking the time to tell us more about yourself!
Taking âFreebeesâ Back to the Beginning for 2025!
You've been daydreaming about strolling through sun-soaked piazzas, sipping cappuccinos on your balcony, and embracing the Italian lifestyle. But when it comes to actually moving to Italy⌠reality hits.
What about the overwhelming paperwork? The language barriers? What if you make a costly mistake with visas, finances, or even housing?
Youâre excited, but uncertain. You start to wonder: âIs this move even possible?â or âWhat if Iâm overlooking something crucial?â Every Google search leaves you with more questions than answers (see the next item on clickbait!), and instead of feeling closer to Italy, you feel more stuck than ever.
Every single one of us who has made the move has been exactly where you are now! Instead of scrolling through endless forums or making costly mistakes, SMI offers a proven system, personalized for your journey, and the peace of mind that comes with it.
If you find yourself a bit lost and think 2025 is YOUR year to get serious about a move, this âMoving to Italy 101â Freebee is for youâ!
Podcast Corner đď¸ From Clickbait to Reality
The latest episode of A New Life in Italy tackles a topic more relevant than ever: fake news and misleading information about moving to Italy.
In a word: Ugh.
Letâs face itâwhen youâre navigating the overwhelming amount of advice online, it can be hard to know whatâs true and whatâs not. Thatâs why Smart Move Italy is here to help you separate fact from fiction, especially when it comes to something as life-changing as relocating to a new country.
It starts by looking at how misinformation creeps into our livesânot just in politics, but in health advice, travel tips, and, yes, all the details about moving to Italy. Acting on half-truths or sensationalized claims can lead to costly mistakes and big disappointments.
We break down some of the most common myths about moving to Italy, including tax benefits for ex-pats, visa misconceptions, and the âOne Euro Homeâ phenomenon.
We also share tips to help you navigate the noise and find reliable information. Whether itâs checking sources, consulting professionals, or recognizing when something is too good to be true, these strategies will empower you to make smarter, more confident decisions about your move.
By the end of the episode, youâll have a clearer understanding of how to avoid the traps of fake news and misinformationâand how to focus on the facts that will help make your Italian dream a reality.
And as always, we encourage you to follow Smart Move Italy on YouTube to see all our podcast and video feature â thereâs something for everyone!
Ask Samantha Anything (ASA): Per Teâs Investor Visa Write-up Has Me Asking⌠Is it the Right One for Me?
Ciao, Samantha! Last week, Per Te highlighted the Investor Visa. Iâve been torn between that and other avenues for citizenship. Can you dig a little deeper to tell me why investing might be the right road for me over others? Grazie! â Emily
Ciao, Emily! The big question around the Investor Visa that Iâm sure youâre asking is âWhy?â
Why does the Italian government want to give foreigners nearly all the same benefits as Italian citizens in exchange for investment in a start-up? The answer is simple. The country knows that people want to live here, but also knows that some may not want to live full time or risk problems with moving their taxable residency to Italy.
And, they know that if they offer access to all of the benefits of an Italian lifestyle, without the problems. And they can tie it to a benefit for local businesses, it is a win-win for all. You see, inward investment is vital for a country like Italy.
By injecting funds into start-ups and other Italian companies, the government can help foster growth, keep talent in the country, and support its already growing economy.
And what's the secret weapon to achieve this? Yes, you guessed it... the Investor Visa. Itâs the Italian government's way of increasing funding for enterprises and supporting start-ups in exchange for access to la dolce vita.
If you are able to invest âŹ250,000, you can claim all the benefits of living and working in Italy without any restrictions on you or your family. This could mean freedom to work, free education, access to permanent residency, and a pathway to citizenship after 10 years, should you wish.
Essentially, youâd enjoy all the benefits every Italian enjoys.
Smart Move Italy is always ready to answer your questions and discover if the Investor Visa is the right one for you. Click here to schedule a free consultation call!
*Please send your questions to richard@smartmoveitaly.com.
Location SpotlightđLa Spezia, Liguria
Want to SEE a great view? This weekâs Vendite spotlight shines on a fantastic find with a panoramic view of the Gulf of Poets in La Spezia.
Why is it called that? The name tips a hat to the many writers and poets who found the area inspirational to their work. Among them were Percy Bysshe Shelley (who tragically died in a boat wreck in the waters, cementing the moniker) as well as his friend, Lord Byron.
La Spezia today is the second-largest city in Liguria to Genoa, a gateway to the Cinque Terre, and a major commercial and military harbor in Italy.
This thoughtfully renovated apartment of approximately 1,050 square feet is highlighted by an expansive sea view. It consists of a living room with a kitchenette, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a sophisticated home automation system, including video surveillance, sound diffusion, air conditioning, and satellite, all pre-installed. High-quality lighting, oak floors, bathroom fixtures, and hand-crafted crown molding of marble and stone aim to dazzle in this âŹ375,000 apartment.
Additionally, it offers an excellent investment opportunity, with an estimated rental income of between âŹ30,000 and 40,000 per year, according to the realtor.
Want to see more? Subscribe to Vendita and get 30 property picks sent to you every Sunday. To subscribe via email, click here or join our Telegram channel.
And if youâre thinking about buying a property in Italy, you donât have to do it alone! Book a free 10-minute property purchase discovery call here.
PerTe è finito for this week. But donât forget â we always have lots more to share with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
As always, thanks for being a part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto! đ