Explore Italy

Cappuccino is only ordered in the morning -- ordering one after lunch or dinner will mark you as a tourist. Espresso (simply called "un caffe") is the default coffee at any time of day. Drink your coffee standing at the bar for the local price, which is cheaper than sitting at a table.

Italian meals follow a specific order: antipasto, primo (pasta or soup), secondo (meat or fish) with contorno (side), then dolce (dessert). You don't need to order every course, but never order pasta as a side dish to your main -- it's a separate course.

Italians greet friends and acquaintances with two kisses on alternating cheeks (left first, then right). Handshakes are for formal or first-time meetings. Even in business, Italians are warmer and more physically expressive than in many Northern European cultures.