There's no denying that Italians and North Americans share a mutual love for coffee. But that's pretty much where the similarity ends. Every time I fly home from Italy, I overhear people complaining about the coffee they drank while there. And while it used to shock me, I've come to realize the root cause of this is the disparity in our menu terminology.

If you've found yourself struggling to decipher the many options, don't despair. This guide is an introduction into the world of ordering coffee in Italy. To be clear, there are many other caffeinated drinks served in Italian bars, but these are a great starting point for both novice and seasoned travelers.