Ask for a “cappuccino” in Trieste and you will probably get something other than you expected. The city has its own coffee language — and its own coffee history.

Why Trieste is the coffee capital

Since the days of the free port, coffee for the whole Austrian Empire passed through Trieste. The city still lives on coffee: roasters work here, people drink coffee all day, quickly and standing at the bar.

How to order

Nero is an espresso. Capo is a small cappuccino in an espresso cup. Capo in b is the same in a small glass. Caffelatte is a large coffee with milk. Drinking at the bar is usually cheaper than at a table.

Where to drink it

Two places worth seeing: Caffè Tommaseo, open since 1830 and one of the oldest in town, and Caffè San Marco, opened in 1914, where people still read newspapers at the tables. Between them are Piazza della Borsa, the covered market and a traditional buffet with hot meats, horseradish and sauerkraut — the city’s Austrian legacy.

A coffee route with a guide on your phone

All these stops are in the “Coffee and flavours of Trieste” audio guide: stories, directions between cafés and tips in the chat. Start the morning with “Trieste in 1 hour”; all city routes are in the Trieste audio guides section.

FAQ

What is a capo in Trieste?

A small cappuccino in an espresso cup. Capo in b is the same in a small glass.

Which is the oldest café in Trieste?

One of the oldest is Caffè Tommaseo, open since 1830.

Where can I try local food?

In traditional buffets with hot meats and at the covered market. The coffee audio guide includes both.