Ordering a coffee in Trieste is a serious matter, so much so that such a simple and everyday ritual has its own precise glossary.

To order an espresso, you ask for a “nero”, while a “capo” is essentially a miniature cappuccino. A “capo in b” is served in a small glass cup – a relative of the coffee topped with whipped cream enjoyed in Vienna – and is such a beloved local speciality that Trieste even hosts a competition among baristas to crown the city’s best “capo in b”. In addition to these more common orders, the menu is much longer and includes, among others, the “goccia” (an espresso with a drop of hot milk) and the “caffellatte” (cappuccino).

This rich vocabulary is closely linked to the Austro-Hungarian coffeehouse culture: it was, in fact, the Empire that made Trieste – then a free port – a strategic hub for the coffee trade.

Every year, Trieste offers a full immersion in the world of coffee with TriestEspresso Expo, which will take place from 21 to 23 October 2026 at our Generali Convention Center Trieste. The leading event for the coffee industry features a rich programme of tastings, activities and competitions, alongside a wide range of exhibition stands.

For more information, read the dedicated article.