In 2018, American coffee company Starbucks opened its first outlet in Milan, and the Italian coffee culture suffered a rude shock. In Italy, the homeland of the heroic espresso, coffee is more than just a drink, and it is to be consumed in very specific ways. But the American cafeshave turned the coffee upside down with their long menu, and hipster ideas. The worldfollowed suit. 

If you really want a taste of true Italian cafe, you ought to head to Italy. But then, if you want a really old-fashioned cup of coffee, you must go to Venice’s Cafe Florian. It is the oldest cafe in Italy, and is still so unendingly charming.