Italian coffee bars can be some of the most chaotic places for a foreigner. During the morning rush hour, you’ll need to elbow your way to the counter and catch the barista’s eye to place your order. Once your espresso, espresso macchiato or cappuccino is placed before you, you are granted only a few moments to enjoy before someone else comes to take your spot at the counter.

If I’m at a bar during the morning rush hour, I’m ordering a cappuccino. And with all the stress that comes with placing the order, the cappuccino had better be good. Even in Italy, though, a good cappuccino isn’t guaranteed. A skilled barista needs a certain finesse—not cutting corners by pre-grinding beans or heating large carafes of milk only to let them sit on the counter.