I love a good cup of coffee! I’ve been a coffee drinker one ever since I can remember. Yes that long! In fact, since grade school, breakfast was a cup of half coffee and half milk (and once in a while half and half was a treat) along with something on the sweet side.

Yep, you guessed it, I was raised in an Italian family and Italians simply don’t do what Americans think of as “breakfast”…

Although coffee has always been part of my morning routine, as a rule I don’t drink it during the day…except when I go to Italy.

I still remember my first espresso. That teeny tiny cup with that teeny tiny sip… Whoa, it sure packed a punch!

And, here’s the thing; once you’ve had Italian coffee...there’s just nothing like it anywhere. For about 90 cents (euro) which is still less than a $1.00 USD, you will get the freshest most divine espresso!

And cappuccino, caffè latte, macchiato, and the other fabulous specialties won’t cost you a fortune like they do in the States and elsewhere.

It took me a long time to figure out why coffee is so much better in Italy. Was it the water? The beans? The machine? The technique? Maybe the cute barista? Maybe all of the above?

Well, after touring a premiere coffee producer in Puglia, I got it! The light bulb went on — Italian coffee is superior because Italians are serious coffee aficionados; they are discerning (and I would say uncompromising) coffee experts and absolutely demand the absolute best every time!

Taking a break for an espresso or other variation of coffee is one of life’s little pleasures and, however brief, it should always be enjoyable and satisfying.

Time for un caffè and maybe a little something else…

While exploring the historical center of Lecce recently, a group of us came upon the inviting Caffè Cittadino and decided it was the perfect time and place for an espresso break. And it turned out to be all of that and more!

Caffè Cittadino is off the main piazza in a pedestrian area with a lovely outside as well as inside seating area. As we went inside to find a table, we were greeted by a very appealing, cosmopolitan vibe.

Our waiter, Roberto, was patient and helpful as the group went about deciding what to order. I was thinking about having an espresso then opted for an espressino, a regional coffee specialty similar to a macchiato. Then my sweet tooth kicked in and I succumbed to what turned out to be a divine dolce, tiramisu.

The presentation was almost as impressive as each yummy mouthful! Fabulous! Gushing over my treat, I asked permission to take some photos and was kindly offered a wonderful mini-tour by Roberto and the owner, Marco.

Caffè Cittadino has a charming upstairs seating/bar area with a spectacular view of the piazza. Overall, the blend of vintage photos and contemporary accents complement each other in an inviting and chic decor.

This attention to detail is proudly demonstrated in Caffè Cittadino’s dedication to authentic artisanal quality. Not only are the beans roasted in-house by Marco but everything on the menu is made and/or sourced with a commitment to the finest ingredients, the environment and tradition.

This commitment to and pride in quality shines in the staff. Stylish in their black and white garb (love the bow ties and suspenders!), this young staff is extremely professional and congenial.

When I asked to a take a group photo, they quickly agreed…but not before grabbing their hats!

If you have the pleasure of visiting Lecce, Puglia, be sure to head to Caffè Cittadino for un caffè or for lunch or dinner!

Via Francesco Rubichi 35 | Pressi Piazza Sant’Oronzo, 73100, Lecce, Puglia, Italy

What a fun, delicious “coffee break”. I can’t wait to return!

Wouldn’t YOU Love to Join Me for Some Espresso & More in 2021?

Learn More About Italy’s “Coffee Culture” Along with 450+ Travel TipZ!

Let’s look forward to lots of fabulous times together in Italy, shall we?

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Let’s create YOUR perfect “dolce vita” trip to Italy!