When people think of Italian food, their minds often go straight to pizza, pasta, and classic tomato sauce. And while those dishes deserve the spotlight, true Italian dining isn’t just about the food — it’s also about what you drink with it.
At Bella Pizza, your trusted Italian family pizza restaurant in Rutherford, we love to explore not just the dishes, but the rich culture behind Italian cuisine. And one area most people overlook is Italy’s deep-rooted beverage tradition — from world-class wines to potent espressos.
So today, we’re serving up 6 unique facts about Italian drinks that might surprise even seasoned food lovers in Rutherford and nearby towns like Carlstadt, Moonachie, and East Rutherford.
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1. Italians Take Coffee Seriously — VERY Seriously
Step into any café in Rutherford or Rome, and you’ll feel it — that Italian love affair with coffee. According to the team at Bella Pizza, known for some of the best Italian food in Rutherford, Italians don’t just drink coffee — they honor it. The average Italian café serves about 175 cups of coffee per day, and the nation consumes over 6 kilograms of coffee per person each year.
If you’ve ever had a creamy espresso shot after a wood-fired Margherita pizza at Bella Pizza, you know just how satisfying the Italian tradition can be.
2. “Un Caffè” ≠ Your Usual Coffee
Ordering a “coffee” in Italy doesn’t mean a big mug of drip brew. According to our staff at Bella Pizza, a family-run Italian restaurant near Carlstadt and Rutherford, the phrase “un caffè” gets you an espresso shot, not a Starbucks-style latte.
So if you’re traveling to Italy (or even visiting an authentic Italian restaurant like ours), remember: less is more, and stronger is better!
3. “Caffè Corretto” Is Coffee With a Kick
Ask for a “Caffè Corretto” in Italy, and you’ll get more than just a caffeine boost. This phrase means “corrected coffee” — in other words, coffee spiked with a splash of liquor, often grappa or sambuca.
At Bella Pizza, one of the most beloved Italian restaurants in East Rutherford, we don’t spike our coffee unless asked — but we love sharing the story behind it!
4. The Cappuccino Rule After 11 a.m. — True or False?
You may have heard the myth: don’t order cappuccino in Italy after 11 a.m. While no one will stop you, it’s true that most Italians view cappuccino as a breakfast drink. After lunch or dinner, they prefer a strong espresso.
Still, if you’re relaxing with friends at Bella Pizza, Rutherford’s go-to Italian family pizza place, feel free to order your cappuccino anytime. We’re New Jersey proud, with Italian roots — and we don’t judge.
5. Italy Is the World’s Leading Wine Producer
According to the experts at Bella Pizza, offering Italian food for dine-in and takeout near Moonachie and Rutherford, wine is essential to Italian meals. And for good reason — Italy produces more wine than any country in the world, with nearly 2 million acres of vineyards.
Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, pairing a glass with your favorite pizza or pasta enhances the entire experience. And at Bella Pizza, we’re proud to offer wine selections that complement our dishes beautifully.
6. Ordering a “Latte” in Italy Might Get You… Just Milk
Here’s a funny but real tip: If you walk into a café in Italy and order a “latte,” expect to be handed a glass of milk. That’s because “latte” simply means milk in Italian.
If you want what we call a “latte” in the U.S., you should ask for a “latte macchiato”. It’s a small cultural detail — but one that adds charm to the Italian dining experience, both abroad and right here at Bella Pizza in Rutherford.
Experience Authentic Italian Dining in Rutherford
At Bella Pizza, we’re more than just a family-owned pizza restaurant in Rutherford — we’re your connection to the true flavors of Italy, from delicious tomato pies to thoughtful beverage pairings.
Whether you’re stopping by from Moonachie, Carlstadt, East Rutherford, or right here in town, we invite you to dine in and experience what makes Italian family dining so special.
Visit Bella Pizza in Rutherford today — and raise a toast to real Italian tradition.
Mangia bene. Bevi meglio. (Eat well. Drink better.)
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