This is also why a cappuccino after lunch is not a common option in Italy. It is not a rigid rule but rather a practice shaped by how Italians traditionally pair milk-based beverages with breakfast. After lunch or dinner, a small espresso is more common, while a cappuccino is considered a richer, milk-based drink for breakfast. It is not prohibited, but it is less familiar, though. Regional habits add their own touch as well: in Genoa, for instance, focaccia is relished as breakfast along with cappuccino, showing how local food traditions shape the coffee culture.
Dining and Cooking