I like coffee with milk, no sugar. Since everyone seems to like the espresso drinks so much, I tried a cafe latte today and that was too milky and I didn’t like the foam.
Next I’ll try a plain ole espresso, but if I don’t like that what do you suggest I try? Is there some Italian name for espresso with some of the steamed milk, but no foam and not too much? If I just say that to the barista will I reveal myself as unspeakably gauche?
A latte is a shot of espresso with steamed milk, there shouldn’t be any foam (that’s a cappuccino). A cafe au lait (or ole, depending who you talk to) would be half coffee, half steamed milk, no foam. If you thought the latte was too milky, maybe ask for a double shot of espresso. I prefer to only taste the coffee a little, so I usually go with a mocha or something like that.
There is a term for pretty much the exact opposite of what you want. An Espresso Macchiato is “marked” (macchiato is “marked” in Italian) with just a little bit of the foam but no non-foamy milk.
So far as I can remember (and tell with a cursory Googling), there’s not a term for exactly what you want, but maybe Espresso Macchiato is a shortcut to ordering, like:
“Can I get an Espresso Macchiato with just steamed milk instead of foamed?”
Or, go for an Espresso Con Panna, which is an Espresso Macchiato with whipped cream instead of foamed milk. Mmmmm.
Argh, missed edit. I mean that a macchiato is an espresso shot, topped off with foam. Sorry bout that.
Also, don’t try this at Starbucks, because they think this monstrosityis a macchiato.
Any good locally owned shop should know their basics, (like this, a good basic education), and will know what you mean.
Almost.
Latte is espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
Cappucino is espresso with equal parts steamed milk and foam.
In Australia I would order a “flat white.” I wonder if they have them where you are, carlotta?
I miss them, now I’ve moved to California. In fact, I miss actual cafes. Is it too much to ask, to have a coffee in an actual coffee cup, some well-prepared seasonal breakfast food, and (optionally) outdoor seating and a funky vibe? Diners are NOT the same.
Sorry, venting. 
I’m not sure how widespread it is, but you could try a cortado - equal parts espresso and steamed milk. They really shouldn’t be much foam in it.