What is a barista & what does a barista do

Published on Jan. 8, 2026

Updated on Jan. 8, 2026

Barista: What It Means and What a Barista Does

Today, coffee has become a true point of connection between people, and the café is the place where interaction moves from the online world into real life. It is a space where conversations take shape and relationships grow naturally. Standing at the intersection between the symbol of connection and the physical space, the barista is the person who facilitates these encounters, becoming an essential presence in any café.

A barista can be seen as an ambassador of coffee or as the person who transforms the preparation of an espresso into a moment defined by flavor, aroma, and attention to detail. That is why, when deciding to open a café, it is useful to rely on a professional café-opening consultancy service, helping you make the best choices for your business.

What Is a Barista and What This Profession Means

The term barista originates from Italy and refers to the person responsible for preparing coffee. In coffee culture, a barista is closely connected to both coffee itself and the way it is served, but their role goes far beyond simple preparation.

On the contrary, a barista actively promotes high-quality coffee, positioning themselves as a specialist in taste, texture, and presentation.

What Does a Barista Do in a Modern Café?

A barista is responsible for multiple aspects related to coffee, and their influence on preparation and service is unmistakable. A barista understands in detail the characteristics of coffee, as well as roasting and brewing methods. Through this knowledge, they have a direct impact on coffee quality and on how it is perceived by customers, significantly shaping the overall coffee-drinking experience.

Daily Responsibilities of a Professional Barista

The daily responsibilities of a professional barista include preparing espresso-based beverages such as latte, cappuccino, flat white, or americano, while strictly following recipes and extraction parameters. This requires a solid understanding of coffee and its characteristics.

In addition, a barista must master the cleaning and maintenance of coffee equipment (grinders, espresso machines, milk frothers) and manage orders efficiently, maintaining a smooth and well-organized workflow.

Essential Skills and Knowledge for a Successful Barista

A barista needs extensive knowledge related to coffee preparation, from technical concepts to practical, aesthetic, and presentation skills.

Technical Knowledge for Baristas

A barista understands different types of coffee beans and their origins (Arabica vs. Robusta), as well as roasting profiles and how they influence flavor. They also know the ideal ratios for espresso extraction, ensuring a consistent and balanced taste every time.

Practical Skills for Baristas

Beyond technical knowledge, a barista must know how to correctly use professional equipment such as grinders, espresso machines, and tampers. This requires precision and attention to detail, as well as speed and coordination during peak hours.

Aesthetic and Presentation Skills

An important part of a barista’s role is mastering the art of stylish beverage presentation. Visual harmony, combined with taste, is essential in any café. A skilled barista pays attention to detail and expresses creativity through the way drinks are presented.

How to Become a Professional Barista

Becoming a barista requires more than passion or manual skill. Formal training, hands-on experience, and sometimes participation in competitions all contribute to professional recognition and can provide a strong advantage when working in a café.

Barista Training and Certification

Barista training usually begins with basic courses, many of which are available in Romania. In addition to local programs, international barista certifications can further strengthen professional credibility.

Practical Experience

Experience is gained by working in cafés or coffee shops, following a career path that may include roles such as junior barista, senior barista, head barista, and eventually trainer or consultant.

Competitions and Professional Networks

Participating in competitions and professional networks offers valuable development opportunities. Events such as the World Barista Championship allow professionals to test their skills, learn from others, and gain industry visibility. In Romania, local barista communities support knowledge sharing and coffee culture through tastings, meetings, and specialized discussions.

Types of Baristas Based on Work Environment and Experience

Baristas can work in various settings, each requiring different levels of training and specific working methods.

Baristas in Chain Cafés

In chain cafés, baristas focus on speed, consistency, and strict adherence to standardized procedures designed to ensure an efficient workflow. Clear communication with customers is essential to prevent delays or errors.

Baristas in Specialty Cafés

In specialty cafés, the emphasis is on coffee origin, flavor profiles, and perfect extraction. These baristas focus on drink customization and customer education, helping guests better understand the unique qualities of each coffee.

Amateur vs. Professional Barista

There are clear differences between amateur and professional baristas in terms of training, approach, and equipment. Transitioning from a hobby to a true career in coffee requires structured education and continuous development.

Barista Trainers and Consultants

Barista trainers and consultants hold advanced roles in the industry. Trainers educate future baristas in brewing techniques, latte art, and best practices, offering mentorship and feedback. Consultants support cafés by optimizing workflows, selecting suitable equipment, and establishing quality standards to ensure consistently excellent beverages.

Teamwork and the Barista’s Work Environment

A barista’s performance is closely tied to workflow organization and team collaboration.

Workflow Organization in a Café

Effective communication between baristas, managers, waitstaff, and kitchen teams is essential. An optimal workflow covers every stage—from order taking and grinding to extraction and serving—ensuring customer satisfaction.

Hygiene and Quality Standards

Maintaining hygiene and coffee quality is a core responsibility. Daily cleaning of espresso machines, grinders, and accessories prevents residue buildup that could affect flavor and customer safety.

Coffee as an Art and Job Satisfaction

Coffee preparation is deeply connected to artistic expression, especially through drink decoration techniques.

Latte Art for Baristas

Using milk frothing and pouring techniques, baristas can create designs such as rosettas, hearts, tulips, and swans, alongside classic café patterns.

Customer Experience with a Professional Barista

Careful preparation, attention to proportions, refined presentation, and personalized recommendations create memorable experiences. A barista’s passion and friendly attitude enhance customer satisfaction and encourage loyalty, turning each visit into a flavorful moment.

Salary and Career Prospects for Baristas

The barista profession is gaining popularity in Romania, with steady growth in recent years.

How Much Does a Barista Earn in Romania?

The average net salary for a barista in Romania ranges from approximately 2,800 to 4,000 RON per month, depending on experience and café location.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Even as a beginner, career progression is possible—from head barista to trainer, coffee roaster, or coffee shop manager. With sufficient experience, opening and managing your own café is also a viable path.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baristas

What does the word “barista” mean?

The term originates from Italian and refers to a person who prepares and serves coffee in cafés.

What does a barista do on a typical day?

A barista prepares espresso-based drinks, manages orders, and ensures equipment cleanliness, especially in high-traffic cafés.

How long does a barista course last in Romania?

Beginner courses usually last 1–3 days, while advanced certifications can take up to two weeks.

What equipment does a professional barista use?

Espresso machine, grinder, tamper, milk pitcher, and milk frothing equipment.

What is the difference between a barista and a bartender?

A barista specializes in coffee, while a bartender prepares alcoholic beverages.

Can you work as a barista abroad without experience?

Yes, although language skills and SCA certification significantly improve employment prospects.

Photo source: Freepik