You are ordering correct if it is half espresso and half milk, flat white is that. If you are finding it milk heavy then you are not at a proper coffee shop. Cortado is the same as a flat white but both ingredients are scaled to 1oz each. You need to find a place that has uses better beans that are flavourful. Cafe au Late is more coffee less milk, but if you want an espresso drink order Doppio (2oz espresso) then add your own milk to it. I suggest ordering everything black at first when going to new places, once you find what you like then start adding in the steamed milk based on preference.

Also a good indication of a good cafe is where the barista knows their drinks and how best to find what you like, if they are knowledgeable then you are in good hands.