Ciao, fellow coffee enthusiasts! There’s no denying our mutual love for coffee, but when in Rome, this affection ascends to a level unexperienced before. The question isn’t whether Rome offers good coffee or not—because it unquestionably does—the question is, “Where can I uncover the best coffee in the Eternal City?” Fasten your seat belts as we embark on a tour of the top-notch coffee scenes that Rome has to offer.
Before we set sail, it’s valuable to understand what makes Roman coffee distinct. Romans hold their coffee dear to their hearts. As the morning sun peeks above the horizon, Romans flock to bars (yes, in Italy, coffee shops are often called bars) for their first espresso fix of the day. The serving size may be small, but the rich, intense flavors pack a punch.
However, the treasure of Roman coffee culture isn’t merely about the beverage; it’s equally about the tradition and ambiance. Whether you’re sitting in a prestigious cafe adorned with glided mirrors and chandeliers, or a local bar with weathered stools and baristas who’ve known their patrons for years, a coffee in Rome is a cherished ritual timelessly intertwined with the city’s splendid charm. With that in mind, let’s dive into Rome’s coffee universe.
Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè
📍Piazza di S. Eustachio, 82, 00186 Roma RM
Our first stop is Antico Caffè Sant’Eustachio, arguably one of Rome’s most iconic coffee spots. Located in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw away from the Pantheon, this joint has been serving up stellar cups of coffee since 1938. Its unique brewing technique, using water from an ancient aqueduct, is said to be the secret behind its heavenly brew. In fact, rumor has it that patrons often say they’ve tasted a piece of heaven after every sip.
Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria
📍Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, 16, 00186 Roma RM
Just a ten-minute walk away from Antico Caffè Sant’Eustachio, we discover Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria. Birthed from the celebrated Roscioli name known for its exquisite food and wine establishments around Rome, the Roscioli Caffè makes the coffee experience even diviner with its impressive array of pastries. Try the Maritozzo, a sweet bun filled with whipped cream, a perfect accompaniment for the coffee that’s roasted in-house.
Sciascia Caffè 1919
📍Via Fabio Massimo, n.80/a, 00192 Roma RM
Venture a little further, close to the Vatican City, lies Sciascia Caffè 1919, a warm and cozy coffee hideout that’s been standing its ground against the rush of time since 1919. They proudly serve coffee sourced from historical Roman coffee roasters, maintaining a superb standard in every aromatic cup. Unique to this cafe is the Caffè d’Epoca, an old recipe from 1930, which combines coffee, cacao, and whipped cream. It’s nothing short of a glorious treat that every coffee lover should experience.
La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro
📍Via degli Orfani, 84, 00186 Roma RM
Located just around the corner from the Pantheon, Tazzadoro has been serving heavenly views along with their robust espressos since 1946. They swear by the saying “the coffee is always fresher at the source,” and they couldn’t be more correct. The scene-stealer here is the café’s specially concocted ‘Gran Caffè Speciale’ —a deliciously potent shot brewed with the quintessential Italian finesse.
Caffetteria del Chiostro
📍Arco della Pace, 5, 00186 Roma RM
If you’re looking to combine your love for art, history, and coffee, there’s no place like Chiostro del Bramante. Nestled inside a beautiful Renaissance building, this café offers an unrivalled experience that transcends the delight of your coffee cup. Here, you can savor a marvelous view of the ancient cloister while enjoying a cup of expertly brewed Italian espresso. The ambiance of this artistic café elevates each sip into a sublime experience.
Faro – Luminaries of Coffee
We conclude our coffee trail at Faro – Luminaries of Coffee; Rome’s first speciality coffee shop that’s making waves in the Eternal City with their contemporary approach to coffee. Faro is known for their dedication towards serving the highest quality brews, made from single-origin beans under expert hands. Unpretentious yet sophisticated, with a kick of cool, this whimsical coffee shop provides a fantastic pit-stop in the city, offering just that little bit of extra magic, presenting the varied flavors of the world’s beans in your cup.
Rome’s rich and evocative coffee culture can be experienced in every corner of the city. As you traverse through the labyrinth of the city’s cobblestone streets, remember to take time to indulge in the timeless tradition of enjoying an authentic Roman coffee. The magic of Rome seeps into the coffee beans, transforming every sip into an unforgettable experience.
As Romans say, “La vita inizia dopo il caffè” – Life begins after coffee. Salute! Here’s to happy sipping in the Eternal City!
