Best Rome Cafes: Sipping Espresso Like a True Roman
When in Rome, do as the Romans do—and what the Romans do best is coffee. Dive into the cobblestone streets with me, Erik, as we unravel the age-old secrets of Rome’s iconic cafés.
The most iconic café in Rome is Caffè Sant’Eustachio, known for its divine espresso. The best café for people watching is undoubtedly Piazza Navona’s cafes. Romans, known for their fine taste in coffee, often visit traditional cafes like Caffè Greco or Tazza D’Oro.
Want to know more? Bene! Stick around as we take a caffeinated tour, sprinkled with humor, wit, and a dash of sustainability.
Navigating the Aromatic Lanes of Rome’s Cafés
Ah, Rome! A city where history comes alive in every corner and where coffee, not just love, is in the air. As a seasoned traveler and self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, trust me, it’s a place where every sip tells a story.
First stop, Caffè Sant’Eustachio. Nestled amidst ancient ruins and bustling markets, this café has been serving coffee since 1938. Their secret? Well, it’s a secret. But rumor has it, the water from an ancient aqueduct plays a part. Imagine, sipping an espresso enriched by the waters Julius Caesar might have used!
For those who fancy people-watching (don’t we all?), Piazza Navona offers a medley of cafes. With street musicians, performers, and an ever-changing tableau of tourists and locals, it’s an experience, not just a coffee break.
Does Rome have good coffee? “Mamma mia!” Do they ever! Coffee is a ritual here. Locals will often tell you, “Un caffè al giorno toglie il medico di torno” (A coffee a day keeps the doctor away). It’s not just about the caffeine kick; it’s about the tradition, the community, and yes, the sheer joy of savoring the perfect espresso.
Best Rome Cafes – the list
Ah, Rome! Famous for its historic landmarks and iconic cuisine, it’s also a haven for coffee enthusiasts. As you prepare to explore the Eternal City, here’s a guide to its best cafés, each offering unique ambiance, drink specialties, and a touch of history.
Café Name | Address & Nearby Attractions | Specialty Drink | Fun Fact |
---|---|---|---|
Caffè Sant’Eustachio | Piazza Sant’Eustachio 82; Near: Pantheon | Espresso | Known to serve one of the best espressos in Rome. |
Caffè Greco | Via dei Condotti 86; Near: Spanish Steps | Cappuccino | It’s the second oldest café in Italy, dating back to 1760. |
Tazza D’Oro | Via degli Orfani 84; Near: Pantheon | Granita di Caffè | Famous for its coffee granita especially in summer months. |
Roscioli Caffè | Piazza Benedetto Cairoli 16; Near: Campo de’ Fiori | Macchiato | Also known for their delicious pastries and bakery. |
Sciascia Caffè | Via Fabio Massimo 80; Near: Vatican Museums | Mocha | Opened in 1919 and still maintains its vintage charm. |
Barnum Café | Via del Pellegrino 87; Near: Campo de’ Fiori | Craft Coffee | A modern, trendy spot that often hosts local artists. |
Faro | Via Piave 55; Near: Villa Borghese | Cold Brew | Rome’s first specialty coffee shop. |
Antico Caffè Castellino | Piazza del Pantheon 21; Near: Pantheon | Cioccolata Calda | Known for its artistic interior and rich hot chocolate. |
Caffè Canova Tadolini | Via del Babuino 150a; Near: Spanish Steps | Caffè Latte | A mix of coffee shop and museum with unique sculptures. |
Bar del Fico | Piazza del Fico 26; Near: Piazza Navona | Cortado | Famous for its bohemian atmosphere and old fig tree. |
Caffè Perù | Via di Monserrato 46; Near: Palazzo Farnese | Espresso Romano | A cozy spot that’s popular among locals. |
Caffè della Pace | Via della Pace 3/7; Near: Piazza Navona | Doppio | A historic café that has been a favorite among artists. |
Pasticceria De Bellis | Piazza del Paradiso 56; Near: Campo de’ Fiori | Espresso con Panna | Known for its wide selection of pastries and desserts. |
Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè | Piazza Sant’Eustachio 23; Near: Pantheon | Espresso Granita | They have been roasting their coffee beans since 1938. |
Caffè Vitti | Via di Pietra 84; Near: Trevi Fountain | Cappuccino | A historic café with classic Roman interiors. |
From a refreshing espresso to a delightful cappuccino, every café in Rome offers a unique taste of the city’s coffee culture. As you wander through its charming streets, make sure to pause and relish a cup or two. After all, when in Rome… drink as the Romans do! And as always, it’s a good idea to double-check operating hours and locations before your visit. Buon viaggio e buon caffè!
The Sustainable Sip
When in Rome, it’s not just about the where, but also the how. The Romans love their coffee, but they also care about the Earth. Many cafes have adopted sustainable practices, from eco-friendly cups to ethically sourced beans. So, every time you enjoy a coffee, remember, you’re not just tasting Rome; you’re embracing its ethos.
Where Locals Drink
To truly soak in the Roman way of life, places like Caffè Camerino and Bar San Calisto are a must-visit. While Caffè Greco and Tazza D’Oro are undeniably iconic and offer an unforgettable experience, the smaller, tucked-away cafes are where local life unfurls in its most genuine form. Whether it’s animated debates on the recent politics, passionate exchanges on AS Roma’s last match, or artists sketching away the afternoon, you’ll get a slice of daily Roman life, untouched by the usual tourist buzz. So, as you meander through the streets of Rome, let these cafes be your refuge, and let the local banter be your background score. Buon caffè!
Café Name | Address & Nearby Attractions | Specialty Drink | Fun Fact |
---|---|---|---|
Caffè Camerino | Largo Arenula 30; Near: Trastevere | Marocchino | A relaxed place to witness the ebb and flow of Roman life. |
Bar San Calisto | Piazza di San Calisto 3; Near: Trastevere | Caffè Corretto | Vintage ambiance with loads of local charm. |
Caffè Novecento | Via del Governo Vecchio 12; Near: Piazza Navona | Ristretto | Frequented by writers and poets. |
Café Bohémien | Via degli Zingari 36; Near: Monti | Organic Espresso | Popular with local artists and musicians. |
Il Sorpasso | Via Properzio 31/33; Near: Vatican | Macchiato | A blend of café, wine bar, and bistro. |
Caffè Canali | Via di Monserrato 195; Near: Campo de’ Fiori | Caffè Lungo | A historic spot loved for its ambiance and pastries. |
Caffè Camerino | Largo Arenula 30; Near: Trastevere | Espresso Romano | Remains a local secret and is perfect for people watching. |
Caffè Ciampini | Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina 29; Near: Via del Corso | Caffè Freddo | Offers an exquisite view of a quiet piazza. |
Ordering Coffee in Rome 101: Tips and Tricks
Navigating Rome’s coffee scene is a delightful journey – if you know how to order right! Here’s a quick primer to make sure you get your caffeine fix just the way the Romans do.
- Understanding Your Order:
- Caffè: This is your basic espresso. Short, strong, and the lifeline of many Romans.
- Caffè Ristretto: A more concentrated and shorter espresso shot. Not for the faint-hearted!
- Caffè Lungo: This is an espresso with a bit more water. Still robust, but with a slightly milder kick.
- Caffè Macchiato: Espresso with a drop or two of milk or foam.
- Caffè Americano: Espresso with more water. It’s closer to the filter coffee many are used to in other parts of the world.
- Cappuccino: Espresso mixed with foamed milk. Remember, this is a morning drink in Rome! It’s almost a faux pas to order it after noon.
- Latte Confusion:
Don’t just ask for a “latte”. In Italian, “latte” means milk. So if you ask for a latte, you’re simply asking for a glass of milk. If you want your coffee with milk, specify “caffè latte”. - Sip Standing Up:
At many cafes in Rome, if you sit down, the price can double or even triple. It’s local practice to sip your coffee quickly while standing at the bar. Plus, you save some euros in the process. - When to Order What:
As hinted earlier, cappuccinos are typically a morning treat. If you order one post-lunch, you’ll get some surprised looks. It’s believed that milk can mess with digestion. - Sugar and Spice:
Most Roman cafes will have a sugar container at the bar. If you prefer a sweeter taste, be sure to add it yourself. Some places also offer flavored syrups if you ask. - Tipping:
Tipping isn’t a strict norm in Rome like it is in other countries. If you feel like leaving a little something, feel free, but it’s not obligatory. - No Espresso to Go:
Romans enjoy their espresso quickly at the bar, not on the go. While takeaway coffee has become more common due to international influences, traditionally, coffee is a momentary pause, not a long affair.
Coffee in Rome isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience, a ritual, and for many, a daily necessity. Dive deep into the tradition, respect the customs, and when in Rome, drink as the Romans do! Now that you’re equipped with the coffee know-how, go forth and caffeinate, Roman style. And remember, no cappuccinos after noon! 😉
Italian Phrases for the Caffeine Enthusiast
Navigating through Rome’s coffee culture is as much about tasting the divine brews as it is about communicating your preferences. Equip yourself with these phrases to not just order your coffee, but to truly savor the Roman coffee experience.
Italian Phrase | English Translation | When to Use |
---|---|---|
Un caffè, per favore! | A coffee, please! | When that caffeine craving strikes. |
Questo è il miglior caffè! | This is the best coffee! | Can’t resist praising that divine espresso? |
Dove posso trovare un buon caffè? | Where can I find a good coffee? | To discover new coffee haunts. |
Mi piacerebbe un caffè lungo. | I’d like a long coffee. | For when you need more than just a sip. |
Vorrei un cappuccino, grazie. | I’d like a cappuccino, thank you. | Remember, order this before noon! |
Posso avere un po’ di zucchero? | Can I have some sugar? | If you like your brew a tad sweet. |
Un caffè macchiato, per favore. | A coffee with a spot of milk, please. | For a touch of creaminess. |
Mi potrebbe dare un caffè freddo? | Could you give me a cold coffee? | For the warm Roman afternoons. |
Vorrei provare il caffè locale. | I would like to try the local coffee. | Dive into the authentic flavors. |
Che tipo di caffè avete? | What type of coffee do you have? | Perfect to explore options. |
Il caffè è troppo forte per me. | The coffee is too strong for me. | If you’re used to milder flavors. |
Hai latte di soia o mandorla? | Do you have soy or almond milk? | For vegans or the lactose-intolerant. |
Quanto costa il caffè? | How much is the coffee? | Keeping track of expenses. |
Posso avere un bicchiere d’acqua con il mio caffè? | Can I have a glass of water with my coffee? | A common practice in Italy. |
Amo il caffè italiano! | I love Italian coffee! | Many travelers end up exclaiming this. |
Questo caffè mi ha svegliato! | This coffee woke me up! | When the brew hits just right. |
Un altro caffè, per favore! | Another coffee, please! | Because sometimes, one is not enough. |
Vorrei un caffè decaffeinato. | I would like a decaffeinated coffee. | Late-night sips without the jitters. |
Quale caffè mi consigli? | Which coffee do you recommend? | Let the barista guide your choice. |
Grazie per il caffè delizioso! | Thank you for the delicious coffee! | Always leave with gratitude. |
Armed with these phrases, your Roman coffee adventures will be as smooth as a well-brewed espresso. Immerse in the experience, chat with the locals, and above all, enjoy every sip. “Buon caffè!” (Good coffee!).
And for those moments of wit and banter, “Più caffè, meno problemi!” (More coffee, fewer problems!).
IN CONCLUSION
So, amici, as we wind up our Roman café adventure, I have a small request. Share your stories, your favorite brews, and those hidden coffee gems. Join our vibrant community of Italy enthusiasts over at www.facebook.com/groups/italyplanyourjourney/. And always remember, in the words of a wise Roman (okay, it was me), “La vita è breve, bevi il caffè!” (Life is short, drink coffee!).
Unearth Rome’s best-kept secrets and hidden gems that even locals rave about! Dive into our ultimate sightseeing guide 🏛️🍝🍷. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!
Till the next espresso, arrivederci!