Coffee In Rome For Tourists: The Beginners Guide

If you are a first time visitor to Rome and you are interested in the history, culture and coffee bars of this amazing city, here is where you should start.

Coffee in Rome at Giolitti

An Introduction To Roman Coffee

If you spent any time looking into Italian coffee, it might seem a bit overwhelming, but fear not. There is no need to find the “best” coffee in Rome because that doesn’t really exist.

What does exist are quite a few variations of the amazing way Italians, and in this case Romans, select, roast and enjoy their coffee. The goal should be to try as many different roasters as possible in Rome and find something you find enjoyable. This is, of course, different for everyone.

Given Rome’s long history, you might imagine the history of coffee in Rome is equally interesting, and you would be right. The roasters and the bars in Rome that go back decades are a great place to start.

Coffee and Sweets

The History of Coffee in Rome

Around the 16th century, coffee was introduced to Europe in Venice from the Ottoman Empire. Europeans quickly discovered the social and “medicinal” benefits of coffee during the Middle Ages. Later, coffee became a source of energy for intellectual movements and the Renaissance movement.

The Ottoman civilization processed and prepared coffee entirely by hand, but the Italians invented a machine that used steam pressure to extract the essence and aroma of the coffee beans in the fastest time. 

A Macchiato In Rome

Along with the embrace of coffee, in the 18th century, coffee bars started to appear in Rome and became a place for intellectuals, writers and artists to meet and discuss philosophical, cultural and political issues.

Sadly, these amazing coffee bars have been infected by American coffee culture, which ironically adopted and modified Italian coffee culture to meet its needs. Today there are multiple Starbucks found around Rome, but they aren’t (yet) putting anyone out of business here in Rome.

Sciascia Caffè In Rome

Coffee Culture In Rome

One of the amazing things about the coffee culture in Rome is how it is both consistently a high quality coffee, but with roasting variations that make each espresso potentially a unique experience. With different coffee roasters, some international, some national and still others local, the delicious options can make every morning special.

The morning trip to the local bar for a quick espresso and pastry is as unique in Rome as it is common in Italy. The different coffee roasts available, the different pastries (and names) that you can enjoy as well as the beautiful and historical coffee shops in Rome offer an exciting experience to the first-time visitors.

illy coffee in Rome

Signature Coffee Styles And Flavors

Much like Rome’s geographical location being in the middle of the country, I would suggest that the roasting style in Rome is also in the middle, at least as far as the depth, flavor and bitterness that is common here.

Some examples of Roman roasters you might want to consider are:

  •  La Casa del Tazza d’Oro – This popular roaster has a location near the Pantheon that is very popular with tourists. It might get business, but if you are in the area early enough, you should definitely check it out.
  • Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè – This is another roaster that is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Again, be prepared for crowds and plan accordingly.
  • Faro Caffè Specialty – This is a single location specialty coffee bar. They roast their own beans and try to offer something unique, but on my visit I found it similar to other coffee bars, but a bit more crowded.
  • Caffè Trombetta – This roaster can be found all over Rome, and one place in particular is right outside Termini Station. More of a locals spot, but offers an amazing roast that is not too bitter.
  • Danesi Caffè – This is another Roman roaster, but one that has been growing internationally. You can easily find bars and restaurants offering Dinesi coffee, as well as grocery stores for home use.

The common Roman breakfast is an espresso or cappuccino with a pastry. A Cornetto, like a Croissant, pairs well with the Roman coffee and is available in almost all coffee bars in Rome.

Cappuccino and Cornetto In Rome

Famous Coffee Bars And Cafés In Rome

  • Antico Caffè Greco – In a city like Rome, one that is so steeped in history, it is still surprising to find something as ubiquitous as a coffee shop that has an almost equal amount of history itself. Walking through the doors of Antico Caffè Greco is like stepping back through time when writers, composers and even philosophers called it home.
  • Sciascia Caffè – Sciascia Caffè 1919 (pronounced: Sha-Sha) is one of the oldest and most famous coffee bars in Rome and you don’t survive that long without offering something special to your customers. It has been in the Prati neighborhood, which borders Vatican City, for more than 100 years and they have been at their current location since 1937.
  • Terrazza Caffarelli – You need to check out this great coffee shop at the Capitoline Museum, Terrazza Caffarelli, when you are at the amazing museum and need a little pick-me-up!
Simple Espresso in Rome

Wrapping Up Coffee In Rome

Whether you are enjoying your morning coffee at home, atop a national monument or at a quiet neighborhood bar, coffee in Rome is a unique experience. The history of Antico Caffè Greco or the surroundings of the Terrazza Caffarelli can’t be understated in its impact on a simple espresso.

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