The Best Coffee Bars in Rome

cappuccino4I am a coffee addict. Truth be told, I can’t function without my morning espresso or caffè as it’s called in Italian. It’s one of my vices. Since moving to Rome, 3 years ago, I’m forever on the lookout for that perfect cappuccino and caffè with a distinct crema, that caramel-colored layer of goodness that coats the side of the cup like syrup. Here are a few I’ve found that satisfy my coffee craving…

Castroni An international specialty food shop and coffee maker, the Castroni family has a well honed recipe for success. With eight shops and counting, the Via Nazionale location in Rione Monti is fabulous. The espresso is sublime, true Italian style, full bodied and well-balanced. Cappuccinos and caffè lattes are skillfully poured. A great place to knock back a coffee, grab a quick lunch and buy gourmet gifts.

Paranà Caffè – An oasis from the chaos surrounding Termini, Rome’s central train station, Paranà Caffè is packed with people. Talented baristas churn out endless cappuccinos adorned with decadent latte art. The leaf and heart shaped etchings seem too gorgeous to ruin. Rest assured it tastes as good as it looks. It is a great place to savor a cappuccino and watch the world go by.paranacoffee

Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè – Top quality coffee, tradition and the frenetic atmosphere are just a few of the reasons that a dedicated local clientele and tourists keep flocking to this local. Sant’Eustachio’s legendary blend of one-hundred percent arabica beans is full-bodied and unique thanks to a traditional artisan approach and on premise small batch wood roasting. Regulars order the renowned “Gran Caffè”, a larger version of a standard espresso with a mysteriously dense and well executed crema. If you don’t take sugar be sure to order senza zucchero as the coffee is presweetened.coffeebeans2

Sciascia Caffè – At first glance, it appears to be an old style Italian pharmacy frozen in time. Open since 1919, Sciascia Caffè is located off the beaten path in the affluent zone of Prati. Rigorous bean selection and unwavering devotion result in optimal coffee. Try the specialty, un caffè con cioccolatoespresso with chocolate – and you’ll quickly understand why coffee fanatics are addicted to Sciascia.20130218-sciascia2Sciascia4

Tazza D’Oro – A stones throw away from the Pantheon, Tazza D’Oro, is one of the few on premise artisan roasters left in the historical center. The famous “La Regina del Caffè” blend served at the bar is an exquisitely balanced blend of one-hundred percent arabica beans. Standing at the bar, Romans and tourists alike indulge in a morning cappuccino adorned with a paradisiacal snow white froth and cherish an afternoon espresso.

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8 Responses to The Best Coffee Bars in Rome

  1. Natalia December 19, 2010 at 9:35 am #

    my mouth is watering! I desperately need a cup of coffee but now that I have read your post, my homemade brew is just not going to cut it! I need to plan a trip to Roma immediately!!!

    • gina December 19, 2010 at 10:05 am #

      Come visit anytime and I’ll give you a coffee tour of Rome…

  2. Eleonora January 11, 2011 at 10:09 am #

    I love your website! I wish mine was this orderly and crisp… AO&P is all over the place!

    Another place you should add to your fantastic coffee-lovers’ list is *Bar del Cappuccino*, on Via Arenula (I go here ceremonially before every Savoring Rome walk). Luigi works the foam pitcher like no one else, and the flavor, texture and aroma of his capps are just perfect.
    But that’s the cappuccino freak in me speaking.

    Bar Del Cappuccino Di Santoro Snc
    Via Arenula, 50 – 00186 Roma – Tel. +39 06 6880 6042 ?

    Welcome back! 😉

    • gina January 11, 2011 at 3:41 pm #

      Thanks! I will add “Bar del Cappuccino” to my list and stop by when I get back. See you soon.

  3. Dirk January 15, 2011 at 5:17 am #

    Hey Gina

    This brings back fond memories of the tour in Rome that I did with you. Thanks again for an very memorable experience – It was one of the those times where the expense is long forgotten, but the memory lingers on.

    All the best & congrats on a great webpage!

    • gina January 15, 2011 at 4:23 pm #

      Hi Dirk! thank you and you are very welcome. I hope to see you again in Italy very soon.

  4. Ruth June 18, 2011 at 1:06 pm #

    And by the way, the bar del cappuccino makes an amazingly delicious pastrami sandwich.

  5. Sam September 18, 2020 at 11:37 pm #

    Great article even in 2020, Sant’ Eustachio il Caffè is one of the oldest in Rome, opened in 1938.

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