The perfect espresso in Rome. Andiamo!
It’s no secret that Italians are proud of their coffee. Dark, and strong, you can’t walk far in any town in the country without finding a place to get a great espresso. A sign of hospitality – especially in the South – when you visit someone, a quick jolt of energy when the morning starts or in a break from work, there’s a whole etiquette to it and you better stick to it if you want to blend in. When in Rome, do as the Romans do – and boy, do they like their espresso. That is why you can’t leave the Eternal City without a good sip of it at least a couple of times. But as with everything else here, there’s always more to the experience than just drinking a good cup of java. That is why we chose a few that will be not only a treat to your taste buds, but also a true taste of Rome.
Books and coffee at Giufà in San Lorenzo
The San Lorenzo neighbourhood is the traditional quartiere for college students, since it’s very near to the main buildings of the Sapienza, Rome’s traditional and most well-known university. It follows that one of its best coffee shops here is also a great place to buy books, listen to a conference by an author or just relish a good slice of cake. Giufà is the name of this cosy and charming little bar, where you can also have your aperitivo. Everything is organic and prepared with care for the environment (if you find some carrot cake, grab it fast before someone beats you to it!). From 4pm until well after midnight you can be sure to find people engaged in fascinating conversations or immersed in some beautiful hardcover book.
Giufà can be found at Via degli Aurunci 38.
See how the other half lives at Il Cigno
If San Lorenzo is one of Rome’s rambunctious, rebellious parts of the city, the Parioli neighbourhood is its exact opposite. Aristocratic and elegant, you won’t find many tourists wandering around in this area. Which is actually a pity (although the locals surely prefer it that way): Parioli is not only a great example of the Italian brand of Art Nouveau architecture, called here “Liberty”, but also has some hidden jewels, like the quartiere Coppedè. And of course, a more than fair share of great restaurants and bars. One of its most picturesque ones is ll Cigno, “The Swan”. Decorated inside with a bas-relief that depicts the myth of Leda and the swan, and with the constellation of the same name adorning the bar’s floor, it certainly stands out. Il Cigno is a lovely place to get a glimpse of a part of Rome tourists rarely see, and to have some amazing coffee and pastries (cornetti with cherry jam seems to be the most sensible choice).
You’ll find Il Cigno at Viale dei Parioli 16.
Let history fix you a cup of coffee at the Antico Caffè Greco
One of Italy’s oldest Caffè, Il Greco has been around for more than 250 years. That in itself is no small feat. But there’s more. This bar has seen the likes of Hans Christian Andersen, Buffalo Bill, Henry James, Orson Welles, James Joyce and Goethe himself stop here for a chat and a drink. If you visit it, you’ll find the traces of all these illustrious guests and many, many more. Smack dab in the city center, it’s just two steps away from Piazza di Spagna. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this historical spot! You’ll find it at Via dei Condotti 86.
Pick your side in the clash of kings: Tazza d’Oro and Sant’Eustachio
While every Roman has her or his own favourite coffee shop, it is almost general knowledge that the title for the best coffee in the city is disputed by two traditional bars in the city centre: Tazza D’Oro and Sant’Eustachio. Just a few minutes of walking from each other, both have fervent supporters, and with good reason. In the end, it all boils down to one thing; your own personal taste. Whichever you pick as the winner, you can be sure that you won’t be disappointed. Tazza d’Oro can be found at Via degli Olmetti 5B, just steps away from the Pantheon; and Sant’Eustachio is located at Piazza Sant’Eustachio 82.
As you can see, you won’t have time to miss your local coffee shops, as you’ll have your pick of the litter here. Even having a sip of espresso can be a cultural experience in Rome, and we want to help you plan your trip here to perfection! Get in touch with us and let’s start planning!
