Best coffee in Rome
 

Hi

My wife and I are of to Rome soon. Lately we have become more and more hooked on good coffee and we hope to explore this “passion” in Rome of course. My favorite is the Caffe Mocha (a mix between espresso, chocolate sauce and steamed milk) and I guess many would say that this is more of a dessert and not a real coffee :-) Well, what can I say…I have a bit of a sweet tooth. So my question is: where did you have the best coffee in Rome? We mainly drink cappuccino when we travel so if you have any recommendations for Rome now is the time to speak :-)

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com

Most guidebooks (and many tourists) agree that the two best places for coffee in Rome are Tazza d'Oro (very close to the Pantheon; try their granita di caffe alla panna) and Sant'Eustachio (in the same general area).

I don't know the name of the bar, but it's in Piazza Eustacchio. It's a tiny piazza so it's not hard to find.

Pretty straightforward, Ann. As Eloise says, it's called Sant'Estachio,it's just west of the Pantheon,ask anyone (remember,the ch is a hard k sound)Tazzo D'oro is just a few steps north.

Now, if you like your coffee sweet and milky(a la caffe mocha) you won't be drinking what Romans drink as caffe. I suggest trying lots of different places,just as you would gelato and see what calls to you!Have a great time!

My maps and the signs in the piazza all call it Piazza San Eustacchio. And yes, it's between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.

There is a book by Joe Wolff about the cafes and bars in Rome. It's called a cafe life Rome and lists by areas (Pantheon, Spanish Steps, etc.). He tells the history of each, addresses, opening hours, etc. He has a new book for Florence also.

The Wolff book is fabulous! I was just flipping through it again last night to see if there are any cafes in Rome I haven't checked out yet.

I also love to stop at Tazza d"oro in the afternoon for the granita (con panna, of course!).

I agree that the "gran caffe" at San'Eustachio is delicious. This is 2 shots of espresso - and they put the sugar in for you (unlike other places in Rome). There's a nice "crema" on top - but this is clearly not a cappuccino-style drink.

If you are into espresso - you are in luck. It's really easy to find, and just about every espresso I had was delicious. However, at least in my experience, cappuccinos and lattes were strictly breakfast drinks. Not that this should stop you, but if you get a funny look when you order a cappuccino in the PM, that may be why...

Have a great time!

As a p.s.: If you're in the mood for a latte, be sure to ask for a "CAFFE latte". I know a couple of people that asked for a "latte" and were surprised when they received a glass of milk. (That's because "latte" means "milk" in Italian)

I think Gard is from a Scandinavian country; I would hope that the Starbucks culture had not yet invaded his country...

My husband is a coffee fanatic, although he mostly drinks straight espresso. However, his two favorite places while we were in Rome were Cafe St. Eustachio and Gran Caffe ( in the Piazza di Pietra, near the Pantheon).

Ah yes Eloise, thanks for pointing that out.

Looks like you've been to the U.S. several times Gard. (I'll check out your web site in depth later) You probably understand why I wrote that. We're used to saying "latte, please" and receiving coffee.

I think it's neat that you and others post their travel web sites. So much can be learned through the words and photos of other people just like me. In fact we're getting ready to go to Oaxaca based on this one woman's wonderful web site of her travels to Oaxaca. Keep up the good work and enjoy your trip. Cin Cin!

I don't suppose I will be able to find my "vanilla soy latte" that I am used to having from Starbucks.....in Italy. Any suggestions for people that use soy or non dairy creamer while in italy?

Why not just drink it without milk or cream?

Anyway, I'm sure you can get soy milk somewhere. Otherwise just bring packets of those non-dairy creamers(gack!) :)

Hi

Thanks for all the feedback. Yes Eloise...I'm from Norway and we haven't got Starbucks here...yet. But coffee places are becoming more and more popular. Most Norwegians have been pretty boring when it comes to choice of coffee until now...most people drink black coffee (not espresso). But the younger generation drinks cappuccino, mocha, latte etc)

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com

sounds like the younger Norwegians will be thrilled to see Starbucks coming their way!

We were well advised by a local resident I befriended, getting off the metro at the Ottaviano stop, walking along Via Ottaviano towards the Vatican, that Castrone (on that street, also on Via Cola di Rienzo) has some of the best coffee in Rome. As far as we could tell, she was right.

I think someone was looking for this thread earlier today.