A Guide to the Best Cafes in Rome for Coffee Lovers
If you’ve been searching for the best cafes in Rome while imagining sipping espresso in a sun-dappled piazza, you’re not alone. For coffee lovers and curious travelers alike, navigating the maze of Roman coffee bars can feel more overwhelming than simply ordering a “caffè” without getting a side-eye from the barista.
As a coffee enthusiast and frequent traveler to Italy, I’ve wandered Rome’s cobblestone alleys, cup in hand, chasing that perfect crema. This guide is crafted just for you, offering insights into the unique stories behind each café and the experiences they provide.
Quick Reference Guide to the Best Cafes in Rome
Here are eight must-try spots for coffee lovers visiting the Eternal City. From quick-standing espresso shots to sit-down sips with pastries as delicate as Roman frescoes, these are the coolest, most memorable, and downright best places to find good coffee in Rome.
1. Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè – The Icon with a Secret
Just steps from the Pantheon, this legendary spot is known for its mysterious, pre-sweetened espresso—creamy, intense, and unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. The baristas famously shield the brewing process, adding an air of drama to every cup. If you like your coffee with a side of mystique, this is your pilgrimage spot.
Why go?
The strongest, most debated espresso in town. Sweet tooths rejoice, purists beware.
2. Tazza D’Oro – Where Tourists and Locals Collide
Also near the Pantheon, Tazza D’Oro serves up rich, classic espresso with zero fuss. Their granita di caffè con panna (frozen coffee slush with whipped cream) is the stuff of Roman summer dreams. Expect crowds, but also the perfect balance of bitter and sweet.
Why go?
For the ultimate summer coffee treat you didn’t know you needed.
3. Pergamino Caffè – Rome’s Specialty Coffee Darling
A few minutes from the Vatican, this modern, third-wave spot breaks all the old Roman coffee rules—and that’s a good thing. Expect single-origin beans, slow brews, and oat milk options. It’s where tradition meets trend.
Why go?
It’s a cool café in Rome with a global twist. Great for those missing Brooklyn but loving Baroque.
4. Roscioli Caff̬ РCoffee and Pastries Done Right
Attached to the famous Roscioli bakery, this stylish stop near Campo de Fiori has good coffee and one of the best maritozzi (cream-filled brioche) in the city. It’s the kind of place where breakfast feels sacred.
Why go?
The most surprising pastry pairing—airy maritozzo with deep espresso.
5. Barnum Caf̩ РBohemian Vibes and Brunch Goals
Part café, part creative space, Barnum serves great cappuccinos alongside shakshuka and artisan toast. The crowd is artsy, the vibe is chill, and the baristas take their craft seriously. This is where you linger.
Why go?
A brunch-friendly café where good coffee meets good company.
6. Antico Caffè Greco – Rome’s Most Elegant Coffee Time Travel
Opened in 1760, this historic cafe near the Spanish Steps is dripping with old-world charm and faded grandeur. Expect velvet chairs, antique portraits, and a price tag to match.
Why go?
Because sometimes sipping history is worth the splurge—even if the coffee’s not the best.
7. La Casa del Caffè Tazza D’Oro – Espresso with a Side of Chaos
Not to be confused with Tazza D’Oro proper, this spot near the Trevi Fountain draws bustling crowds. The espresso? Bold, aromatic, and unapologetically Roman. The service? Let’s just say it’s character-building.
Why go?
Strong coffee with the fastest (and sassiest) baristas in town.
8. Sciascia Caff̬ РHidden Gem in Prati
In the stylish Prati district, this family-run café has served velvety espresso since 1919. And there is often a delightful square of dark chocolate tucked inside the cup. Quiet, elegant, and full of locals. No frills, all feels.
Why go?
The most romantic, chocolate-kissed coffee experience in Rome.
Why Visit Rome?
Rome is a city that captivates and enchants every visitor who walks through its ancient streets. Nestled in the heart of central Italy, built upon seven historic hills along the Tiber River, it offers an utterly unique experience where ancient ruins stand beside Renaissance masterpieces and modern life.
From the Colosseum, the iconic symbol of Imperial Rome’s power, to the Vatican City with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, Rome is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural wonders. Every via (street) and piazza (square) invites you to explore, to discover hidden churches and ancient ruins, and to truly savor a city built on empire, faith, and eternal dreams.
Whether you’re into cappuccinos or caffè corretto, these Italian cities with legendary coffee scenes belong on your list.
Can’t Fly to Rome Right Now? Sip Like an Italian from Home 🇮🇹
If you’re a seasoned espresso aficionado or love the romance of a good coffee in a beautiful place, Rome delivers an experience that goes far beyond the cup. From historic institutions to modern hidden gems, these best cafes in Rome each offer a unique sip of the city’s soul.
If hopping on a flight isn’t in the cards, bring Rome to your kitchen. Try Lavazza Super Crema Coffee Beans on Amazon—my go-to for recreating that perfect Roman cup. Or plan your dream espresso adventure today. The Eternal City (and its coffee) is calling.
