In recent years, the Rome coffee scene has changed a great deal, with the advance of specialties and micro-roasters that have innovated the way coffee is selected, extracted and marketed. However, the fascination of the oldest roasting houses, historic coffee bars that have hosted pieces of the city's history amidst precious rooms of yesteryear, remains overwhelming. It is no coincidence that many of them are now popular tourist destinations. Here it’s possible to taste the blends at the coffee bar counter, buy coffee beans or ground coffee, inebriating oneself with all the fragrances of freshly brewed black gold.
La Casa del Caffè Tazza d'Oro Al Pantheon
Founded in 1944, just a stone's throw from the Pantheon, this roaster is a meeting place for coffee connoisseurs who want to indulge in excellent brews. Selected, expertly roasted beans form the basis of the wide choice on offer (including single-origins such as Jamaica Blue Mountain), which are well-priced in cups, hot and cold variants (the coffee granita is a speciality here). In addition to a quick sip at the counter, you can enjoy a more relaxed break by taking advantage of some of the outdoor tables or the indoor room, with table service. To accompany, a good choice of brioches (also savoury, such as the ones filled with cheddar and bacon), muffins, pastries and sandwiches. Friendly service, even when the place is very crowded, as is often the case. Coffee beans sold together with various accessories.
La Casa del Caffè Tazza d'Oro Al Pantheon - Via degli Orfani, 84 – Roma - www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com
Castroni
Almost ninety years of life for this historic shop on Via Cola di Rienzo, in Prati, which has several locations in the city (all branch addresses are on their website). If you mention the name Castroni in Rome, minds go to exotic perfumes, products from every corner of the world (many available almost only here) and, of course, the coffee by the same name roasted in-house. From salts to spices, from international products to quality jams, there is no lack of organic food, proposals for dietary requirements and wines. Shop online.
Castroni – via Cola di Rienzo, 196 - Roma - www.castronicoladirienzo.com
Marziali 1992
This coffee Rome roasting company located in the Pinciano district, recently passed the century mark and now offers a multifaceted range of products that also includes a bakery and kitchen. So the house coffees (round and aromatic, the Centenario, 100% Arabica), also offered in cold brew, are flanked by breakfast pastries, shortcrust pastries, slices of cake and cookies. Everything is made with select ingredients, as is the savoury side, which offers pizzas and stuffed sandwiches, well-made dishes, appetisers (such as the supplì, with Acquarello rice and 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano cheese) plus tasty solutions also suitable for an aperitif (such as the crispy artichoke cacio&pepe). Good wines, good cocktails (including alcohol-free) and craft beers. Ambience with vintage touches and attention to detail. Courteous service. Another location in Piazza Caprera.
Marziali 1922 - Via Po, 80 - Roma – www.marziali1922.com
Sant'Eustachio
A true Roman institution in the heart of the city, Sant'Eustachio owes its fame above all to the famous coffee with signature sugary crema, which attracts citizens and tourists from all over the world. The basis is a quality coffee, selected by the owners, the Ricci brothers, in the most suitable areas of the globe and roasted to perfection. The house specialities are many and all worth tasting: in addition to their Gran Caffè, there is the alter ego Gran Cappuccino, the Moretto (with milk cream and cacao) and the cold variants such as Romeo and Juliet (coffee mousse, chocolate and cream). There is a good choice of croissants, pastries (good lobster tails and cannoli) and shopping options, including accessories and gifts. Delicious stop at the outdoor tables in the small square. Nearby is the most recent and multifaceted second branch, the Emporio Sant'Eustachio.
Sant'Eustachio - p.zza Sant'Eustachio, 82 – Roma - www.santeustachioilcaffe.it
Sciascia Caffè 1919
In this historic shop in Prati, opened by the Sciascia family back in 1919, one can try the peculiar Caffè Eccellente, served in a refined cup, or the Gran Cappuccino Eccellente, a hearty dose of pleasure consisting of a double ration of chocolate, cream and chocolate chips, to accompany a fragrant rose cake, studded with cinnamon and walnuts, a delicate carrot cake or a brownie. Bite-sized portions and macaroons from the Santabona company alternate on the counter. There is also an offer designed for savoury lovers (try their superfilled sandwiches, and fillings that vary with the seasons). The outdoor seating is ideal for pleasant summer coffee breaks, sipping citrus granitas and espressos. Don’t skip the chocolates, pralines and sugared almonds. Attentive and friendly service.
Sciascia Caffè 1919 – via Fabio Massimo, 80/a - Roma - www.sciasciacaffe1919.it
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