Best Coffee in Rome: Local Tips for must-visit Cafés and Coffee Shops

Coffee break is a sacred ritual in Rome and throughout Italy.

Locals have their favorite coffee bars to celebrate this special ritual, often more than once a day.

It’s not just about sipping coffee, it’s a lifestyle. Get ready to discover why as you visit our favorite cafés and coffee shops, must-go spots for the best coffee in Rome!

 

1. SANT’EUSTACHIO

Sant’Eustachio is one of the most popular coffee bars in Rome.

Since 1938, this cozy and colorful spot near the Church of Sant’Eustachio (hence the name), just a short walk from the Pantheon, has been a classic retro-style Italian bar.

Stop by for a quick espresso at the counter and, if it’s summer, don’t miss their granita al caffè con panna, crushed ice flavored with coffee and topped with fresh whipped cream. You’ll love it!

It’s also a great place to pick up artisanal coffee selections beautifully packaged for gifts.

• Address: Piazza Sant’Eustachio 82 (Pantheon)
• Website: https://caffesanteustachio.com/?lang=en

 

2. TAZZA D’ORO

Antica Tazza d’Oro — La Casa del Caffè al Pantheon dal 1944 — is another must-visit.

Nestled in a cozy alley near the Pantheon, this busy spot is loved by locals and tourists alike, perfect for a quick coffee recharge.

Tazzadoro signature coffee blends are artisanally roasted and shipped worldwide, making it an excellent example of Roman craftsmanship. 

• Address: Via degli Orfani 84 (Pantheon)
• Website: https://www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com/?lang=en

 

3. ANTICO CAFFE’ GRECO 

Heading to the Spanish Steps via elegant Via dei Condotti, you’ll find one of Rome’s oldest cafés.

Founded in 1760, Antico Caffè Greco’s beautifully decorated rooms have welcomed refined visitors since the Grand Tour era, from aristocrats to artists.

Sipping coffee or enjoying a pastry here is a unique experience for both foodies and art lovers.

• Address: Via dei Condotti 86 (Spanish Steps)
• Website: https://anticocaffegreco.eu/?lang=en

 

4. CANOVA

Yet another Roman institution for true coffee lovers!

Canova Coffee Bar was settled in 1952 in Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.

It has been a locals’ favorite since then due to its unrivaled location and charming venue. 

Here you can taste one of the best coffees in Rome but also delicious sweet and savoury specialties.

Sitting at the outdoor tables is a great experience as you can enjoy the view of Piazza del Popolo at its best!

• Address: Piazza del Popolo 16
• Website: https://www.canovapiazzadelpopolo.it/

 

Extra tip: Caffè Canova is named after Antonio Canova, major Italian Neoclassical sculptor who used to live in the area. The famous artist also owned a splendid atelier in Via del Babuino, then inherited by one of his favorite pupils: Adamo Tadolini. Well, this place still exists and nowadays houses a one-of-a-kind Restaurant – Tea room. Its name is Museo Atelier Canova – Tadolini and its tables are uniquely surrounded by original sculptures and plaster models by the two artists. Do not miss it!

 

5. ROSATI

Just across from Caffè Canova in Piazza del Popolo, Bar Rosati is a family-run gem since 1922.

Besides great espresso and cappuccino, try local favorites like caffè macchiato, affogato, or the alcoholic caffè corretto.

Rosati also offers delicious pastries and full meals — perfect any time of day.

This Bar also serves delicious pastries (check our guide to the best pastry shops in Rome!) and full meals for lunch and dinner. Basically you can visit this place at any time.

Local tip: Rosati is located at the footstep of the enchanting Pincio Terrace within the Villa Borghese Gardens. Do not miss a walk to the terrace at sunset to enjoy some of the best panoramic views of Rome!

• Address: Piazza del Popolo 4-5
• Website: https://www.barrosati.it/

 

6. CIAMPINI

Known to every Roman, Ciampini has been in the food business since the 1940s.

Its coffee shop and bistro in Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina, with a pleasant outdoor area, is a favorite local hangout.

Politicians frequent it due to its proximity to Palazzo Montecitorio and Palazzo Chigi.

A great stop for coffee, lunch, or aperitivo during your city exploration.

• Address: Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina 29 
• Website: https://ciampini.com/

 

7. TROMBETTA

Caffè Trombetta’s history started in 1890 with a small roaster and coffee shop strategically located just off Termini, Rome’s central railway station. 

The store is still there -and is a must-stop per travellers passing by Termini- while the family business has hugely grown over the years and nowadays Trombetta is considered a key players in the Italian coffee market.

Trombetta’s coffee is produced at a modern facility just off Rome and shipped all over the world. Several products are also available at the online shop, where you can pick classic coffee packages (mostly arabica and robusto) along with signature blends and a large array of coffee pods.

To us Trombetta is definitely one of the best coffees in Rome!

• Address: Via Marsala 46-48 (Termini station)
• Website: https://www.caffetrombetta.it/

 

8. CASTRONI

Since one century ago Castroni is a synonymous of coffee in Rome.

Castroni coffee is artisanally produced at the family-owned Torrefazione Augusta and distributed through thirteen shops scattered around Rome city center, and online.

This family business started in 1932 with a small shop in Prati (which still exists). Over the following decades four generations of Castroni opened new stores with one single target: providing both locals and visitors with the best coffee in Rome along with rare spices from all over the world and food specialties carefully selected in Italy and abroad.

Check our post on the best delis and gourmet food shops in Rome for further info!

• Address: Via Cola di Rienzo 196 – 198 (Prati) | Further addresses at the link below
• Website: www.castroni.it/en

 

9. SAN CALISTO

Bar San Calisto is a local institution in Trastevere since 1969.

Its retro-style and unpretentious shop is located in the iconic Piazza di San Calisto, a super popular gathering place among Romans and the large International Community based in Trastevere.

Bar San Calisto serves great coffee, sweet treats and other specialties. You can have a sit outdoor to enjoy some people-watching or simply sip your coffee standing at the counter as most locals do. 

This place is definitely a must-try if you are strolling through the enchanting alleys of Trastevere or heading to the nearby Chiesa di Santa Maria in Trastevere.

Last but not least, Bar San Calisto is one of the stops of our Food Tour in Trastevere!

• Address: Piazza di San Calisto 3 (Trastevere)
• Website: https://barsancalisto.it/

 

10. CAFFE’ MARZIALI

Caffè Marziali is a historic and truly nice coffee bar in the heart of the elegant Salario-Trieste district.

The current shop in Via Po is located close to the place where the Marziali family settled its first coffee roasting facility in Rome…one century ago! 

Locals love this place for the laid-back yet very professional service and for the curated venue where you can sip delicious coffees paired with yummy croissants, biscuits and pastries. Great spot for a quick lunch too! 

By the way Marziali also features a charming restaurant in Piazza Caprera. Check the link below for full info.

• Address: Via Po 80 (Salario-Trieste district)
• Website: https://www.marzialicaffe.com/

 

11. PALOMBINI

Palombini is located a 20 min. drive South of Rome city center, in the modern Eur district (well served by Metro B line).

It is considered one of the best cafés in Rome since 1963 when it was inaugurated to serve local workers and conference attendees (Eur is a major congress district).

Palombini’s large venue houses a great coffee shop along with a sophisticated patisserie and a good restaurant.

If you are in the area to visit Eur major landmarks (the “Colosseo Quadrato” above all) or to attend conferences, exhibitions or other events at the historic Palazzo dei Congressi or at the modern La Nuvola Conference Center do not miss a visit to Palombini for a great coffee break or a yummy treat!

• Address: Piazzale Adenauer Konrad 12 (Eur)
• Website: https://www.palombini.com/

 

 

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Keep reading our blog to get the very best out of your Food Experience in Rome. You’ll find plenty of Tips for the Best Local Bakeries, Trattorias, Pizzerias, Wine Bars in Rome, and much more!