Rome is a city steeped in centuries-old rituals, and coffee is one of its most cherished. Whether you’re drawn to the heritage of storied cafés or the clarity of third-wave single origins, the capital offers a caffeinated journey unlike anywhere else.
Icons of Tradition
Caffè Sant’Eustachio
A Roman institution since 1938, famous for its wood-roasted beans and legendary granita al caffè.
- Piazza di S. Eustachio, 82, 00186 Rome
- santeustachioilcaffe.it
Tazza d’Oro
Founded in 1944, this rival café near the Pantheon is equally beloved for its bold roasts and indulgent coffee granita.
- Via degli Orfani, 84, 00186 Rome
- tazzadorocoffeeshop.com
Antico Caffè Greco
Rome’s oldest café, dating back to 1760. With walls that have hosted Keats, Byron, and Goethe, it remains the city’s most elegant coffeehouse.
- Via dei Condotti, 86, 00187 Rome
- anticocaffegreco.eu
Modern Classics
Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria
An offshoot of the Roscioli family empire, this chic spot pairs flaky pastries with smooth, full-bodied espresso. Also incredibly good for food. I love everything Roscioli.
- Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, 16, 00186 Rome
- rosciolicaffe.com
Barnum
Equal parts café and creative hub, Barnum serves specialty brews in a relaxed, bohemian setting.
- Via del Pellegrino, 87, 00186 Rome
- barnumcafe.com
The Specialty Scene
Faro – Luminari del Caffè
Rome’s first true third-wave café, championing single-origin beans, precision brewing, and minimalist design.
- Via Piave, 55, 00187 Rome
- faroroma.com
Love
A chic café near the Vatican with an equally strong reputation for coffee and haute couture-worthy pastries.
- Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 00165 Rome
- lovefoodandcoffee.com
Pergamino Caffè
Located just outside the Vatican walls, Pergamino specializes in light roasts, pour-overs, and single-origin espresso.
- Piazza del Risorgimento, 7, 00192 Rome
- pergamino.coffee
Tram Depot
A whimsical café inside a vintage tram car, offering espresso, pour-overs, and cocktails in the leafy Testaccio district.
- Via Marmorata, 13, 00153 Rome
- tramdepot.it
TL;DR
For classic Roman espresso and coffee granita, head to Sant’Eustachio or Tazza d’Oro. For history steeped in marble and velvet, it has to be Antico Caffè Greco. To explore Rome’s specialty coffee wave, make a pilgrimage to Faro, Love, or Pergamino. And if you crave charm with your caffeine, sip under the trees at Tram Depot.
Books:
The Coffee Dictionary: An A-Z of coffee, from growing & roasting to brewing & tasting
The italian way: Everything we love about italy
My World of Interiors 
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