In Italy, il bar is not where you go out with friends on a Saturday night to grab a beer or any other alcoholic drink. Instead, it’s a type of cafeteria that can be found practically everywhere. It’s the perfect place to start your day. With a kind but firm “Buongiorno, un caffè per favore,” you’ll be doing as Romans do. An espresso is quick, taken on the fly. It’s a brief but relaxing moment to exchange a conversation with the barista or a friend. If we talk about cappuccino or other coffee-based drinks instead, you can sit and enjoy them longer. But not an espresso; it’s five minutes max, drank in the mornings at home or di passaggio, on your way, before rushing out to start the day.
The famous espresso, which Italians simply call un caffè, is only one of the many options available. There is a variety of ways to give the classic espresso a twist—corto, lungo, freddo, ristretto, cappuccino, frappe, al vetro, macchiato, marocchino, monachella, shakerato—and trying them all (although maybe not in one sitting) is the best way to know which one you like the most. You’ll most likely find great coffee all around Italy, but understanding what makes great coffee is key. The quality is evident in its aroma, the creamy foam that forms over the top, and its retrogusto, a beautiful word that describes the aftertaste, which should be pleasant and smooth.
A few steps from Piazza Navona and in the direction of the Pantheon snuck in between narrow streets is the famous Sant’Eustachio il Caffè. It is often crowded, but according to many Romans who consider it one of the best, it’s well worth the wait. Its sweet, frothy, and delicious taste takes you out of this world for a brief moment. If you’re more into unsweetened coffee, ask for your espresso without sugar since they sweeten it regularly. And as in many other places, keep in mind that the prices change if you take your drink at the bar or sit at one of the tables outside.
Another great option near the Pantheon is Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro, another well-known place to get an excellent coffee. Here, you can also try the popular granita al caffè, made with shaved ice and accompanied by panna (whipped cream). It’s a delicious and fresh dessert for summer days.
In the heart of Trastevere’s lively neighborhood, a large white sign spells out the word “Bar.” The Bar San Calisto, founded in 1969 and very popular among locals and visitors alike, will give you a taste of the Italian lifestyle. This famous place, however, is the exception to the Italian concept of bar. In the evenings, it transforms into an actual and quite busy bar—the concept as it is known outside Italy—where you can have a drink with friends. It is an unmissable classic and the best of both worlds
At the end of your trip, you’ll want to take some of the Italian daily flavors in your luggage. A fantastic place to get great coffee to travel with is Castroni, where you can also find many other Italian products. They have several locations. There’s one on Via Cola di Rienzo, where you can taste the coffee, and another close to Via del Corso. Further south, outside the city center, Eataly is a shop with a wide variety of coffee and many more high-quality products that will surely be an excellent choice to take back home.
A version of this article appears in print, in Issue 1 of Álula Magazine, with the headline: “Il Bar. Where to find the best coffee in Rome”
