Cafes in Italy aren’t your regular coffee spots. They double as traditional bars; in fact, most coffee shops are espresso bars in Italy. While cappuccino is famous worldwide, espresso remains the quintessential Italian coffee drink.
Cafe culture in Italy is unique; they have a standing area by the bar where you can enjoy a quick drink, and a seating area too at an additional cost. They have elaborate menus, with freshly baked goods and pastries, and working while drinking your coffee is rare. In this blog, we will cover the best espresso bars and cafes in Rome for you to try.
Here’s a list of the most Instagrammable cafes in Italy’s capital city of Rome that you can’t miss on your trip:
1. Antico Caffè Greco, Rome
Antico Caffe Greco is one of the most celebrated Roman cafes in Italy. A historic and elegant cafe established in 1760, known for its opulent interiors, traditional Roman coffee, and as a former haunt of famous artists and writers like Percy Shelley, John Keats, and Mark Twain. Don’t skip this one if you are looking for inspiration and coffee!
Attractions
- Famous Coffee Spot: Antico Caffe Greco is a Roman institution that has inspired writers and artists such as Stendhal, Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, John Keats, Nikolai Gogol, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Mark Twain. A cup of coffee here will inspire you to write a bestseller, too!
- Art Museum: This vintage cafe is also home to a vast collection of artwork, including paintings, portrait medallions, busts, and statuettes. The cafe was part of the cultural revolution in Italy and was even painted by the Austrian artist Ludwig Passini.
- Irresistible Charm: A charming and bustling establishment, it was once frequented by artists and philosophers. As a literary coffeehouse whose charm lies in its historic relevance, the unique outdoor and terrace seating allows you to observe everyday life in Rome.Â
- Vintage Decor: The vintage decor, plush red velvet armchairs, antiquated statues, paintings adorning the walls, and gorgeous chandeliers will take you back in time. This cafe is not just another Roman coffee spot; it is a historic institution dating back to the 18th century.
Key Details
- Location: Via dei Condotti, 86, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
- Contact: +39 06 679 1700
- Timings: 9 AM to 8:30 PM
- How to Get There: Take the bus, a taxi, or walk from the Trevi Fountain.
Price Range
- Coffee: 10 Euros
- Desserts: 10 Euros
- Dishes: 12 Euros
General Reviews:
- Staff and Service: The staff is friendly, accommodating, and helpful. They will give you great recommendations for items to try out.Â
- Atmosphere: The place is quiet, efficient, and great to talk and catch up with friends and family. The outdoor seating is delightful.
- Pro Tip: If you love historical vintage cafes, this place is your jam!
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2. Caffè Doria
Caffe Doria is one of the most popular cafes in Rome. It is located near the Doria Pamphilj Gallery. This cafe offers a refined setting and is a good spot for a coffee break or a light meal. It boasts an ornate ambiance, featuring intricate interiors, grand chandeliers, and outdoor patio seating that overlooks the lush green courtyard. This royal cafe is unmissable.Â
Attractions
- Coffee and Cakes: Caffe Doria has an amazing collection of cakes and coffee. You must try their Mango pastry, Carrot cake, Tiramisu, and Cornetti with a warm cup of coffee to destress.Â
- International Cuisine: Caffe Doria’s menu is enormous and offers amazing dishes from across the globe, like Octopus Roll, Croque-Monsieur, Egg Pasta, Pani Puri, Salmon Confit, and Beef Tartare. Each dish is meticulously designed and resembles a Michelin-starred plate.
- Popularity: Caffee Doria is an institution and a historical hallmark in Italy’s culinary journey. It is one of the best cafes in Italy with over 50,000 followers.
- Value Luxury: This cafe offers quality food and cocktails; it is an expensive place, yet every euro spent here is worth it. The place is worth the hype!
Key Details
- Location: Via della Gatta, 1/A, Rome, Italy 00186
- Contact: +39 06 679 3805
- Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM
Price Range
- Breakfast Menu: Starting at 15 Euros
- Lunch Menu: Starting at 20 Euros
- Cocktails: 20 Euros
General Reviews
- Staff: The staff is sweet, helpful, and welcoming. The service is efficient and prompt.
- Atmosphere: The shop is stunning, loved by the customers, and highly rated. The vibe is relaxed, and a great place to try delicious coffee and pastries.
- Pro Tip: Dress up for this cafe because you will regret not taking multiple photos here.
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3. Fax Factory
Fax Factory is a modern and trendy cafe with a contemporary vibe, often praised for its excellent coffee and a more international or “hipster” feel compared to traditional Roman cafes. It’s a popular spot for remote work or a casual meeting. This funky, artsy cafe serves a friendly cappuccino, homey pastries, and a great, welcoming staff.Â
Attractions
- Regular and Specialty Coffee: Fax Factory serves your regular favourites, such as Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte, and also offers some specialty coffees that you can request. The latter is harvested by hand.Â
- Italian Desserts: The cafe serves outstanding desserts, including the Frollini cookies, Veganotti (vegan biscuits), Ciambellone, and traditional desserts such as pancakes and brownies.Â
- Breakfast Bites: Fax one of the top cafes to visit in Italy for brunch. The most outstanding dishes are Avocado Toast, English Breakfast, Savory Pancake, and Vegetarian Toast.Â
- Funky Art Decor Cafe: The cafe boasts an artsy vibe, featuring yellow, rickety chairs, plush grandma armchairs, walls adorned with stickers, and chalkboard menus. This place can unleash the artist in you.Â
Key Details:
- Location: Via Antonio Raimondi, 87, 00176 Roma RM, Italy
- Contact: +39 06 6930 1043
- Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
Price Range
- Coffee: 2 Euros
- Brunch Menu: Starting at 5 Euros
- Desserts: Starting at 5 Euros
General Reviews
- The Crowd: The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists.
- Staff: The service is impressive, the staff is super warm, and it’s a great place to people-watch.
- Pro Tip: This cafe is small and gets crowded easily. Try to time your visit so you don’t have to wait too long for a table.
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4. Love – Specialty Croissants
Love – Specialty Croissants is one of the best cafes in Italy for enjoying a cup of coffee and a croissant. As the name suggests, this cafe specializes in artisanal croissants, offering a wide variety of flavors and fillings, making it a perfect spot for a sweet breakfast or an indulgent treat. If you love croissants, then head to Love for a nice brunch date.Â
Attractions
- High Quality Coffee & Tea: This place offers a rich collection of caffeinated beverages; you can try regular espressos or special lattes, or if you like tea, you can opt for that too.Â
- Savory and Sweet Croissants: The biggest attraction of Love is their croissants. They have a vast collection of spicy and sweet pastries. You must try classic croissant, Venetian croissant, ham and cheese, moon love, and red pizza.Â
- Loved by Locals: It is a quaint little cafe that is adored by locals and tourists. It is the perfect spot for a friend meet-up or a romantic date with your partner.Â
- Affordability: It is one of the most affordable cafes to try croissants and specialty coffee at an economical price.Â
Key Details
- Location: Via Tunisi, 51, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
- Contact: +33 1 43 25 40 93
- Timings: 7:30 AM–3:30 PM
Price Range
- Cappuccino: 2 Euros
- Croissants: 4 EurosÂ
- Other Drinks & Bites: Starting at 6 Euros
General Reviews
- The Crowd: The cafe has a mixed crowd of customers, including regular locals and tourists.
- Atmosphere: The vibe of the cafe is cozy and relaxed; it’s a unique experience where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee with breathtaking views of Rome.Â
- Staff: The service is attentive, helpful, and aims to impress the customers with its efficiency.
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5. TE cioccolateria – TE Caffè
TE cioccolateria – TE Caffè is one of the most popular espresso bars in Italy. This establishment combines a cioccolateria (chocolate shop) with a cafe, offering a delightful array of chocolate creations alongside coffee, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. This dessert shop is the perfect place to try Italian chocolate and traditional Italian sweets, known as dolci. It’s also a great place to find edible souvenirs for your friends.Â
Attractions
- Coffee and Breakfast Spot: It is of the most amazing coffee and breakfast spots in Rome; from the classic espresso to a cappuccino, you can try the classic Italian roasted coffee.Â
- Colorful Italian Desserts: The gorgeous colorful display of Italian desserts is one of the biggest highlights of TE cafe. They serve heart-shaped pralines, Venetian with custard, croissants, and much more!
- Prati Neighborhood: Located inPrati, the cafe is close to numerous boutiques, offering a contrast to the busier areas of Rome.
- Loved by the Internet: TE is one of the most famous cafes in Italy ; it has over 12.9K followers on Instagram and a crowd dying to try their scrumptious food and drinks.Â
Key Details
- Location: Via Sforza Pallavicini 19-25, Rome, Italy 00193
- Contact: +39 375 705 1217
- Timings: 7 AM –8 PMÂ
Price Range
- Coffee: 5 Euros
- Pancakes: Starting at 14 Euros
- Other Bites and Desserts: Starting at 5 EurosÂ
General Reviews
- The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd; the cafe is frequented by locals and tourists.
- Staff: The staff is very helpful, friendly and make the experience of dining at the cafe extremely enjoyable.Â
- Pro Tip: There are no reservations, so prepare to wait to be seated.
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6. Tram Depot
Tram Depot is a charming and unique outdoorsy cafe. It is set within a former tram depot, known for its quirky decor, relaxed atmosphere, and good coffee, offering a bit of a break from the usual Roman hustle. The cafe has a vintage vibe to it and is one of the most affordable cafes in Italy for a quick meal.
Attractions
- Vintage Vibes: Famous for its rustic green tram that serves authentic coffee, cocktails, and light bites. This big green tram will teleport you to a different time.Â
- Excellent Coffee and Hot Chocolate: This cafe serves excellent coffee and mouthwatering hot chocolate, accompanied by moist croissants.Â
- Highly Rated and Loved: It is a unique concept cafe that is highly rated for its ambience and affordability. They have over 4.3 stars on Google and 13K followers on Instagram.Â
- Beautiful Views: Tram Depot has a gorgeous outdoor patio layout, it is surrounded by trees, and there is a nearby garden so you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of Rome while sipping your coffee or cocktail.Â
Key Details
- Location: Via Marmorata, 13, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
- Contact: +39 328 480 6153
- Timings: Open from 9 AM – 2 AMÂ
Price Range
- Coffee: Starting 2 Euros
- Cocktails: Starting at 9 Euros
- Savory Bites: Starting at 10 Euros
General Reviews
- Staff: The service and staff is excellent, friendly and highly attentive. You will feel at peace in this cafe.
- The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd; the cafe is frequented by locals and tourists.
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7. Barnum Roma
Barnum Roma is a popular spot for specialty coffee and cocktails. Barnum is renowned for its friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and commitment to high-quality ingredients, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. It is the best specialty coffee spot in Rome, serving delicious croissants that melt in your mouth.Â
Attractions
- Coffee Experience: For a unique experience, you must try the signature coffees and hot chocolate as the sun sets.Â
- Delicious Desserts: The dessert menu is exquisite; you must try the croissants, cakes, and cookies.Â
- Best Brunch and Breakfast Spot: It is one of the most amazing places for breakfast or brunch. They have a stellar menu with scrambled eggs, pancakes, Avocado toast, bagels, and much more! It is the quintessential European breakfast spot.
- Loved by the Internet: It is one of the most popular cafes in Italy with an Instagram following of nearly 16,000 followers!
Key Details
- Location: Via del Pellegrino, 87, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- Contact: +39 06 6476 0483
- Timings: 8 AM to 3:30 PM
Price Range
- Coffee: 2 Euros
- Traditional Desserts: Starting at 10 Euro
- Savory Bites: Starting at 10 EurosÂ
General Reviews
- Staff: The service and staff are excellent, friendly, and highly attentive. The owner is also extremely attentive.Â
- The Crowd: The cafe attracts a mixed crowd, with locals and tourists alike.
- Pro Tip: It can get crowded; the wait time is around 10-30 minutes.Â
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8. Pompi
You can’t leave Rome without trying Pompi’s famous tiramisu! Pompi is a beloved Roman patisserie offering various flavors of the classic Italian dessert, alongside other pastries and coffee. It’s a go-to for a sweet fix. It is one of the oldest cafes in Italy and dates back to the 1960s!
Attractions
- Tiramisu and Coffee: Pompi serves the most delectable slice of tiramisu in Rome. You can try the classic or opt for flavours like strawberry, hazelnut, pistachio, caramel and more!
- Birthday Cafes: It is also famous for its birthday cakes; if you are on vacation in Rome and have a birthday coming up, this is the place to go. Get a cake from Pompi.Â
- Tiramisu Ice Cream Cookie: They also serve some unique concoctions like the Tiramisu Ice Cream Cookie that you must try.Â
- Laidback Vibe: The atmosphere at this cafe is relaxed and laidback; you can stop here in between your sightseeing for a quick cup of coffee and tiramisu.Â
Key Details
- Location: V. della Croce, 88, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
- Timings: 10 AM to 9:30 PM
Price Range
- Tiramisu: Starting at 5 EurosÂ
- Coffee: Starting at 2 EurosÂ
- Other Bites: Starting at 5 Euros
General Reviews
- Staff: The service and staff are excellent, friendly, and highly attentive. You will feel at peace in this cafe.
- The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd and is loved by locals and tourists.Â
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9. Gelateria dei Gracchi
You cannot visit Rome without stopping for some Gelato! Gelateria dei Gracchi is primarily celebrated for its high-quality, artisanal gelato made with natural ingredients. It’s a top choice for authentic Italian ice cream. While it may not be your typical cafe, it is one of the best cultural spots to try the best ice cream you’ve ever had.Â
Attractions
- Crazy Gelato Flavours: The cafe offers a unique selection of amazing, richly sourced gelato made from fresh ingredients. Some of the best flavours to try are coffee, Cuban, caramel pear, lemon, chocolate, and more!
- Beverages: They also serve cold beverages, such as shakes and iced coffee, that you can enjoy on a hot summer day.Â
- Multiple Outlets: They have numerous outlets across Rome in Viale Regina Margherita and Via di Ripetta, where you can try some authentic ice cream.Â
- Atmosphere:The atmosphere at this cafe is relaxed and laidback.Â
Key Details
- Location: Via dei Gracchi, 272, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
- Timings: 11:30 PM to 12 AM
Price Range
- Gelato: Starting at 3 EurosÂ
- Shakes: 5 Euros
General Reviews
- Staff: The service and staff are excellent, friendly, and highly attentive. You will feel at peace in this cafe.
- The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd and is loved by locals and tourists.Â
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10. Royal Art Cafe
Royal Art Cafe is located in central Rome and is one of the most prominent rooftop cafes in Italy with a view. You can spot the Colosseum while sipping your coffee. This cafe offers a convenient stop for coffee, drinks, and snacks, often with outdoor seating perfect for people-watching.Â
Attractions
- Coffee with Colosseum Views: One of the biggest attractions of the Royal Art cafe is its uninterrupted view of the Colosseum. You spot the ancient ruins from the rooftop.
- Desserts: The cafe serves a unique set of desserts such as mignon, tiramisu, cookies and much more that complement the coffee.Â
- Classy Vibe: This cafe has a gorgeous classy vibe with sleek furniture, marble flooring and cosy interiors.Â
- Extensive Menu: The Royal art cafe has an extensive international menu; you can try anything – tacos, a spread of English breakfast or opt for classic Italian dishes.Â
Key Details
- Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
- Timings: 9 AM to 12 AM
Price Range
- Coffee: Starting at 3 EurosÂ
- Desserts: Starting at 4 EurosÂ
- Other Bites: 15 Euros
General Reviews
- Staff: The service and staff are excellent, friendly, and highly attentive. You will feel at peace in this cafe.
- The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd and is loved by locals and tourists.Â
FAQs
What are the best cafes in Italy for coffee lovers?
Some of the best cafes in Italy for coffee lovers are Antico Caffè Greco, Rome, Caffè Doria, Barnum Roma and Royal Art Cafè.
Are there any Instagrammable cafes in Italy?
Some of the most Instagrammable cafes in Italy are Antico Caffè Greco, Rome, Caffè Doria, Fax Factory, Royal Art Cafè, TE cioccolateria – TE Caffè and Tram Depot.
How much does a coffee cost in Italy ?
The average cup of coffee in Italy costs 2-4 Euros.
Are there themed or concept cafes in Italy?
Yes, there are various concept cafes in Italy such as Royal Art Cafè, Tram Depot, and Fax Factory.
What are the opening hours for most cafes in Italy ?
Most cafes in Italy open from 7 to 9 AM. This allows you to start your morning with some caffeine.Â
