Coffee and Dessert Culture in Rome

Coffee and Dessert Culture in Rome

Italy is heaven for coffee lovers, as Rome is buzzling with thousands of little coffee shops at every corner. Coming to Italy for the first time you might be surprised to see how different the coffee culture is here. In many countries it is normal to have a large coffee to go, or sit at the table for long hours. Italians, on the other hand, prefer to drink their coffee inside at the bar. They drink coffee standing whilst chatting to other café visitors or workers. In the morning the bar can get very crowded and it is an atmosphere to experience for sure.

Tip: In many traditional cafes you first purchase your coffee at the counter, and then you take the receipt to the bar where they will prepare your coffee. In many places coffee is also served with sugar, so if you want one without you can specify it at the bar. Also drinking the coffee at the bar usually costs around 1€ for an espresso and 1.20-2 € for a cappuccino. If you want to sit down at the table, be prepared to pay 2-3 times more (prices can reach even up to 10€ for a cappuccino in fancy locations).

If you are a coffee lover, make sure to stop in one of this cafés and drink a coffee at the bar:

1. Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria – Roscioli is a very famous store in the city centre and is our favourite place for coffee. In fact they have three stores: a salami and cheese shop, a pizza shop and a café. In the café they serve delicious Guatemalan coffee and desserts to go with it.

2. The Desserts of Checco Er Carettiere I Dolci Di Checco Er Carettiere – also one of our favourite cafés located right in the heart of Trastevere. They have delicious coffee as well as cakes and smaller desserts. Try their profiterole with pistachio if you are there. 

3. La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro – one of the most traditional cafés in Rome serving coffee from 1944. Here the coffee is very strong and the cappuccino is known for its extra creminess. You can also purchase coffee beans here directly as a souvenir or to enjoy at home.

4. Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè – also a very well known and traditional café serving coffee from 1938. They are known for their extremely creamy coffees and a secret preparation method. There is also a little shop here where you can buy coffee for home.

5. Antico Caffè Greco – this coffee was one of the most expensive ones we had in Rome, but also one of the best. It is located right next to the Spanish steps and it is said that painters, poets and artists have met in this café since 1760. And the café is absolutely beautiful inside, with many antique paintings on the walls. Not only they have delicious coffee, but they also serve the best Cannolis (a traditional dessert with a crispy outer layer, filled with soft ricotta cream).

Desserts

And of course, what coffee is it without desserts? Although most cafés already serve small desserts to your coffee, I have a few extra places that are worth an extra mile walk:

1. Le Sicilianedde – my absolute favourite place for desserts. The owners come from Bronte, Sicily, and they have the best tasting pistachio cream and various desserts filled with it: profiteroles, cakes, cannolis and other pastries. We loved it so much that we even bought a few pistachio cream jars back home. 

Tip: They also have delicious arrancinis (our favourite was of course with pistaschio) served at lunch time.

2. Quetzalcoatl Chocolatier – strolling along the streets next to the Spanish steps I accidentally walked into this small store. I only regret that I walked into it on the last days of our trip! The owner Jacques was originally born in France and has completed several world-famous cooking schools in France and around the world. In the store you will find the most delicious handmade chocolates, macaroons and ice cream. And as a proclaimed desserts lover, the quality of everything I tried was outstanding. The pistachio ice cream, the chocolate with melting caramel and ricotta macaroons.. I will be back for sure! Make sure to visit this special store at least once on your trip to Rome. The chocolates will make a special gift to take back home or to enjoy yourself. 

3. Two Sizes – if you are looking for more traditional desserts, head here. Here they only serve cannolis and tiramisu (classic, pistachio and caramel). 

4. Pompi Tiramisù – this is another place for traditional desserts next to the Spanish steps, they serve tiramisu with plenty of flavours to choose from. They also have tasty cannolis, profiteroles and other desserts.

To learn more about Rome, its best attractions and food check out my other articles:

Part 1: Transport and Accommodation in Rome

Part 2: Top Places to See in Rome

Part 3: Best Places to Eat in Rome