The best espresso in Rome: 10 of the city’s finest coffee bars

Locals in Rome drink a lot of strong espressos in coffee shops (known locally as bars). Espresso is considered a national heritage, so it’s hard to miss. So if you find yourself in Rome, don't ask for a “coffee” but rather an "espresso". It will be served in a very small cup at the counter quickly after lunch, or at the end of a meal with friends, to help digest the primi (first course) and secondi piatti (second course) that you’ve just tasted.

Besides sips savored later in the day around a good table, locals have their espresso in the morning while scanning the newspaper headlines, surrounded by roasting machines and gravelly morning voices.

The Romans are appreciative of this national elixir more than anything because it brings everyone together, be they friends, relatives, or colleagues. When in Rome, do as the Romans do— we rounded up the best places serving the finest espresso in Rome.

Enjoy the best coffee in Rome in this atmospheric cafe set up in the 1930s. Antique coffee grinders are on display, along with old coffee cans. You’ll have to jostle for space at the bar, but trust us—it’s a worthwhile experience. The most popular coffee on the menu here is called Gran Caffè Speciale. The coffee they serve is fair trade and hand-roasted. It has an outstanding aroma from the roasting process. A special coffee is available for each season: whipped cream and monachella in winter or a delicious coffee and chocolate cream mixture in summer, called Romeo e Giuletta.

Alternatively, you can check out Faro, an independent specialty coffee bar. Here, the coffee doesn’t have to be Roman or Italian. Faro's owners are constantly searching for the best coffee beans around the world. They place quality above all else. The atmosphere here is particularly welcoming. There’s space for checking your email quietly as well as chatting with your friends. You might like the Nensebo coffee, a bold Ethiopian roast with strong floral notes. The recommendation here is not to add sugar, otherwise the complexity of the aroma will be lost. It’s even mentioned in the WiFi password: "senzazucchero"!

Feel nostalgic and want a cup of coffee like the old days? Opened in the 18th century, Antico Caffè Greco, with its gilded mirror and velvet armchairs, is Rome’s oldest coffee bar. Originally founded by a Greek merchant, it was a gathering place for the intelligentsia, including figures such as Goethe, Byron, Stendhal, and Wagner. Don’t leave without checking out their bathrooms.

If you’re looking for a more discreet address, then this café is only for insiders.

Sciascia coffee is real coffee for purists. The owners of this coffee shop have earned extensive training in refining blends and fine-tuning milk froth. This world-class espresso can be found no more than a few blocks away from the Prati district.

Tourists and locals alike enjoy the lively atmosphere of this little cafe. There's also a deli and a kitchen adjacent to the coffee shop where you can enjoy great pastries, such as cornetti (italian croissants) and mini-marizotti. What's this coffee shop's specialty? A coffee blend especially developed for Roscioli by an Italian producer. It's the perfect caffè to experience Italian style, in a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

Looking for a place to relax after visiting Chiesa Santa Maria? Look no further, you have the perfect spot at Barnum Cafè. As well as being one of the best coffee shops in Rome, this bistro and cocktail bar has a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for watching sports.

This 1946 torrefazione located near the Pantheon is one of the best coffee shops in Rome. The aroma of freshly ground coffee greets you as soon as you enter the door. What's best on a hot summer day? Granita di caffè, coffee slushy topped with whipped cream.

Arte del Caffè Er Baretto is the place to go if you want one of the best coffees in Rome minus the crowds. Look out for the latte art here—whether you want a star, heart, or bear pattern, you’ll be in for a surprise.

This cozy coffee house, right next to Palatine Hill, offers Lavazza coffee. They’re also known for their high-quality ice cream and pastries, all served in a bright room with contemporary art.

This trendy café, which also serves as a bakery and restaurant, is located very close to Piazza Vittoria. There’s nothing better than the well-deserved sense of calm you get here after a day on crowded streets. End your afternoon, after visiting the Victor Emmanuel II monument, with a cup of espresso con crema.

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