8 Cafs Where You'll Find The Perfect Espresso In Rome

Once you’ve made sure to master the art of drinking coffee in Italy like a local, head over to these Roman cafés to taste some of the best brews in the capital. From gilded historic coffeehouses and neighborhood bakeries to hip bars, each cup guarantees a great atmosphere to accompany your caffeine kick.

1. Caffè Canova-Tadolini

Bar, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Italian

This elegant café was the workshop and atelier of famed sculptor Antonio Canova (hence its name) who entrusted the establishment to his favorite student, Giulio Tadolini, in 1818 and kept it in the family for four generations. The atelier was converted into a museum/restaurant in 1967 and juxtaposes sculpture and art with dining tables and a gilded coffee bar. Caffè Canova-Tadolini brews excellent coffee in one of the city’s most intriguing venues.

2. Café Greco

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Italian

If you’re looking to pair history with your caffeine, try ornate Caffè Greco, known for accommodating illustrious clients such as Goethe, Byron and Keats at its glistening marble tables back in the day. This 18th-century cafe, opened in 1760, is one of the oldest coffee establishments in the world and remains a historic landmark in the city, appealing to artists and notable people in Rome (and of course, plenty of tourists eager to soak in some culture with their coffee).

3. Sciascia Caffè

Coffee Shop, Italian

Sciascia Caffè, which has been around since 1919, is located in the commercial Prati district and serves up some of the best espresso in the city. With its intimate interior, suggestive turn-of-the-century train wagon and a handful of tiny rectangular tables, this café is a nice spot to enjoy your coffee while off the beaten path. Sciascia excels at its chocolate-infused drinks; the gran cappuccino is a heavenly creation with espresso, steamed milk, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and chocolate chips.

4. Barnum Café

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Italian

For something a little less traditional and a little more trendy, Barnum Café on Via del Pellegrino suits all of your Continental café needs. With its fresh aesthetics and shabby-chic furniture, it caters to a hip crowd of freelancers, young professionals, travelers and locals who live in the neighborhood. With free Wi-Fi and tasty treats all day long, it’s great at any hour — especially for cocktails in the evening!

8. Panella

Panella is a refined café, bakery and restaurant that serves incredible pastries, finger foods, cocktails and of course, coffee. Located just around the corner from gritty Piazza Vittorio, it feels like a chic oasis removed from the hustle and bustle found next door. Ask for your espresso con crema, topped with a dollop of eggy zabaione cream for a great flavor pairing and be sure to order one of their exquisite pastries, baked to perfection.