Rome Cafes
Different types of coffees are offered in Italy. A latte is a glass of steamed milk. A latte macchiato (meaning spotted) is milk with a shot of espresso. Espresso or normale is just that and usually called “café”. Espresso doppio means a double shot of espresso and espresso macchiato is espresso marked with a dab of steamed milk. America is espresso topped up with hot water and not very good. Cappuccino: you should not order one after 11 a.m. and never after a meal.
Arco Magno dall Onorevole
Via di Campo Marzio, 13, 066893499.
The café is located near the Parliament thus its name (onorevole – your honor, the deputies in Italy are addressed in such a way). Its main attraction: coffe del buon umore – "coffee for good mood". If you wouldn’t smile you’ll get your money back – this slogan is at the door. The good mood is reached in this way. A transparent cup is taken/ Half of it is spread with melted chocolate, the other halt with coffee foam and coffee is poured inside. It really works.
Mon. – Sun. 12.00 – 15.00, 19.00 – 23.00.
Caffe Greco
Via Condotti, 86, 066791700, Metro Spagna.
It is a very snobbish place which is so proud of its former clients (Kazanova, Byron, Stendhal, List, Wagner, Boudler, Gogol, etc.) that care very little for today’s customers. Coffee is expensive and not very good.
Babington’s
Piazza di Spagna, 23, 066786027, Metro Spagna
Founded more than hundred years ago is as legendary as Caffe Greco but its tea (€ 6.50) and buns (€ 4) are excellent.
September – June: Wed. – Sun. 9.00 – 20.15. July – August: Mon. – Sat. 9.00 – 20.15
Brek
Largo di Torre Argentina, 1, 0668210353
It is a useful place for a quick snack. On the first floor they serve coffee, buns, juice and sweets, which you can eat standing at the bar or sitting at one of the tables. Upstairs you may order salads and pasta.
Mon. – Sun. 12.00 – 23.00.
Il Giardino dei Ciliegi
Via dei Fienaroli, 4, 065803423.
It is a very charming café. Two main attractions are: tea menu consisting of several dozens kinds and a white cloth spread under the ceiling where dry maple leaves are scattered. This is exquisitely lighted and looks beautiful.
Mon. – Sun. 18.00 – 1.00.
Novecento
Via del Governo Vecchio, 12, 066865242.
If you want to relax – it’s an ideal place: very calm and quiet. There are plates with dry rose leaves on the tables and the molded ceiling is reflected in old mirrors.
Mon. – Sun. 9.00 – 21.00. (It’s closed two weeks in August).
Pascucci
Via di Torre Argentina, 20, 066864816.
They serve wonderful milk shakes and delicious fruit cocktails (for example made of kiwi with strawberries in lemon juice - € 2).
Mon. – Sat. 6.00 – 00.00.
Rosati
Piazza del Popolo, 5, 063225859, Metro Flaminio.
Two cafes Canova and Rosati located opposite each other on the Popolo squire are open till late evening and sell not only coffee, sandwiches and cocktails but also post stamps and cigarettes and put their tab les in the street whenever the weather permits. Besides Rosati has a splendid hall in modernist style. Rosati is the favorite place of artists, writers and other Bohemian people.