Marigold in Rome's Ostiense district is the Scandinavian-style cafe and bakery with sourdough loaves, cardamom buns and a brunch carte that runs Saturday and Sunday only.
Tip: Open Tue to Sun 08:30 to 18:00. Brunch sets cost 25 euros. Book Sunday 11:00 brunch a week ahead.
Address: Via Giovanni da Empoli 37, 00154 Roma, Rome
Necci dal 1924 in Rome's Pigneto district is the historic cafe with a tree-shaded terrace, the all-day espresso-to-aperitivo room and a long natural-wine list by the glass.
Signature drink: Espresso, aperitivo
Tip: Open 07:00 to 02:00 daily. The Pasolini-history terrace is the spot for sunset aperitivo with a glass of Cesanese.
Cofficina in Rome's Salario quarter is the cafe-and-roaster pouring specialty espresso, V60 and Aeropress, with monthly cupping nights and the resident roaster Tommaso Bisciaio.
Signature drink: Filter coffee, specialty espresso
Tip: Open 08:00 to 18:30 Mon to Fri. Closed Sunday. Free cupping session every first Friday of the month.
Tram Depot in Rome's Testaccio district is the 1903-built tram-yard cafe with outdoor tables, the all-day espresso-and-aperitivo bar and live music at sunset on summer evenings.
Signature drink: Aperitivo, granita di caffe
Tip: Open daily 07:00 to 02:00. The 19:00 aperitivo with a granita di caffe is the summer ritual.
Bar del Fico in Rome's Centro Storico is the piazza-side all-day cafe and aperitivo room with the city's most photographed fig-tree terrace and a long aperitivo carte from 18:00.
Signature drink: Espresso, aperitivo
Tip: Open daily 08:00 to 02:00. The piazza terrace fills first; book aperitivo for groups of six or more.
Ciampini in Rome's Centro Storico is the 1947-founded piazza cafe with gelato counter, the lunchtime carte and the espresso ritual on Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina.
Signature drink: Espresso, gelato, cocktails
Tip: Open daily 07:00 to 23:30. The piazza terrace fills at lunch; the gelato counter has 24 daily flavours.
Antico Caffe della Pace in Rome's Centro Storico is the 1891-founded literary cafe with marble counters, the famous wisteria-fronted terrace and a late-night cocktail carte.
Signature drink: Espresso, cocktails
Tip: Open 09:00 to 02:00. The wisteria terrace blooms in April and May; book a fortnight ahead for those weeks.
