Roscioli Caffe in Rome's Centro Storico is the espresso-and-pastry counter from the Roscioli family. The maritozzo con la panna is the morning ritual, the espresso is the city standard.
Tip: Open from 07:00; the maritozzo sells out by 11:00. Bar-stand espresso is the steal at 1.50 euros.
Address: Piazza Benedetto Cairoli 16, 00186 Roma, Rome
Antico Caffe Greco in Rome on Via dei Condotti has run as a literary cafe since 1760. The historic 18th-century rooms are protected national heritage; espresso is served at marble tables.
Signature drink: Espresso, cioccolata calda
Tip: Counter espresso is the price-saver; the historic back rooms charge five times more.
Barnum Cafe in Rome's Centro Storico is the third-wave coffee room serving filter, V60 and flat whites alongside brunch plates and a small natural-wine list by the glass.
Signature drink: Filter coffee, flat white
Tip: Open 09:00 to 23:00. Brunch on Sunday is the busiest slot; book or arrive before 11:00.
Antico Caffe Greco in Rome on Via dei Condotti has run as a literary cafe since 1760. The historic 18th-century rooms are protected national heritage; espresso is served at marble tables.
Signature drink: Espresso, cioccolata calda
Tip: Counter espresso is the price-saver; the historic back rooms charge five times more.
Barnum Cafe in Rome's Centro Storico is the third-wave coffee room serving filter, V60 and flat whites alongside brunch plates and a small natural-wine list by the glass.
Signature drink: Filter coffee, flat white
Tip: Open 09:00 to 23:00. Brunch on Sunday is the busiest slot; book or arrive before 11:00.
Faro in Rome's Prati district is the third-wave specialty-coffee bar pouring filter, V60 and espresso from single-origin beans roasted on-site weekly. Work-friendly room.
Signature drink: Filter coffee, flat white
Tip: Open 08:00 to 19:00. The Friday brew bar tastings at 18:00 are free; the filter pour is the order.
Pergamino Caffe in Rome by the Vatican is the third-wave bean room with filter, V60 and Aeropress, the city's strongest selection of single-origin Ethiopian and Kenyan lots.
Signature drink: Filter coffee, single origin espresso
Tip: Open 07:30 to 19:30. Bring your own keep-cup for a half-euro discount. Closed Sunday.
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.
Signature drink: Flat white, brunch sets
Tip: Open Tue to Sun 08:30 to 18:00. Brunch sets cost 25 euros. Book Sunday 11:00 brunch a week ahead.
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.
