Nicole in Rome

Occasion: Walking the streets of Rome in September and feeling super tired midday.

Initial Impressions: My Italian teacher told me about this cafe. He said that it is more expensive compared to other bars, but even the local romans admit that the coffee here is good. I told him excitedly that I know coffee- my parents sell coffee for a living! So with that in mind I wanted my dad to try the coffee here when he and my mother were visiting Rome and then report back to you guys his verdict!

Once Seated/Inside: There were no seats available at this location, and a super long line for tables, which was a bit annoying. However, they have a second location (the emporio) with more seats! I wish I knew that at the time. It is very crowded inside and a bit cramped. I wish they had air conditioning and a bigger space. I would dock a star for this reason, but to be honest the coffee was just so good that I’m leaving the review at five stars because it is somewhere I take all my friends and family excitedly when they visit me in Rome.

Food/Drinks: The drinks are definitely the highlight. I have ordered the cannoli before with the candied stuff on the outside. I’m not a fan of those in general. I say if they have better options and you are that hungry or want the convince you can grab something. If not then just have coffee and then go somewhere else for pastries. I always get Romeo e Julietta. My individual scores are below!

5/5 Il Gran Caffe Special: Well, I think my dad got Il gran caffe special. In any case, it doesn’t matter because the coffee bean quality was consistent. It is very strong and smooth. A lot of bars and cafe’s in Rome make coffee badly. I seldom drink any here because it always tastes either burnt, sour, or very bitter. There is a reason people drink their tiny shots of espresso with an entire pack of cane sugar! I would have my sugar with a side of espresso too with the way some of these places make coffee. I am no coffee expert, but if I can tell the difference in the beans they use as well as the roast, then you can too! My dad certified that the coffee was very good and just the perfect amount of strong and as a daily Vietnamese French coffee drinker, he knows strong. He also liked the fact that you could have it with sugar or not. Personally I thought it looked plain but, that goes to show that the coffee menu is big here and fits everyone’s different prefrences!

5/5 Romeo e Julietta: This is my pick because it is super refreshing. I loved every second of it after walking and sweating all day with no AC in sight. I also enjoyed the fact that they added chocolate syrup and whipped cream! I mean just look how amazing it is- the American in me wished that it was bigger. I actually consider getting myself two every time hahahahhahaa. In fact, I am debating going to the caffe tomorrow as I am writing this as a studying treat before my next exam!

Service: So, I’ve been here a few times already and tried both the sit-down service and the bar service. Either one is very quick. I will note that the service here is fine, don’t expect fine dining service. They are generally very attentive. Things might get a little busy, so just be sure to flag down the waiter if you need something and be nice.

Payment: They accept Samsung and Apple Pay here as well as American Express! The prices for sitting down vs ordering at the bar are different. Also at this caffe you actually have to pay first and get your receipt before heading over to the bar (normally in other bars you order first and pay immediately after). With table service, you sit down and the prices are adjusted for this and then when you are finished you pay inside at the cash register. I will say that the sit down prices for the coffee is pretty steep. However, if you’ve been walking all day and are dying without a hotel afternoon nap in sight, this actually might be one of the most worth 6-10 per person euros you’ll spend during the trip LOL.

Locations: On the map below you’ll see two locations. I recommend first time visits at the original location. Piazza di S. Eustachio, 82!