Rome is greatest identified for its basic espresso bars, however a number of specialty cafés are discovering a house throughout the Italian capital.
BY AMARIS MERCADO
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Featured picture by Amaris Mercado
At this time we set our sights on Italy, the place espresso was born and, to today, nonetheless solely units you again about €1.20. Within the nation’s capital metropolis, Rome, locals and guests wander by means of infinite piazzas, sipping caffè all all through the day—a ritual as timeless as town itself. However past the allure of basic Italian espresso bars, one thing new has emerged: specialty espresso, right here to quietly reshape Rome’s café tradition.
Be a part of us as we tour a few of Rome’s greatest specialty-coffee spots, the place high quality, craft, and innovation come collectively within the Everlasting Metropolis.
Sensorio Espresso Lab
Launched to the Roman espresso scene in 2023 by brothers Matteo and Luca Di Lorenzo, Sensorio Espresso Lab was born from a shared mission: to raise Italy’s espresso tradition by means of high quality, transparency, and data.
“In Italy, sarcastically, espresso isn’t but absolutely acknowledged as a high-quality artisanal product, like wine and olive oil,” Matteo shared with Barista Journal. “Because of this, the Italian provide chain for specialty espresso isn’t as developed as in different nations. At Sensorio, we’re eager to deliver a brand new discovery to in the future admire the ethics, high quality, and totally different fragrant aspects of arabica.”
With single-origin roasts rotating month-to-month, Sensorio’s 100% arabica beans—all specialty-certified with scores above 80+—are sourced recent and roasted with precision to protect their pure character and elevate their distinctive taste profiles.
Sensorio is steadily constructing a reputation for itself, and the workforce believes that specialty espresso will probably be embraced by the locals. “They’re beginning to get curious—particularly youthful ones with worldwide expertise. As soon as we clarify the distinction between robusta and arabica, or what ’specialty’ even means, one thing clicks,” Matteo says.
For those who’re out and about close to Villa Borghese, Sensorio is the place to begin your day or take a noon break. With their rigorously crafted espresso, recent pastries (strive the cardamom bun!), and delectable brunch objects, Sensorio is greater than only a café—it’s an expertise for the senses.
Fischio
If you end up close to the Vatican, in Rome’s Prati neighborhood, make Fischio considered one of your go-to spots for a morning espresso or a day pick-me-up.
Chioschi—Rome’s beloved out of doors kiosks—are standard all through town (and with Rome’s famously sunny climate, who can blame them?). Fischio is a kind of basic Roman chioschi, however with a twist: They serve specialty espresso from roasters all throughout Europe.
Their V60-brewed espresso is a fan favourite, however you may as well seize a cappuccino or an iced espresso, relying in your vibe. Include an urge for food, and in case you’re fortunate sufficient to catch their gooey, three-cheese grilled sandwich on the menu, order one for the desk. You received’t remorse it.
Faro
Nestled between Roma Termini station and Villa Borghese, Faro is greater than only a espresso store—it’s a enterprise with a mission. Dedicated to each profitability and social influence, Faro fosters connection and educates customers on the complexities of the meals system.
Since opening in 2016, Faro, together with its roastery, Aliena—has develop into a standout identify in Rome’s specialty-coffee scene. The café is usually buzzing with a line to get inside, however the employees stays attentive and welcoming.
Right here, you may select your brew by origin and processing methodology, and every cup comes with a card detailing the place the espresso comes from, including a considerate contact to the bean-to-cup journey.
When you’re there, don’t skip the meals—all the things from bread to pastries is seasonal and made in-house. When deciding on what to order, you actually can’t go fallacious. By means of transparency and storytelling, Faro is trailblazing the challenges of Italy’s café business whereas proving {that a} espresso store will be each worthwhile and purposeful—all by means of a cup of espresso.
Mostro
If the concept of sipping specialty espresso from a chiosco below the Roman solar seems like your vibe, then you definitely’re in luck—I’ve bought one other spot for you: Mostro.
Situated proper in entrance of the Pyramid of Cestius (sure, Rome has an historical pyramid—add it to your must-see listing!), this kiosk opened within the spring of 2024 inside Café du Parc, now reimagined as a go-to hangout for specialty espresso, pure wine, and music.
Mostro brings a recent edge to the Roman café scene. “Increasingly individuals admire the standard, traceability and fragrant selection that the world of specialty espresso gives,” says Daniele Deidda, the store’s “espresso captain.“ “Rome is now a fertile floor for a brand new espresso tradition, which mixes custom with a extra cautious and aware imaginative and prescient.”
Right here, prospects right here can snack on playful bites like Japanese-inspired sandos from Umami Roma, and the café serves V60 pourovers, well-balanced flat whites, and extra distinctive espresso-based drinks—most of them brewed with beans from Faro’s roastery, Aliena. One in every of Daniele’s favorites? “A Costa Rica from the Tarrazú area,” he says. “It’s naturally processed with a vivid acidity and an enveloping style that makes each sip a pleasure.”
Mostro is a café that retains issues artistic and informal. The workforce advises to “method specialty espresso in Rome with out preconceptions … keep away from evaluating it to what you’re used to. Include curiosity, and hear—as a result of behind each cup, there’s a narrative, a examine, and a ardour that’s value realizing.”
These Roman spots show that even in a metropolis the place conventional Italian espresso reigns, there’s loads of room for specialty espresso to do its factor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amaris Mercado (she/her) is a Puerto Rican author, researcher, and café wanderer primarily based in Rome. Captivated with espresso, sustainability, and storytelling, she explores the world one cup at a time and shares her journey on her coffee-focused Instagram, @caffeologie.
Subscribe and Extra!
As all the time, you may learn Barista Journal in paper or digital format. Subscribe right here to get your individual hardcopy of every subject delivered. Learn the April + Might 2025 subject at no cost with our digital version.
And for greater than three years’ value of points, go to our digital version archives right here.
