No visit to Rome would be complete without a visit to the famous Caffé Greco, renowned for its reputation of attracting artists, intellectuals, poets, and musicians since the days of the Grand Tour. The décor of this elegant café reminds one of a Viennese tea room, while its romantic history will conjure up images of penniless bohemians endlessly scratching away in a corner. Before going, be sure to take some time to glance at the café’s website, which offers a more in-depth description of the many prominent figures that often frequented the café, including Keats, Shelley and Byron, among many others.

Tazza D’Oro

Via degli Orfani, 84
www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com

Another café in Rome that would be a sad shame if missed is the famous Tazza D’Oro, conveniently located in the heart of the city, just steps away from the Pantheon. You will find coffee lovers from all walks of life at this café that works hard to offer the best quality for the best value. If you’re looking for house specialties, be sure to try the blend “La Regina dei Caffe,” the Reginella wafers, the coffee liquor “Aroma di Roma,” or, if you’re visiting in the warm weather, their renowned granita (frozen coffee). Although be warned, you may want to reserve this last choice for serious caffeine drinkers- it’s a very pure and strong taste.

Caffé della Pace

Via della Pace, 5
www.caffedellapace.it

Although the loud ambiance can be overpowering and you may have to wait a bit to snatch a table, the stylish Via della Pace is one of the best. Quaintly decorated with green vines that curl around old-fashioned hanging lamps on the outside and worn wooden tables on the inside, this café has been around since the 18th century. Located across from the Chiostro del Bramante in the historic Piazza della Pace, it is the perfect stop during a day of sight-seeing and the excellent quality of coffee won’t let you down.

Babington’s Tea Room

Piazza di Spagna, 23
http://babingtons.net

Another gem to be found in the Piazza di Spagna is Babington’s Tea Room. Founded in 1893 by two English ladies in Rome, the café still displays many of the original prints and furnishings while simultaneously providing a modern tea shop that can also conveniently be found online (just in case you are ever struck with a craving for one of their many delicious tea and chocolate products after departing Italy). If you are nostalgically searching for a traditional afternoon tea, then Babington’s is the place to go in Rome.

Sant’Eustachio

Piazza Sant’Eustachio, 82
www.santeustachioilcaffe.it

If you are a coffee connoisseur, then this is the place to be, although don’t expect them to let you in on any of their staunchly-kept secrets. We recommend supporting their “Buon Caffe Program,” which donates extra proceeds of sales back to COOPFAM, the Brazilian Fairtrade certified co-op from which Sant’Eustachio buys their coffee. In fact, owner Roberto Ricci is extremely passionate on the subject, not only supporting Fair Trade initiatives, but also heading several projects on his own. His enthusiasm must manifest itself in their coffee, the taste of which speaks for itself, drawing high-profile clients from Henry Kissinger to Tom Hanks.

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