Rome is finest identified for its traditional espresso bars, however a number of specialty cafés are discovering a house throughout the Italian capital.

BY AMARIS MERCADO
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Featured photograph by Amaris Mercado

As we speak we set our sights on Italy, the place espresso was born and, to this present day, nonetheless solely units you again about €1.20. Within the nation’s capital metropolis, Rome, locals and guests wander via limitless piazzas, sipping caffè all all through the day—a ritual as timeless as the town itself. However past the attraction of traditional Italian espresso bars, one thing new has emerged: specialty espresso, right here to quietly reshape Rome’s café tradition.

Be part of us as we tour a few of Rome’s finest 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 via high quality, transparency, and information.

“In Italy, mockingly, espresso is just not 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 is just not as developed as in different international locations. At Sensorio, we’re eager to deliver a brand new discovery to sooner or later recognize the ethics, high quality, and completely different fragrant sides of arabica.” 

With single-origin roasts rotating month-to-month, Sensorio’s 100% arabica beans—all specialty-certified with scores above 80+—are sourced contemporary 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 shall 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.

If you happen to’re out and about close to Villa Borghese, Sensorio is the place to start out your day or take a noon break. With their rigorously crafted espresso, contemporary pastries (attempt 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 certainly 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 common all through the town (and with Rome’s famously sunny climate, who can blame them?). Fischio is a kind of traditional 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 can even seize a cappuccino or an iced espresso, relying in your vibe. Include an urge for food, and should 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 affect, Faro fosters connection and educates shoppers on the complexities of the meals system.

Since opening in 2016, Faro, together with its roastery, Aliena—has change into a standout title in Rome’s specialty-coffee scene. The café is commonly buzzing with a line to get inside, however the workers stays attentive and welcoming.

Right here, you’ll be able to select your brew by origin and processing technique, 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—every little thing from bread to pastries is seasonal and made in-house. When choosing what to order, you actually can’t go fallacious. By means of transparency and storytelling, Faro is trailblazing the challenges of Italy’s café trade whereas proving {that a} espresso store might be each worthwhile and purposeful—all via a cup of espresso.

Mostro

If the thought of sipping specialty espresso from a chiosco underneath the Roman solar seems like your vibe, you then’re in luck—I’ve received one other spot for you: Mostro.

Situated proper in entrance of the Pyramid of Cestius (sure, Rome has an historic 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 up to date edge to the Roman café scene. “Increasingly more individuals recognize the standard, traceability and fragrant selection that the world of specialty espresso presents,” 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 acutely 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 shiny acidity and an enveloping style that makes each sip a pleasure.”

Mostro is a café that retains issues inventive and informal. The workforce advises to “strategy 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 price understanding.”

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 based mostly in Rome. Keen about espresso, sustainability, and storytelling, she explores the world one cup at a time and shares her journey on her coffee-focused Instagram, @caffeologie.

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