Italy is a country defined by rituals. I remember my first visit to Rome more than 25 years ago. The anticipation to taste coffee pulled by an Italian barista at a historical coffee bar was palpable. I was and am coffee obsessed. My morning ritual includes grinding coffee beans by hand with a burr grinder. It is my quiet time and self-care. What could be more caring than sliding up to the counter at a Roman coffee bar and indulging in a caffè?
There are endless coffee rituals in each of Italy’s twenty regions. Click, click, freshly ground coffee falls into the filter, tamp, tamp the coffee and the barista locks the filter into the group head of the machine, press a button, and voila… caffè. Served at the bar, the clink of porcelain cups or caffè al vetro (espresso served in a small glass cup) for purists. This rhythm has remained unchanged. But in recent years, a transformation has been brewing.
A new wave of coffee bars are part of Rome’s café culture for which I am thrilled. They bring a little slice of NYC/home to me. A blend of international influences with Italian tradition, focusing on specialty beans, alternative brewing methods, thoughtful design, and a slower, more intentional experience. They are not here to replace the classic Roman bar; they exist alongside it, offering something different for those curious to explore.
New Wave Coffee Bars in Rome
Here are some of my favorite spots that embody this “new wave” in Rome.
Pergamino Coffee Bar
Just a short walk from the Vatican, the Pergamino coffee bar is often credited as one of the early drivers of Rome’s specialty coffee movement. The space itself is compact and the coffee bar is the focal point where different brewing methods including espresso, V60, and Aeropress are offered.
Pergamino stands out with its commitment to variety and education. Beans rotate regularly, sourced from European roasters, giving customers a chance to explore different origins and flavor profiles. There’s a great selection of beans to buy.
Otaleg on Via Quattro Venti
Otaleg is best known for its gelato, many do not know that the Monteverde location has a serious approach to coffee. Coffee and dessert are treated as equals, encouraging you to slow down and savor both. Gluten free and vegan desserts are available daily and coffee is served from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Slightly away from the historic center, it feels like a neighborhood secret.
The coffee program at Otaleg on Via Quattro Venti reflects the same philosophy as the gelato: top quality ingredients, precision, and creativity. Curated by Gianni Olimpo, one of Italy’s barista champions, the beans and coffee drink choices go beyond the standard espresso which by the way is outstanding. From cold brew to pour over, choose your pleasure.
Grani Farina Caffè
Grani Farina Caffè is a bakery with modern café culture. The small space feels contemporary yet warm, with an emphasis on craftsmanship in its baked goods and coffee. The pastries are made with high-quality flours and natural fermentation, while coffee is specialty sourced. It’s an ideal morning stop for a classic cornetto and cappuccino. My go-to is a savory croissant with scrambled eggs and ham, and a pour over.
Faro Caffè Specialty
Faro is considered one of the pioneers of Rome’s specialty coffee scene. The atmosphere is welcoming, minimalist, and designed for lingering.
The focus here is entirely on the coffee. Beans are sourced from top producers around the world, roasted with precision, and brewed using a variety of methods. From espresso to V60 and Aeropress. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate, always ready to guide you through the menu. Faro represents a shift in mindset: coffee is not just a drink it is an experience.
Forno Ritorno
While many “new style” coffee bars in Rome lean heavily into international aesthetics, Forno Ritorno’s space feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in the city’s everyday life. The interior tells a story of continuity with a dash of subtle innovation.
Tucked into the neighborhood of Testaccio, the soul of Forno Ritorno is the bakery. While bread and pastries are at its core, the coffee program is far from an afterthought. Filter coffee, batch brew, and cold brew are served alongside espresso. Forno Ritorno offers many lighter roasts, which highlight the origin of the beans, bringing out acidity and fruit flavors. Served in a relaxed café environment, the seating area is designed for lingering.
Bap Roma
Bap Roma brings a slightly different energy to the scene, more contemporary, more urban, and distinctly international in its approach. It reflects the influence of global coffee culture.
The menu features creative drinks alongside classic preparations. It delivers a full sit down café experience. From matcha or chai latte to a classic espresso, or caffe Americano, Bap represents how Rome is evolving: open to new ideas, yet grounded in its own character.
Tram Depot
Set inside a converted vintage tram stop in Testaccio, Tram Depot blends Rome’s industrial past with a modern café vibe. The kiosk has been carefully restored. Tables dot the the spacious seating area, or you can pull up a stool at the kiosk window.
The coffee program reflects the broader “new wave” movement, with an emphasis on quality beans and thoughtful extraction. What makes Tram Depot special is how naturally coffee fits into the space. It’s not a laboratory for brewing, but rather part of a larger experience that includes cocktails, music, and a relaxed, social energy. It’s the kind of place where you might start with a coffee and stay far longer than planned, as day slowly turns into evening.
Love
Love marries coffee, design, and atmosphere. Rather than a place to linger, it’s a small, lively spot with quick table turnover, where guests perch at compact tables or window stools and soak up the energetic, bustling atmosphere. The flaky pastries are made on site and the selection is impressively varied. Don’t miss the croissant filled with vanilla bean pastry cream. The coffee itself aligns with specialty standards: carefully sourced beans, lighter roasts, and a menu that goes beyond the basics. Love represents another dimension of Rome’s new coffee culture: one that blends global café aesthetics with a distinctly Roman sense of ease.
While Rome will always have more traditional coffee bars (rightly so), newer formats invite us to pause in a city that moves quickly, encouraging us savor each sip.
