News

4 Cool Coffee Shops in Rome

Posted by author-avatar
On May 11, 2025
0 comments
4 Cool Coffee Shops in Rome


A photo of a bridge and a series of buildings in Rome, Italy.4 Cool Coffee Shops in Rome

Rome is best known for its classic coffee bars, but several specialty cafés are finding a home within the Italian capital.

BY AMARIS MERCADO
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Today we set our sights on Italy, where espresso was born and, to this day, still only sets you back about €1.20. In the country’s capital city, Rome, locals and visitors wander through endless piazzas, sipping caffè all throughout the day—a ritual as timeless as the city itself. But beyond the charm of classic Italian coffee bars, something new has emerged: specialty coffee, here to quietly reshape Rome’s café culture.

Join us as we tour some of Rome’s best specialty-coffee spots, where quality, craft, and innovation come together in the Eternal City.

Sensorio Coffee Lab

A cafe in Rome, Italy. People are seen walking by. The cafe has its door wide open, with a chalkboard sign that reads "Sensorio Specialty Coffee." Inside the cafe is an espresso bar painted blue, with shelves of glassware, coffee brewers, bags of coffee, and an espresso machine. A barista is seen working on bar.A cafe in Rome, Italy. People are seen walking by. The cafe has its door wide open, with a chalkboard sign that reads "Sensorio Specialty Coffee." Inside the cafe is an espresso bar painted blue, with shelves of glassware, coffee brewers, bags of coffee, and an espresso machine. A barista is seen working on bar.
We start our tour at Sensorio Coffee Lab, operated by brothers Matteo and Luca Di Lorenzo. Photo courtesy of Sensorio Coffee Lab.

Introduced to the Roman coffee scene in 2023 by brothers Matteo and Luca Di Lorenzo, Sensorio Coffee Lab was born from a shared mission: to elevate Italy’s coffee culture through quality, transparency, and knowledge.

“In Italy, ironically, coffee is not yet fully recognized as a high-quality artisanal product, like wine and olive oil,” Matteo shared with Barista Magazine. “For this reason, the Italian supply chain for specialty coffee is not as developed as in other countries. At Sensorio, we are keen to bring a new discovery to one day appreciate the ethics, quality, and different aromatic facets of arabica.” 

At a cafe in Rome, Italy, a table is filled with a breakfast spread: a pot of coffee, plates of pastries, and mugs of coffee displaying gorgeous latte art.At a cafe in Rome, Italy, a table is filled with a breakfast spread: a pot of coffee, plates of pastries, and mugs of coffee displaying gorgeous latte art.
An Italian breakfast spread at Sensorio.
The Di Lorenzo brothers, smiling, are seated by a wooden bar topped with coffee mugs. The Di Lorenzo brothers, smiling, are seated by a wooden bar topped with coffee mugs. The Di Lorenzo brothers, smiling, are seated by a wooden bar topped with coffee mugs.
The Di Lorenzo brothers. Photos courtesy of Sensorio Coffee Lab.

With single-origin roasts rotating monthly, Sensorio’s 100% arabica beans—all specialty-certified with scores above 80+—are sourced fresh and roasted with precision to preserve their natural character and elevate their unique flavor profiles.

Someone holds up a coffee drink on a street in Rome, Italy. In the background is a busy street filled with parked cars and buildings with classic Italian architecture.Someone holds up a coffee drink on a street in Rome, Italy. In the background is a busy street filled with parked cars and buildings with classic Italian architecture.Someone holds up a coffee drink on a street in Rome, Italy. In the background is a busy street filled with parked cars and buildings with classic Italian architecture.
If you find yourself near Villa Borghese, be sure to stop by Sensorio for a pick-me-up. Photo courtesy of Sensorio Coffee Lab.

Sensorio is steadily building a name for itself, and the team believes that specialty coffee will be embraced by the locals. “They are starting to get curious—especially younger ones with international experience. Once we explain the difference between robusta and arabica, or what ’specialty’ even means, something clicks,” Matteo says.

If you’re out and about near Villa Borghese, Sensorio is the place to start your day or take a midday break. With their carefully crafted coffee, fresh pastries (try the cardamom bun!), and delectable brunch items, Sensorio is more than just a café—it’s an experience for the senses.

Fischio

A barista works at an outdoor kiosk-style cafe in Rome, Italy.A barista works at an outdoor kiosk-style cafe in Rome, Italy.A barista works at an outdoor kiosk-style cafe in Rome, Italy.
Fischio, an outdoor kiosk serving specialty coffee from roasters all across Europe. Photo courtesy of Fischio.

If you find yourself near the Vatican, in Rome’s Prati neighborhood, make Fischio one of your go-to spots for a morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Chioschi—Rome’s beloved outdoor kiosks—are popular throughout the city (and with Rome’s famously sunny weather, who can blame them?). Fischio is one of those classic Roman chioschi, but with a twist: They serve specialty coffee from roasters all across Europe.

A cappuccino in a mug at a cafe in Rome, Italy.A cappuccino in a mug at a cafe in Rome, Italy.A cappuccino in a mug at a cafe in Rome, Italy.
A classic cappuccino at Fischio.
A cup of black coffee at a cafe in Rome, Italy.A cup of black coffee at a cafe in Rome, Italy.A cup of black coffee at a cafe in Rome, Italy.
Single-origin coffee at Fischio. Photos courtesy of Fischio.

Their V60-brewed coffee is a fan favorite, but you can also grab a cappuccino or an iced coffee, depending on your vibe. Come with an appetite, and if you’re lucky enough to catch their gooey, three-cheese grilled sandwich on the menu, order one for the table. You won’t regret it.

Faro

Faro, operating in Rome, Italy, since 2016. Photo courtesy of Faro.

Nestled between Roma Termini station and Villa Borghese, Faro is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a business with a mission. Committed to both profitability and social impact, Faro fosters connection and educates consumers on the complexities of the food system.

A person holds up a coffee drink with latte art in a red mug, against a gray and white tiled floor, at a cafe in Rome, Italy.A person holds up a coffee drink with latte art in a red mug, against a gray and white tiled floor, at a cafe in Rome, Italy.A person holds up a coffee drink with latte art in a red mug, against a gray and white tiled floor, at a cafe in Rome, Italy.
At Faro, quality and traceability is at the heart of their work, shining through in every cup of coffee. Photo courtesy of Faro.

Since opening in 2016, Faro, along with its roastery, Aliena—has become a standout name in Rome’s specialty-coffee scene. The café is often buzzing with a line to get inside, but the staff remains attentive and welcoming.

Here, you can choose your brew by origin and processing method, and each cup comes with a card detailing where the coffee comes from, adding a thoughtful touch to the bean-to-cup journey.

A sandwich sits on a wooden table at a cafe in Rome, Italy, alongside a cup of iced coffee.A sandwich sits on a wooden table at a cafe in Rome, Italy, alongside a cup of iced coffee.A sandwich sits on a wooden table at a cafe in Rome, Italy, alongside a cup of iced coffee.
Sandwiches with house-baked bread.
A wooden table is filled with plates of colorful pastries and cups of iced coffee, at a cafe in Rome, Italy.A wooden table is filled with plates of colorful pastries and cups of iced coffee, at a cafe in Rome, Italy.A wooden table is filled with plates of colorful pastries and cups of iced coffee, at a cafe in Rome, Italy.
Seasonal pastries. Photos courtesy of Faro.

While you’re there, don’t skip the food—everything from bread to pastries is seasonal and made in-house. When selecting what to order, you truly can’t go wrong. Through transparency and storytelling, Faro is trailblazing the challenges of Italy’s café industry while proving that a coffee shop can be both profitable and purposeful—all through a cup of coffee.

Mostro

A photo of Daniele Deidda, owner of Mostro Coffee in Rome, Italy. Daniele works at Mostro's espresso bar wearing a yellow hoodie. He brews a pourover coffee. Behind him is an espresso machine topped with white coffee mugs, and above that hangs a black and white menu listing out a variety of cafe items.A photo of Daniele Deidda, owner of Mostro Coffee in Rome, Italy. Daniele works at Mostro's espresso bar wearing a yellow hoodie. He brews a pourover coffee. Behind him is an espresso machine topped with white coffee mugs, and above that hangs a black and white menu listing out a variety of cafe items.A photo of Daniele Deidda, owner of Mostro Coffee in Rome, Italy. Daniele works at Mostro's espresso bar wearing a yellow hoodie. He brews a pourover coffee. Behind him is an espresso machine topped with white coffee mugs, and above that hangs a black and white menu listing out a variety of cafe items.
Daniele Deidda, “coffee captain“ at Mostro. Photo courtesy of Daniele Deidda.

If the idea of sipping specialty coffee from a chiosco under the Roman sun sounds like your vibe, then you’re in luck—I’ve got another spot for you: Mostro.

Located right in front of the Pyramid of Cestius (yes, Rome has an ancient pyramid—add it to your must-see list!), this kiosk opened in the spring of 2024 inside Café du Parc, now reimagined as a go-to hangout for specialty coffee, natural wine, and music.

A cold brew tonic at Mostro. Photo by Amaris Mercado.
A collection of vinyl records at Mostro. Photo courtesy of Mostro.

Mostro brings a contemporary edge to the Roman café scene. “More and more people appreciate the quality, traceability and aromatic variety that the world of specialty coffee offers,” says Daniele Deidda, the shop’s “coffee captain.“ “Rome is now a fertile ground for a new coffee culture, which combines tradition with a more careful and conscious vision.”

Here, customers here can snack on playful bites like Japanese-inspired sandos from Umami Roma, and the café serves V60 pourovers, well-balanced flat whites, and more exceptional espresso-based beverages—most of them brewed with beans from Faro’s roastery, Aliena. One of Daniele’s favorites? “A Costa Rica from the Tarrazú region,” he says. “It’s naturally processed with a bright acidity and an enveloping taste that makes every sip a pleasure.”

At Mostro, Daniele Deidda brings a balance of expertise and friendliness.
Mostro brings a unique, contemporary edge to the Roman coffee scene. Photos courtesy of Mostro.

Mostro is a café that keeps things creative and casual. The team advises to “approach specialty coffee in Rome without preconceptions … avoid comparing it to what you’re used to. Come with curiosity, and listen—because behind every cup, there’s a story, a study, and a passion that’s worth knowing.”

These Roman spots prove that even in a city where traditional Italian espresso reigns, there’s plenty of room for specialty coffee to do its thing. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amaris Mercado (she/her) is a Puerto Rican writer, researcher, and café wanderer based in Rome. Passionate about coffee, sustainability, and storytelling, she explores the world one cup at a time and shares her journey on her coffee-focused Instagram, @caffeologie.

Subscribe and More!

As always, you can read Barista Magazine in paper or digital format. Subscribe here to get your own hardcopy of each issue delivered. Read the April + May 2025 issue for free with our digital edition. 

And for more than three years’ worth of issues, visit our digital edition archives here.





Source link

Newer The Good Stuff Wellness Coffee and More To Start Your Day Healthy – Coupon Code RODERICK32944
Back to list
Older 5 MUST-TRY TIPS To Perfect Your POUR OVER COFFEE Game!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *