The Coffee In Italy Is An Amazing Experience

When you come to Rome, experiencing the coffee in Italy needs to be at the top of your itinerary and our complete guide will show you why it is so great.

There are many things that Italy does exceptionally well, but since I can’t afford a Lamborghini, coffee would have to be my favorite. Italian coffee culture is not just about the beverage itself, it can be a full experience. The daily ritual, the special equipment, the coffee culture history and even a sense of community at your local bar. 

Whether you’re sipping espresso standing at a counter in Rome or pulling a perfect shot at home with a Moka pot, coffee in Italy is a cultural cornerstone. This complete guide covers some of the most iconic places, products, and traditions that define Italian coffee.

Italy Is The Best Country For Coffee

What makes Italian coffee so respected around the world? It’s the combination of culture, quality, and simplicity. In Italy, coffee is about consistency, no matter where you go, you’re likely to get a well-made espresso.

Italy doesn’t rely on gimmicks or trendy seasonal drinks, like Starbucks or Dunks. Instead, it creates a perfect example of the basics copied by so many: espresso, macchiato, cappuccino. Every sip is part of a trip back to Italy, one that connects people across countries and generations.

For more details on Italian coffee, please check out: “The Best Country For Coffee Must Be Italy And This Is Why“.

Coffee Bars in Italy Are A Unique Experience

The Italian coffee bar is an experience unto itself. It’s not just about grabbing a quick shot of espresso, it’s a place for conversation, people-watching, and community. Most Italians don’t take their coffee to-go, but it does occasionally happen since the pandemic. Instead, they usually enjoy the espresso standing at the bar chatting with the barista, finishing often in just a few sips.

You won’t find large menu boards or sugary drinks here. The focus is on espresso, served quickly, efficiently, and with a touch of style. For more information, this post can help: “Coffee Bars In Italy Are A Unique Experience You Should Try“.

Here are some of my favorite coffee bars in Rome and beyond:

1. Giolitti

Giolitti may be best known for its gelato, but its coffee is equally impressive. Located near the Pantheon and the center of government at Piazza Colonna, this elegant institution has been serving Romans and tourists since 1890. Step inside and you’ll find marble countertops, nataly attired servers and the kind of refined atmosphere that makes every espresso feel like a special occasion.

This isn’t your average grab-and-go place. Giolitti invites you to linger a little longer, take in the ambiance, and enjoy your coffee as it was meant to be savored. Here is why you need to stop by: “Giolitti In Rome Just Might Be My Favorite Coffeeshop“.

2. Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè

When we sold coffee online, this was one of the more popular coffees we sold. Visitors to Rome can find it tucked away behind the Pantheon where Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè is a must-visit for anyone serious about Italian coffee who wants to try it and possibly bring some back home. 

This spot is famous for its amazing coffee and can be difficult to get into, so plan an early visit. Locals swear by it, and tourists often find themselves returning for a second cup. For more information, see: “Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè Is A Rome Coffee Bar You Should Try“.

3. La Casa Del Caffè Tazza d’Oro

The most popular coffee we sold on our old website was without a doubt Tazza D’Oro, another heavyweight in Rome’s coffee scene and located just steps from the Pantheon. Known as “The House of Coffee”, this place draws crowds from around the world thanks to its delicious roast and cool gifts that you can bring back home.

Tazza d’Oro is also one of the best spots to buy freshly roasted beans and espresso accessories to take home. If you’re planning to recreate your Italian coffee experience back in your own kitchen, start here: “Is La Casa Del Caffè Tazza d’Oro The Best Coffee In Rome?“.

4. Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Not in Rome, but in Naples, Gran Caffè Gambrinus is more than just a typical café, it’s a symbol of classic Italian style. Since 1860, this regal café has hosted artists, writers, and politicians. With frescoed ceilings and gilded mirrors, it’s like stepping back in time.

The service is polished, the pastries are legendary and the coffee is strong and perfectly balanced. If you want to understand what “la dolce vita” really means, a coffee break here will show you. For more details, read this: “Gran Caffè Gambrinus Is Classic Italian Coffee Culture“.

Italian Coffee Roasters Are the Best

This may not seem like anything surprising, but I used to think the beans are why I don’t like Starbucks coffee, but in reality it is their much vaunted roasting and blending. It is also what separates Italian coffee from the rest of the world. Sure, there are regional differences between roasting styles, but there is no confusing the origins of an amazing Italian roasted coffee.

Italy is home to some of the finest coffee roasters in the world, many of which remain a part of their family and fiercely devoted to tradition. Brands like Illy, Lavazza, and Kimbo have differing international reach, but there are also countless smaller roasters in Italy that supply local bars and restaurants with blends customized to regional tastes.

Whether you prefer a bold southern roast or a more delicate and smooth northern espresso, there’s an Italian roaster for you. You can find more information here: “These Italian Coffee Roasters Are The Best In Italy“.

Italian Coffee Culture In Torino

While Rome gets much of my attention because it is where I live, Turin (Torino) is one of the birthplaces of Italian coffee culture. It’s home to Lavazza, one of Italy’s most popular and internationally known coffee brands, and the city offers a more relaxed, refined version of coffee life.

Here, you’ll find French influenced cafés with rich wooden interiors, grand chandeliers, and menus that include unique coffee creations like the bicerin, a layered drink of espresso, chocolate, and cream. After trying this drink, it should be obvious where Starbucks stole their ideas from. If you’re a true coffee lover, Turin should be on your travel bucket list.

Consider a visit to Torino after reading this supporting article: “Italian Coffee Culture Is An Experience In Torino!“.

Making Italian Coffee at Home Is So Worth It!

Nothing beats sipping espresso in an Italian bar. Unfortunately, unless you live here, that is something you can only do when you travel here. The next best thing is learning to make it at home. All you need are Italian roasted coffee beans, a Moka pot or espresso machine and possibly a coffee grinder as well.

From grinding your beans fresh to mastering your latte art, making Italian coffee at home is a rewarding ritual. Plus, once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you ever paid $5 for an espresso at Starbucks.

This article will help get you started: “Knowing How To Make Italian Coffee At Home Is Worth It!“.

How To Clean A Moka Pot

If you’ve invested in a Moka pot and want to enjoy delicious Italian roasted coffee at home, keeping it clean is essential. It is easy to get stray flavors into your coffee that might ruin the delicate tastes, so keeping the pot in order will go a long way to an enjoyable cup.

Following these rules will keep your coffee tasting pure. With the right care, a Moka pot can last for generations. Interestingly, I was contacted on social media and someone told me, with unearned confidence, that this opinion was no longer true and you can use soap. IT isn’t an opinion. It is from years of Italians using a moka and determining the process for making the best cup possible.

For information on how to deep clean a moka, please review: “How To Clean A Moka Pot Everyday In A Few Easy Steps“.

Bialetti It No Longer Italian

Bialetti is synonymous with Italian coffee made at home thanks to its iconic stovetop Moka pot, invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933. This little aluminum caffettiera revolutionized home brewed espresso and remains a staple in Italian kitchens. They are still available in every store you might walk into and replacement parts are very easy to find.

That’s why the idea of selling such an iconic brand to a foreign investment company seems so unlikely. It would be like selling Lamborghini or Ferrari to Ford and expecting that people wouldn’t care. We’ll see how this develops, but it was pretty shocking to me.

The reasons for the sale aren’t unique or unusual. In recent years the brand has struggled financially. It was sold to NUO Capital, a Chinese investment firm with Italian ties. While some worry this could impact the legacy, others see it as a chance to expand Italian coffee culture globally.

For more details on the companies and the sale, check out this article: “Historic Bialetti Sold To Chinese Investors NUO Capital“.

Ferrero Pocket Coffee Is How To Enjoy Espresso On The Go!

One of my favorite discoveries since moving to Rome, and there have been quite a few, is Pocket Coffee. This little drop of sweet espresso and chocolate is both a joy to eat, but also an opportunity to learn patience. These candies are only available during the colder months, and during the summer they change to offer a different product, almost as good, but not exactly.

When you think of Ferrero, you probably think of hazelnut chocolate delights like Nutella. But, Ferrero Pocket Coffee is something different. During the cooler months, to prevent melting, it’s a small, espresso-filled chocolate treat that is essentially Italy’s answer to portable caffeine.

These little candies are filled with real liquid espresso, making them perfect for travelers, hikers, or busy professionals who want a pick-me-up without waiting in line at a café. They’re rich, sweet and incredibly satisfying by offering both sugar and caffeine in one luxurious bite.

If you are interested in learning more about these amazing treats, read more about it here: “Ferrero Pocket Coffee Is How To Enjoy Espresso On The Go!“.

Italy’s Enduring Coffee Legacy

Italian coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a daily affirmation of one of the great tastes of Italy. You can enjoy it at home, out at a restaurant or standing at the counter of a bar. Any of these options will bring joy, and a little bit of energy, to your day in a way like no other. 

Whether you’re popping a Ferrero Pocket Coffee into your mouth while you are on the go, visiting iconic cafés like Sant’Eustachio or Tazza d’Oro, or pulling a perfect shot at home with your Moka pot, there’s something magical about Italian coffee culture.