National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Where to d rink espresso
BAR FRATELLI CAPONE
Run by brothers Gigi and Nando, this small bar in Piazza Testaccio is always busy. The gold bags of beans upended in the grinders are pure arabica from one of Rome’s oldest roasters, Tintori, and the brothers conjure consistently good espresso from the cafe’s well-worn machines. Piazza Testaccio 30
SCIASCIA CAFFÈ
This is a beautiful place for a coffee, low-lit by green-glass lamps under which skilled baristas turn out spot-on, crema-topped espresso (the cup lined with chocolate, if you wish) using their excellent house blend, which is available to buy at the counter. sciasciacaffe1919.it
ROSCIOLI CAFFÈ
Long, narrow and popular with locals and tourists alike, this is the sister bar to the sleek Roscioli deli and kitchen, and down-to-earth Forno bakery. The busy cafe effortlessly blends the best elements of its siblings: serious coffee, whether espresso or cappuccino, and exquisite pastry creations from chef Rodrigo Bernoni. rosciolicaffe.com
SANT’EUSTACHIO IL CAFFÈ
This cafe’s 1940s vibe is best admired either early or late in the day when it’s quieter (it’s open until after midnight). Sugar is added by the barista, so if you prefer yours without, be sure to ask for amaro (without sugar). caffesanteustachio.com
CASA MANFREDI
The Torinese coffee empire Lavazza has a new offering: 1895 by Lavazza Coffee Designers, a range of rare blends from small producers supplied to selected bars, including Casa Manfredi. The coffee is exceptional at this luminous bar on a treelined street near Palatine Hill, particularly the single-blend. Try it with one of the cafe’s fruit-and-custard tarts. casamanfredi.it
MARIGOLD ROMA
Set on a quiet street in the Ostiense district, Marigold is a stylish micro-bakery whose commitment to sourcing the finest produce is reflected in its smooth, rich and fruity house blend from organic farms in Papua New Guinea, Peru, Colombia and Rwanda. marigoldroma.com