Famous Cafe in Rome Near Colosseum
History of cafés in Italy
When you think of Italy, you probably imagine espresso tiny cups and bustling cafés. And honestly that’s not far from the truth because Italy has one of the Most prosperous coffee cultures in the world.
The story starts in the 16th century, when coffee first arrived in Europe through Venice. Traders Delivered it from the Ottoman Empire and Venetians, always curious about new things, quickly fell in love with the dark, mysterious drink.
At first coffee was expensive and rare but it became so popular that the first Italian Coffee shops known as botteghe del caffè, started to appear. By the 17th and 18th centuries, cities like Venice, Turin and Rome had elegant coffeehouses where writers, artists, and politicians would meet.
These places weren’t just for drinking coffee they were hubs for talking, debating, Wishing and even Planning uprisings. In fact many important Italian ideas were born over a small cup of coffee!
One of the oldest cafés still open today is Caffè Florian in Venice which opened in 1720. Envision sipping an espresso where Casanova once flirted and where musicians and poets spent their days!
In the 20th century, Italy transformed the way the world thinks about coffee. The invention of the espresso machine in the early 1900s changed everything. Suddenly, you could have a strong, quick shot of coffee perfect for busy Italians who loved flavor but didn’t want to sit for hours.
That’s when the Italian café became part of daily life. Italians would (and still do) stand at the counter, order a quick espresso or cappuccino, maybe a little pastry, chat for a minute and then continue their day. No long coffee breaks just little moments of pleasure woven into daily routines.
Today, from the grand cafés of Rome to tiny neighborhood bars in Sicily coffee in Italy is more than a drink. It’s a ritual, a tradition and a way of life.
Famous Cafe in Rome Near Colosseum
1. La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro
When I was searching for traditional coffee in Rome many locals told me “Go to Tazza d’Oro!”
Opened in 1944, this Memorable café is not exactly at the foot of the Colosseum but it’s close enough if you take a short bus or a 20-minute walk. And believe me, it’s worth it. La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro is Renowned for serving some of the best espresso in Rome.
As I entered, the aroma of freshly ground coffee hit me immediately. The place felt lively and authentic. It’s not a fancy café. It’s simple, fast and full of Italians grabbing their quick caffeine shot.
I ordered a granita di caffè con panna which is a semi-frozen coffee dessert topped with fresh whipped cream.
It was magical! The strong coffee flavor mixed with the sweet creamy topping was refreshing and energizing. Drinking a granita here on a hot Roman afternoon is an experience you must have at least once. The best thing? It’s affordable too. My coffee and granita cost less than €5.
- Address: Via degli Orfani, 84, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours: 7 AM – 8 PM daily
2. Antico Caffè Greco
If you want to sit where famous people like Goethe, Byron, and Keats once had their coffee, you must visit Antico Caffè Greco. Opened in 1760, it is one of the oldest cafés in Italy. I visited after a morning tour of the Colosseum and nearby Roman Forum. It was a peaceful 30-minute walk, and totally worth it.
The inside feels like a museum. Rich velvet chairs, old paintings on the walls, and waiters in tuxedos. It’s a very different vibe compared to modern cafés. I ordered a simple espresso. It was bold, intense, and full of character, just like the café itself.
Be ready: it is a bit expensive compared to other places. But you are paying for the atmosphere and history, not just the coffee. Sitting there, I imagined myself as a writer from the 1800s, notebook in hand, dreaming about poetry.
- Address: Via dei Condotti, 86, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM daily
3. Er Baretto
Just a short 10-minute walk from the Colosseum Er Baretto feels like a secret. This tiny café is not famous with tourists. But locals love it. And now, so do I. It’s very small with only a few tables inside and a couple outside.
But that’s part of its charm. I found Er Baretto while wandering the quiet side streets. I was hot, tired and needed a coffee badly. The smell of fresh pastry led me inside. The owner Welcomed me with a big smile.
I ordered a cappuccino and a freshly baked cornetto. The cappuccino was simple but wonderful. Rich coffee flavor and soft foamy milk.
The cornetto was slightly warm with a sweet apricot jam inside. It felt like a true Roman moment: simple pleasures, made with care. If you want to escape the tourist crowds for a bit, Er Baretto is perfect.
- Address: Via del Boschetto, 132, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours: 7 AM – 6 PM daily
4. Caffè Roma
You cannot get closer to the Colosseum than Caffè Roma. It’s located right across the street. When I first saw it I thought it might be a tourist trap. But after reading good reviews and feeling hungry.
I decided to give it a try. And I was so happy I did! I grabbed a seat outside on the terrace. From there I had a full view of the Colosseum.
It was magical drinking coffee while staring at one of the greatest wonders of the world. I ordered a simple espresso and a slice of tiramisu. Both were good, classic Italian quality. The espresso was strong and perfect after a heavy lunch.
The tiramisu was soft creamy and not too sweet just the way I like it. Prices here are a little higher because of the location. But honestly the view alone is worth it. If you want a classic Roman memory with the Colosseum right in front of your eyes Caffè Roma is the place to be.
- Address: Via del Colosseo, 31, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM daily
5. Barnum Café
Barnum Café is a little further from the Colosseum about a 20-minute walk but it’s one of my personal favorites. It feels very different from many Roman cafés. It is modern, artistic and relaxed.
When I entered I noticed the wooden tables, cozy chairs and soft jazz music playing in the background. It felt almost like a coffee shop you would find in Brooklyn or Berlin. I decided to stay for brunch. I ordered a flat white and an avocado toast with poached eggs.
The coffee was smooth strong, and creamy. The food was fresh and colorful. It made me feel healthy and happy after days of eating heavy pasta and pizza!
Barnum Café is also a good place if you want to sit with your laptop and do some work. Many locals come here for that. If you love coffee and a chill atmosphere, don’t miss this place.
- Address: Via del Pellegrino, 87, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM daily
6. Bar La Licata
Bar La Licata is only about a 7-minute walk from the Colosseum and it’s one of those spots that makes you feel like you’ve found a little secret.
The first time I visited I arrived early in the morning. The city was still waking up. Streets were calm. When I Entered the smell of fresh coffee and warm pastries filled the air.
It’s not fancy but it’s full of character. The walls have photos of Rome and the staff greet you like family. I ordered a cappuccino and a Nutella croissant. The cappuccino was smooth and strong. The milk was perfectly foamed. The croissant was soft and rich with chocolate. It felt like a warm hug.
There were locals chatting at the counter and reading newspapers. No one was rushing. It reminded me to slow down and enjoy the little things like breakfast in Rome. Bar La Licata is the kind of place where you want to return again and again.
- Address: Via dei Serpenti, 165, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours: 7 AM – 6 PM daily
7. Ciardi Caffè
Ciardi Caffè is small and easy to miss. It’s about 10 minutes from the Colosseum tucked between a few shops on a quiet street.
I stumbled upon it by accident. I was looking for water and walked in thinking it was a regular bar. But inside I found a proper Roman café.
There’s no English menu. Most people just walk in, order espresso at the bar, drink it quickly and leave. It felt very authentic.
I did the same. I ordered a simple espresso, “un caffè, per favore.” The man behind the counter smiled and nodded. In seconds a tiny cup appeared in front of me.
The espresso was hot, bold, and slightly bitter just the way Romans like it. It woke me up instantly.
Drinking coffee like this fast and standing made me feel like a local. It was a quick but special memory.
- Address: Via Cavour, 234, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours: 6 AM – 8 PM daily
8. Caffè Doria Pamphilj
If you want peace and beauty, Caffè Doria Pamphilj is your place. It’s inside the Doria Pamphilj Gallery a historic art museum near Piazza Venezia not far from the Colosseum. This café feels like it belongs in a palace. Because, actually, it does. The Doria Pamphilj family once lived here.
After walking around the gallery, I found the café in the inner courtyard. It was calm, quiet and very elegant. I sat under a big white umbrella surrounded by old stone walls and green plants. I ordered a latte macchiato and a small almond cookie. The coffee was smooth and light. The cookie was crispy and just sweet enough.
This café feels perfect for writing in a journal or reading a book. I stayed for more than an hour without even noticing the time. It was peaceful and beautiful.
- Address: Via del Corso, 305, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
9. Café Café
Café Café is just 2 minutes from the Colosseum but it feels totally Unique from the tourist spots. It’s cozy, colorful and full of personality.
The walls are painted in bright Color. There are fun posters, plants, and even books. It looks like someone’s living room not a café.
I visited in the afternoon. The place was full of young Romans working on laptops or Talking with friends.
I ordered a cappuccino and a slice of carrot cake. The cappuccino came in a large mug. The cake was moist rich and full of spice just like I hoped.
The owner was very friendly. He asked where I was from and smiled when I told him I was traveling alone. “Then take your time,” he said “this is your home too.” That moment stayed with me.
- Address: Via dei Santissimi Quattro, 44, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM daily
10. Erb Baretto Café
When I was exploring the Colosseum area in Rome and craving a quiet, authentic spot for coffee a local guide whispered to me “Try Erb Baretto Café. It’s a hidden gem!”
Tucked just a few minutes’ walk from the Colosseum Erb Baretto isn’t one of the flashy tourist cafés you’ll find on the main street. Instead it’s a small charming place with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a short break after sightseeing.
As I walked in, the warm smell of fresh coffee and baked pastries Instantly pulled me in. The café has a rustic cozy feel with wooden tables cheerful staff and a few plants adding a homey touch. It felt very local very real.
I ordered a cappuccino and a simple cornetto. The cappuccino was smooth and creamy with just the right balance of strong coffee and soft foam. The cornetto was buttery and slightly sweet perfect for a light Roman breakfast.
Sitting by the window sipping my coffee while glimpsing the ancient stones of the Colosseum in the distance, was pure magic. It was peaceful affordable and wonderfully Roman. The best part? My coffee and pastry together cost just around €4.
Address: Via del Monte Oppio, 22, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: 7:30 AM – 6 PM daily
11. Antico Forno ITI
While wandering the cobbled streets near the Colosseum, I stumbled upon a little place that looked like it had a thousand stories baked into its walls Antico Forno ITI.
I wasn’t even searching for anything special. I was just following the smell of freshly baked bread drifting through the air. That warm Calming scent led me straight to this tiny old-school bakery.
From the outside, Antico Forno ITI looks simple and unassuming. But inside, it’s pure magic. Wooden shelves lined with crusty breads, focaccia slices glistening with olive oil and pastries that looked too beautiful to eat. Locals popped in and out greeting the staff like old friends. It felt like the kind of place that had been part of daily Roman life forever.
I picked a slice of pizza bianca just warm airy bread brushed with olive oil and a little salt. No fancy toppings. No fuss. And honestly? It was one of the best things I ate in Rome. Soft inside crispy outside and full of flavor.
I grabbed a few more treats for later: a pistachio cornetto and a small bag of biscotti. Everything tasted homemade as if it had been baked just for me.
Sitting on a nearby bench eating my simple pizza bianca with the ancient ruins in the background, I felt like I had found a secret piece of real Rome away from the tourist buzz. The prices were super reasonable too. My little feast cost less than €6.
Address: Via Urbana, 31/32, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: 7 AM – 8 PM daily
12. Campolo Café
After spending a few hours exploring the mighty Colosseum, my feet (and my stomach) were begging for a break. I wandered a little away from the crowds and found Campolo Café a small, modern café tucked into a quieter corner.
From the moment I walked in, I knew I had made the right choice. Campolo Café has a bright, fresh vibe with clean decor, friendly staff, and a menu that’s simple but tempting. It felt like a place where locals actually hang out, not just another tourist pit stop.
I ordered a flat white and a pistachio croissant. Honestly, the coffee was fantastic smooth, strong, but not bitter. You could tell they cared about making it right. The croissant was flaky and stuffed with creamy pistachio filling. Sweet but not too sweet just perfect.
There were a few small tables outside too, so I sat down with my little breakfast, watching people stroll by with the Colosseum just a few blocks away. It was one of those quiet travel moments that felt special without trying too hard.
Best of all? It didn’t break the bank. My coffee and pastry together were about €6 pretty good for being so close to one of the world’s most famous monuments.
Address: Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, 14, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM daily
13. Casa Manfredi
On my way back from the Colosseum, still buzzing from the history I had just walked through, I decided I needed something sweet and maybe another coffee. That’s when I found Casa Manfredi.
This little pâtisserie and café sits just a few minutes’ walk from the ancient ruins, but it feels worlds away from the busy tourist streets. Casa Manfredi has a sleek stylish look all glass, wood and marble but it’s the smell of fresh pastries that pulls you right in.
I ordered a cappuccino and a pistachio croissant (yes, pistachio again it’s a weakness). The cappuccino was rich and perfectly foamed, but the real star was the croissant. Flaky, buttery, and generously filled with creamy pistachio goodness. Every bite felt like a small, perfect celebration.
The crowd was a nice mix a few locals grabbing their morning fix, a couple of visitors like me and a very cute little dog napping at someone’s feet. It was peaceful, elegant but never stuffy.
Prices were a little higher than your basic Roman bar, but honestly for the quality the setting and how close you are to the Colosseum, it felt absolutely fair. My cappuccino and croissant cost around €7.
Address: Viale Aventino, 91/93, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: 7 AM – 8 PM daily
Conclusion
In one trip to Rome, I discovered 10 different cafés — each with a unique vibe, flavor, and story. From historic and fancy to modern and cozy, every café gave me something to remember.
- Caffè Propaganda – Stylish, elegant, and perfect for brunch with classy coffee.
- Tazza d’Oro – A Roman legend with bold espresso and refreshing coffee granita.
- Antico Caffè Greco – Walk through history with a strong espresso and velvet chairs.
- Er Baretto – Tiny and local, with kind smiles and fresh pastries.
- Caffè Roma – Unbeatable view of the Colosseum with tiramisu on the side.
- Barnum Café – Chill, creative, and ideal for laptop lovers and brunch fans.
- Bar La Licata – Morning joy with Nutella-filled croissants and warm hearts.
- Ciardi Caffè – Fast, bold, and real Roman style coffee at the bar.
- Caffè Doria Pamphilj – Quiet elegance with art, almond cookies, and history.
- Café Café – Fun, colorful, and full of soul just like Rome itself.
Each of these places added something special to my journey. And in every cup of coffee, I found a little piece of Roman life. Whether you’re standing at a bar like the locals or relaxing with your laptop in a quiet corner coffee in Rome is never just coffee.
It’s a moment.
It’s a memory.
It’s a pause that becomes part of your travel story.
So next time you visit the Colosseum, take a break in one of these beautiful spots. You’ll come for the coffee but you’ll stay for the feeling.
FAQs
Q1: Are there famous cafés near the Colosseum?
Yes! There are several well-known cafés within walking distance of the Colosseum. Many offer great coffee, pastries, and even amazing views of the monument.
Q2: What are some popular cafés near the Colosseum?
Some favorites include:
- Café Café – A cozy spot with sandwiches, coffee, and desserts.
- Antica Caffetteria – Known for its strong espresso and quick snacks.
- La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro – Famous for its rich coffee, although a bit farther (near the Pantheon).
Q3: Which café has a good view of the Colosseum?
Royal Art Café is a great choice! It has a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy your drink with a direct view of the Colosseum.
Q4: Is it expensive to have coffee near the Colosseum?
It depends. Some touristy places are a bit pricey, but many cafés offer reasonably priced espresso, cappuccino, and pastries. Always check the menu before you order!
Q5: Can I find traditional Italian breakfast near the Colosseum?
Yes! Many local cafés serve a typical Italian breakfast: a cappuccino and a croissant (cornetto). Simple, delicious, and quick!
Q6: Are the cafés open early in the morning?
Most cafés open around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM, perfect if you want a coffee before starting your sightseeing.
Q7: Are there vegan or vegetarian options in cafés near the Colosseum?
Some cafés, especially the modern ones, offer plant-based milks (like almond or soy) and a few vegan pastries. Always good to ask!
Q8: Can I sit and relax for a long time in these cafés?
At most places, yes! However, in very busy tourist spots, some cafés may expect you to order more if you stay a long time. It’s polite to check with the staff if you’re planning a long break.
