Friends Cafè was one of the first to arrive on the aperitivo scene in Rome and remains a trustworthy staple for those looking for a lively spot to grab drinks and munch on appetizers. Located in the heart of Trastevere, you'll never go wrong coming to this cafè no matter what time of the day you go. Though Friends is open for breakfast and lunch, it's also quite popular among the locals looking to grab a few drinks with colleagues after work. In recent years, the cafè is received much competition from the nearby Freni e Frizioni. Though, luckily for the cafè thanks to its ample seating area, many locals tend to trickle on over to this bar once the seating area runs out at Freni and Frizioni nearby. The buffet is generous and offers your typical run-of-the-mill finger foods. Prices run anywhere from 6-8 euros depending on the type of drink you order. BUS: 23. TRAM: 8.
Local Expert tip: This café also has free WiFi for guests to use.
When the Galleria Esedra (near Piazza Repubblica) opened in the 1950s, Sicilian pastry chef Nicol� Dagnino decided it was the perfect time to open up a pasticceria where all Sicilians could go for a little bit of comfort food. Soon after, Pasticceria Dagnino became a popular spot for Romans and tourists alike. Dagnino is most famous for its specialty Sicilian pastries like cannoli, cassata siciliana and their frutta martorana (little pastries that look like fruit made entirely out of an almond sugary paste). Its decor is a bit yester-year and ahsn't changed muxh since the 1950s. But the wide selection of delicious pastries certainly make up for it. Those with a sweet tooth for breakfast will be in heaven when it comes down to selecting which pastry to go with their coffee. BUS: 40, 64. METRO: Repubblica, Termini.
Local Expert tip: A must try is the cannoli with ricotta and pistacchio. Also not to be missed is their gelato.
Situated in a lovely traffic-free pedestrian only piazza, is the smart and sassy café Ciampini. On sunny days or when the weather is pleasant, this is one of the perfect places to sit and enjoy a coffee, a glass of wine or even dine 'al fresco'. This elegant café is popular with the well-heeled or the Roma per bene crowd. Traditional outdoor seating is available under umbrellas. The gelato here is also a must-try. METRO: Spagna, Flaminio
Local Expert tip: Make sure to check out the other Ciampini location (just above the Spanish Steps at Piazza Trinità dei Monti) with spectacular views of the Roman skyline.
As the name suggests, this bar is literally a 'meeting place' for Italians, especially college students Whether it be a cappuccino in the morning or a mid-afternoon coffee, the Bar Meeting Place is definitely a punto di ritrovo (meeting place) for locals in the Piazza Bologna area. The café isn't located isn't very central. Rather, it's close to Rome's La Sapienza University along the Metro B line (Stop Name: Bologna). Believe it or not, the cornetti (croissants) are so good here, that people travel across town to just get their hands on one. There's also a good pasticceria here in case you want to take home some other tasty pastries and desserts. BUS: 93, 62, 310. METRO: Bologna.
Local Expert tip: Bar Meeting Place is also a great place to wind down with a glass of wine as it's open until late in the evening.
This bar is always bustling, no matter what time of the day you go. Tazza d'Oro was established in 1946, is considered to be by many, the best coffee in all of Rome. It's prime location just up the street from the Pantheon makes it a hub for tourists, locals, office workers and politicians. It's claim to fame is its granita di caffé con panna (a lightly sweetened frozen espresso topped with whipped cream). You can also buy Tazza d'Oro's coffee beans to take home with you and other gifts too. Standing room only. Bus: 116, 80, 52, 53.
Local Expert tip: Before ordering your coffee, you must pay first and get a receipt. The cashier is a little hidden, as it's located in the very back. Without a receipt here, no one will pay attention to you.
Not too many bars give off such warmth and a sense of coziness like Caffè Novecento does. It's a discreet spot with soft jazz music playing in the background and an array of tantalizing cakes, pies and other sweet treats to greet you as you walk in. There's also a nice selection of quiches, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Though the prices are a little steeper here than most cafés, the fact that everything is delicious, homemade and fresh, definitely makes up for it. Most people don't take their coffee at the bar, as the bar isn't very big. But with a place this cozy, who wouldn't want to sit? All it's missing are a couple of couches. BUS: 40, 64, 46, 916.
Local Expert tip: If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to order a caffè marocchino. It's a shot of espresso with chocolate and a little bit of milk served in a tiny shot glass. It's truly decadent.
Located on the Rodeo Drive of Rome, Via dei Condotti, is a trusty Roman staple that's been around since the 18th century. Antico Caffe Greco is one of the oldest cafés in Rome and is well known around town as it used to be a favorite meeting spot for famous writers and composers such as Goethe, Stendhal, Byron and Keats. Inside the café, there are all sorts of historical motifs and pictures adoring the walls. BUS: 81, 117, 119, 590 or 628. METRO: Spagna
Local Expert tip: It's best to order a cappuccino at the bar rather than at a table. You'll be charges at least 2-3 times the price if you decide to sit and the coffee still tastes the same.
Caffè della Pace is more than just a bar. It's a hip, classy café where artists, locals, tourists and even celebrities have been coming since 1891 for their morning coffee afternoon tea or even a glass of wine. The interior of the café is a bit dark and looks a bit like it belongs in some royal palace. Mostly people prefer to sit outside 'al fresco' even in the winter. The backdrop (draping ivy) is very chic and it's prime location, just a stone's throw away from Piazza Navona make it the perfect place for people watching. BUS: 40, 64, 492. BUS: 30. 40, 64, 46, 916.
Local Expert tip: Caffè della Pace is definitely a posh place for grabbing a glass of wine, an aperitivo or even drinks after dinner.
