I've often wondered how Italians became 'the' global coffee cognoscenti. After all, there are no coffee beans grown in Italy; beans are imported from the tropics and roasted, ground, and consumed in Italy in vast quantities.
It's the ritual of coffee in Italy that has risen above all others, and been embraced world-wide as the favourite coffee rite of many in the western world. Espresso, cappuccino, americano and caffe latte. These are 'foreign' words, lovingly repeated a million times across North America every day.
For a coffee loving traveller, Italy is indeed nirvana; the promised land. While you can go into any local Bar and have a very good espresso nearly anywhere in the country, here are our two favorites for those visiting the heart of the eternal city - Rome.
Caffe Sant'Eustachio - Fabulously located, near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, this historic Roman cafe dates back to the 1930s and is crowded at all times by locals and travelling coffee enthusiasts. The Grancaffe is a very special espresso & milk coffee that is prepared behind the counter, hidden by a metal shield to prevent anyone from viewing the barista's creative 'magic'. Pay first, then crowd the bar to exchange your ticket for 2 minutes of coffee drinking heaven.
La Tazza d'Oro - Also near the Pantheon, this cafe offers the speedy delivery of excellent espresso and cappuccino at very reasonable prices, especially considering its prime location in Rome. Bigger and not quite as crowded as Sant'Eustachio, which is great when you really need that espresso shot around 3 PM!
Gelato
When we last visited Rome, part of our vacation promise to the children was for a 'daily holiday gelato'. This was a wise strategy to motivate tired legs and revitalize everybody with a delicious, pick-me-up treat, usually enjoyed in the afternoons. [ttm tip: Ordering gelato is an orderly, defined process; Decide on your size (and flavours). Pay. Order. Enjoy!]
Giolitti - One hundred and ten years of gelato means they are doing something very right. This old-world gelateria near the Italian Parliament & the Pantheon is beautifully decorated with spacious indoor seating and outdoor tables. There are a tempting number of metal tubs of home-made gelato to choose from. You may have to go more than once to do justice to their selection!
San Crispino - Near the Trevi Fountain sits this small, artisanal ('artigianale') gelateria. We happened upon it by very fortunate accident and were rewarded with the best gelati of our entire trip. Though the house specialty is a gelato with honey & Marsala, we were tempted by their other offerings of Nocciola and Limone. Delicioso!
Gelateria della Palma - A huge selection of gelato can be found in this somewhat kitschy & colourful gelateria (also near the Pantheon). Kid-friendly with tasty gelati, della Palma also offers other sugary treats and candies (if you need more for the road).