As a solo traveller, you must have dreamt of sipping coffee in a cute café in Rome, haven’t you? So, on your solo travel to Rome, turn this dream into reality and soak up the Roman spirit. Rome keeps the Italian coffee culture alive with its numerous cafés. Be it traditional cafés or speciality coffee shops, Rome has got your back. 

Out of all the cafés in Rome, here are my top recommendations on ten amazing cafes to visit in Rome as a solo traveller. These suggestions are purely based on my experience in the city. Let’s begin your café hunt in Rome, Italy!

1. Rosioli Caffe Pasticceria

If you are looking for the best café in Rome for breakfast, without a second thought, head to Rosioli Caffe Pasticceria. It is the perfect tiny place to kick-start your day. You can either stop by the bar or sit at their cute little outdoor seating area for a traditional Roman breakfast. 

Classic maritozzi, a cream-filled bun, and pastries sell like hotcakes in this café. Besides, it is also one of the top speciality coffee shops in Rome, which means you will taste a phenomenal cup of cappuccino or espresso. In addition, the Roman-style pizza and pistachio pastry are a must-try!

However, owing to its popularity and location, which is right near Campo de Fiori, the café has become quite touristy. Thus, it tends to get claustrophobic in peak hours. I recommend reaching the café as early as possible for a better experience.

Address: Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, 16, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Timing: Monday to Friday: 7am to 6pm, Saturday: 7:30am to 6pm & Sunday: 8am to 6pm 

2. La Casa del Caffe Tazza d’Oro

Next on the list of amazing cafés in Rome is La Casa del Caffe Tazza d’Oro. It is the best-reviewed coffee shop in Rome for an authentic coffee experience, so you have to try it! And the best part is you don’t have to go out of your way to visit the café because it is right in front of the Pantheon. 

Despite its touristy location, the café is also among the budget-friendly cafés in Rome. It will cost you around €1 – €4 for a coffee paired with pastries, and the prices double when you sit at a table. Oh, and do not forget to taste the granita di caffé (thank me later). You can also buy freshly roasted coffee beans as a souvenir from here.

Address: Via degli Orfani, 84, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Timing: Monday to Saturday: 7 am to 8 pm & Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm

3. Materia Café 

Materia café in the San Giovanni neighbourhood is quite the opposite of Roman cafés. Once you step inside, you will know the minimalistic and chic interior makes this café unique. The chill-out ambience is also apt for digital nomads. You can work or study with soothing background music, especially in the early morning. Wi-Fi here is a blessing in disguise!

Just like the décor and atmosphere lures in visitors, the food keeps them glued to the place. This place preps delicious meals daily, from coffee and pastries to proper Italian dishes.

Address: Via Andrea Provana, 7, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

Timing: Tuesday to Friday: 8am to 12am, Saturday to Sunday: 9am to 12am & Monday: 8am to 4pm.

4. Antico Café Greco

Antico Café Greco is one of the most expensive cafés in Rome. But it’s worth every penny you spend. Why? Because it is not often that you get to sit at a historical place and savour meals in the heart of Rome. Yes, Antico Café Greco tops among the historical cafés in Rome.

This 18th-century vintage café is graced by intellectuals like Keats, Shelly, Byron, Mark Twain, etc. That said, the food and coffee here are also at par with the cost, and you can expect to spend between €20 – €30.

Address: Via dei Condotti, 86, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Timing: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm.

5. Libera Soon

Not too close, not too far from the Piazza Navona, Libera Soon is more of a hidden café in Rome. Thanks to its location on a non-touristy alley. I stumbled across this place while I was exploring the alleys near Piazza. And I am glad I did. They serve amazing drinks, perfect to gulp down the tiredness of a day. The pastries and other meals are also satisfying. 

Besides, this café helps you escape the touristy crowd. Also, they have a range of uncommon goodies, so make sure to purchase a few of them, at least! 

Address: Via del Teatro Pace, 41, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Timing: Sunday to Wednesday: 9:30 am to 10 pm & Thursday to Saturday: 9:30 am to 10:30 pm.

6. Tram Depot

Tram Depot is a seasonal café in Rome, and it is open only in summer in the Testaccio neighbourhood. The café boasts a quirky theme with trams, buses, and swings amidst nature. If you are up for an unusual café experience in Rome, you must visit this two-in-one place. Yes, you read it right. The café serves as a cafe during the day and a drinking spot at night. 

Their diverse coffee range will surely win your heart. They even serve aperitivo and beer at an affordable price. The quick bites and snacks are also good. And here, you get to meet the locals too.

You can either head to this place before or after climbing up the Aventine Hill to peek-a-boo through the famous keyhole for a different sight of St.Peter’s Basilica. 

Address: Via Marmorata, 13, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

7. Faro – Luminari del Caffè

Faro – Luminari del Caffè is the best speciality coffee bar in Rome and apt for brunches. You can choose your preferred brewing mode along with the type of beans. In short, you can customise your coffee just the way you like. I love the coffee here, which is not bitter like the other cafés. If you do not have an extreme sweet tooth, you might not even require a sweetener for your coffee. Do try some of their cheesecakes, pastries, and sandwiches.  

Address: Via Piave, 55, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Timing: Monday to Friday: 8 am to 4 pm & Saturday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm.

8. Bar Monti

Your café hunt is incomplete without a visit to Bar Monti. It is in the same neighbourhood as its name, Monti, and the area is growing popular due to its cafés and restaurants. And Bar Monti is one of them.

The interior of this place is a mixture of modern and antique. And it’s spacious in comparison to other cafés in Rome. 

A Tip: Ensure the prices before you place the order.

Address: Via Urbana, 93, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Timing: Monday to Friday: 8 am to 11 pm, Saturday: 8:30 am to 12 am & closed on Sunday.

9. Romeow Cat Bistrot

Local food with a twist of veganism is what Romeow Cat Bistrot is known for. And, of course, for the cats! There are six Roman cats in this cafe in the Ostiense district, and you can pet them as you wait for your food.

Oh, and do not forget to get pictures of this bohemian café. After all, it is one of the best Instagramable cafés in Rome.

Address: Via Francesco Negri, 15, 00154 Roma RM, Italy

Timing: Wednesday to Saturday: 10 am to 11 pm & Closed on Monday & Tuesday. 

10. Café Canova Tadolini

This secret café cum museum has to be on your list of must-visit cafés in Rome. Especially if you happen to be around the Spanish steps. It is right around the corner, and you have to take a left and walk a little to reach the café.

Although not one of the cheap eats in Rome, the sculpture collection of Antonio Canova makes up for it. Besides, they serve a generous amount of food. Their pasta carbonara, cacio e pepe and tiramisu are worth a try!

Address: Via del Babuino, 150/a, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Timing: Monday to Saturday: 8 am to 11 pm & Sunday: 10 am to 11 pm.

And with that, it is a wrap! Now, the ball is in your court. Select your favourite one from this café guide of Rome and add it to your Rome itinerary. Note that the bar is cheaper compared to the seated-dinning. It applies to most of the cafés in Rome. Choose according to your budget! 

For suggestions on where to stay on a budget, refer to my blog post on hostels in Rome.