Rome tips by locals | Spotted by Locals city guide » Coffee & tea

Babingtons – Tearoom in the heart of Rome

Franco Becerril — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:33:44 +0000

Image by Franco Becerril

There was a time when in Rome tea was only available in pharmacies. Two English ladies came to the city planning to open a tearoom and a space for reading. So they opened Babingtons, just a couple of meters to the side of the Spanish steps lower level, and right under the place that was John Keats’ home.

Just ahead of the entrance door you have the welcoming sight of the cookies, scones, cakes and pies that a few minutes from then you will be devouring in your table.

It is not a cheap place: You will be paying about 10E for a small tea pitcher, and another similar amount for the accompanying sweet treats. But on the other hand you will get to feel like an Englishman (or woman) having tea the proper way. The waitress wear this cute white-and-turquoise dresses and speak a correct English.

The selection of teas and infusions is varied. In the menu you can read the characteristics of every particular flavor and essence. If by the end you liked the tea so much that you would want to take it home with you well, you can. Just ask the waitress or at the register and they will give it to you a beautifully packed bag. Enjoy!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Babingtons | Coffee & tea | Tea & cake € 20
Piazza di Spagna, 23 | City center
10:00 – 21:30 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rome

Antico Caffe’ Greco – Where the gladiators go…

Sabrina Favoriti — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:38:11 +0000

Image by Sabrina Favoriti

Recently I met a friend that I hadn’t seen for years, for a Saturday morning coffee at Antico Caffe’ Greco. This bar is located in the middle of Via Condotti and is one of the oldest coffee shops in town, founded in 1760.

The atmosphere in the coffee place is interesting as all the little details of the furniture are conserved extremely well. When you enter the place it is like you are transported back in the 18th century. You can imagine people like Goethe or Stendhal sipping a cup of coffee and discussing the philosophy of life.

My chat with my friend was not as deep but it was a great place to catch up on a rainy Saturday morning, I had a cup of coffee and a croissant and she had a cappuccino and croissant, and when we were ready to leave we even saw a gladiator paying for coffee!

One thing to pay attention here is that the prices increase if you sit down at the table but the experience is worth it.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Antico Caffe’ Greco | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Coffee at the table € 5.00
Via Condotti 86 | City center | +39066791700
09:00 – 19:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rome

Caffe’ 901 – 21st century coffee

Sabrina Favoriti — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:37:58 +0000

Image by Sabrina Favoriti

This is just another coffee bar at the next corner, but the modern design makes the experience of tasting their coffee worth it.

This coffee spot continues to re-invent itself and in fact the last few evenings that I went there I swapped my coffee for a glass of red wine! Now they are also a wine bar.

People that that live or work in the area, go and have their breakfast here with a cup of coffee and maybe a freshly baked croissant before heading off to work.

I like to go there at mid-morning and chat around with a friend sipping a cappuccino and indulge in a chocolate or cream filled croissant. And now they expanded with a small patio outdoors with tables with umbrellas to protect you from the hot sun, but it is so refreshing to have a mid-afternoon cold iced tea!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Caffe’ 901 | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks | Caffe macchiato € 1.00
901 Via Cassia | Cassia & Montemario | +390633260000
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 20:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rome

Caffè Propaganda – The most pleasant surprise

Barbara Marcotulli — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:09:19 +0000

Image by Viviana Berti (Caffè Propaganda)

Take a lovely corner looking over the Colisseum, a bunch of visionary entrepreneurs, an awarded chef and the “most wanted” maitre patisser and…Caffè Propaganda is the happy outcome!

Opened only a couple of months ago, Caffè Propaganda has already gained the spotlight in town. Two chefs (below!), four partners (dj & communication gurus), four menu’s to fulfill any taste and request, this French bistrot enjoys extended opening times (from 12:00 to 02:00, soon also for breakfast) and an interesting selection of sandwiches and roman traditional recipes for a quick bite that makes the best alternative to well known risto-wine-bar in town.

Chef Arcangelo Dandini and chef-patisser Stephane Betmon have worked on two different set of choices that won’t disappoint you, I can promise! Whether for just a coffee or a drink, or an informal but classy date, Caffè Propaganda has already hit its target…that love it back, unconditionally!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Caffè Propaganda | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Local) | Main meal from € 35
Via Claudia 15-19 | City center | +390694534255
12:00 – 02:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rome

Green T – Best Chinese experience!

Barbara Marcotulli — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:09:11 +0000

Image by Sergio Patamia, courtesy of Green T

A small glass door that opens on a sleek, Chinese corner. Maybe the best in town. Elegant, quiet, intimate and…delicious! Green T is very different from any other Chinese restaurant in town. Far more expensive (but still withing European range for good quality VS money ration) for anyone used to stuffing him/herself with just a couple of notes, but absolutely worth a try, especially in a city that does not often offer high quality in oriental cuisine.

At lunchtime fixed menu that ranges from € 12 (quick meal) to € 19 (fish menu) are available. Of course, an “a la carte” menu is always there, with deli from all around China. It’s open at lunch & dinner time (12:30 – 15:00; 19:30 – 00:00), it also offers tea, Chinese design objects, books, clothing, and a very special totally oriental experience.

P.S. perfect for a date!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Green T | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Restaurants (Chinese) | Lunch from € 8.00
Via Piè di Marmo, 28 | City center | +39066798628
Mon – Sat 12:30 – 15:00 & 19:30 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rome

Baylon Cafè – The bar in Trastevere

Franco Becerril — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:36:47 +0000

Image by Franco Becerril

Finding a place to sit and relax in Rome can be hard. Most restaurants will only serve you during lunch (12-2) and dinner (7-11) hours. What if it’s mid-afternoon and you’re craving for something salty that can help you resist until the time of your dinner reservation? Well, that is the reason for aperitivos to exist.

Following a recent trend from northern Italy, several Roman bars now offer a variety of snacks that are included in the price you pay for a regular drink. Although the idea of an aperitif is to stimulate the appetite, it is not unusual that it ends up replacing the meal itself, since it is cheap and hey! it comes with a drink!

In the historic centre you’ll see plenty of these bars, mostly in the areas of Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiori e Trilussa. Baylon Cafè, in the heart of Trastevere, is one of the best places for aperitif. Along with great mixed drinks and friendly waiters, you’ll find a good selection of dishes that will help you to better absorb that alcohol in your drink.

Even if it’s not late afternoon (the perfect time for aperitif), you’ll find there and open bar and, if you happen to be there early morning, the perfect cappuccino e cornetto for your breakfast.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Baylon Cafè | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks | Aperitif € 10
Via di San Francesco a Ripa, 151 | Trastevere
06:30 – 02:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rome

Necci dal 1924 – Retro-dandy bar

Eleonora Baldwin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:35:50 +0000

Image by Eleonora Baldwin

This Pigneto bar-a favorite of bohemian film types and radical literati-is a great casual hangout at any time of day. Great for lazy cappuccino mornings and unhurried newspaper reading; Necci is also perfect for a quick lunch, and ideal for happy-hour conviviality and relaxed dinner.

For about 7 years now, Pigneto has been the “it” neighborhood for contemporary culture pundits. I like the laid back vibe, the rainbow of cultures and ages that inhabit its tree-lined streets, the trendy bars and edgy boutiques that sit adjacent to the old corner haberdashers that still sell buttons and zippers to local housewives. The nearby Via del Pigneto is the automobile-free main drag of the shabby chic quarter, and original filming location of Pasolini’s Accattone and Rossellini’s Roma Città Aperta.

I come to Pigneto’s hook-up institution Necci to take advantage of the bread-making lessons taught here by a group of fun-loving vegetarian hippies. But when I’m here just to hang out, and not attend any classes, I like to sit by myself, kick off my shoes and bring a book to go along with my sunset aperitivo.

Necci also organizes an evening vintage market garage sale. Here you can find old vinyl albums, revamped second hand clothes, crafty objects, cool furniture, books and CDs; you can munch on outstanding dishes and simply relax, drinking chilled beers in the garden or bold wine by the fireplace.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Necci dal 1924 | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Relaxing, Snacks, Restaurants (Italian)
Via Fanfulla da Lodi 68 | S.Lorenzo & Pigneto | +390697601552
08:00 – 01:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rome

Ai Monasteri – Medieval-style apothecary

Eleonora Baldwin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:35:37 +0000

Image by Eleonora Baldwin

Imagine a place reminiscent of an ancient medieval apothecary, in the heart of the Eternal City. Romans have relied on Ai Monasteri for traditional herbal products made by Italian monks, since 1894. Goods sold here may include natural potions, elixirs, candles, marmalades, and honey, plus all sorts of ancient ointments and remedies.

I first learned of the time-honored tradition of monastic trade some years ago during a visit at a Cistercian Monastery near Frosinone. Exploring the monastery’s ancient liquoreria, I learned of the century-old custom of selling products manufactured by the local monks, and of the commerce that soon extended beyond the cloistered walls of the monasteries, abbeys and convents.

I soon became obsessed with Cistercian jams, made with only organic produce and zero preservatives. I hunted remote neighborhood herbalists for the monks’ remedies against cold and flu prepared with pine honey, eucalyptus and propolis resin. I went crazy trying to track down Trappist beer and Benedictine balms. It was not an easy task. Only few, rare stores stock these unique products, and most of the time, variety is narrow.

When I finally stumbled upon Ai Monasteri on Corso Rinascimento, at a stone’s throw from Piazza Navona, I realized my frantic ecclesiastical search was finally over.

So if you’re looking for bee pollen and royal jelly, grappa or cordial, honey, vinegar and unique herbal teas, be sure to take a quiet moment to visit Ai Monasteri, and be transported to another era.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Ai Monasteri | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks
Corso Rinascimento 72 | City center | +390668802783
Mon, Wed & Fri 16:30 – 19:00, Sat 10:00 – 12:30

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rome

Zoc – Trendy Km0 food & vintage furniture

Eleonora Baldwin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:35:25 +0000

Image by Zoc website

Zoc is the Trasetevere sister restaurant of Urbana 47 in the Monti neighborhood, wonderful restaurants that offer way beyond just food.

The whole culinary and cultural idea behind Zoc’s cuisine is mixing traditional local and fresh produce with foreign spices sourced in Rome’s ethnic Mercato dell’Esquilino. The principles of direct supply chain and locally foraged ingredients are not new concepts for the clients of both trendy eateries. Zoc, however is the one that manages the vintage furniture sales for both restaurants.

Yes, because the Tribeca-meets-Borough Market ambiance is home to a unique trait. Zoc is an elegant mixture between a creative bistro and a retro antiques store. On the menu, hors d’oeuvre, primi starters, entrées, sweets and furnishings. The last page is not a list of after dinner liqueurs, but rather an armchair catalog.

My latest meal at Zoc included the signature vegetable tempura in soy sauce, an awe inspiring pancetta-wrapped rabbit kebab, and the stracchino cheesecake with Gentilini biscuit crust and orange cardamom jam: a taste my palate is still longing for. Every course is paired with aromatic teas like bancha, ginger, lemon or pai mu tan, to mention a few. This adds even more gusto to each ambrosial morsel, and allows you time to calmly peruse the room for that special vintage object that will be coming home with you.

Sunday is “ethnic brunch” day. A definite must.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Zoc | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (Intern.) | Starters € 12
Via delle Zoccolette 22 | Trastevere | +390668192515
Tue – Sun 19:30 – 00:00, Sat 12:30 – 15:00, Sun (brunch) 12:30 – 15:30

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rome

Mercato Rionale Parioli – My neighborhood market

Eleonora Baldwin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:35:13 +0000

Image by Eleonora Baldwin

Fennel bulbs, radicchio, artichokes, puntarelle, apples, clementines, bread, eggs… with shopping list safely tucked in my pocket, and wheely shopping cart in tow, I’m off to my mercato rionale, the neighborhood market.

Forays always begin with friendly smiles widening on my purveyors’ familiar faces, unhurried conversation, warm greetings and small talk. The transactions come later. Through this rapport based on everyday contact, locals are raised trusting their suppliers.

My first stop is always Giuliana, the signora that sells me the best mesculun salad ever, broccoletti (broccoli raab), zucchini topped with sunny blossoms and other seasonal produce grown in her farm a property located 30 km south of the city. She always throws in an onion, celery rib and carrot in my bag, for soffritto-it’s a given; and two generous bunches of basil and parsley. For free.

Next, I stop by Massimo, my poultry butcher. He sells me free range chickens, brown eggs, and other non red meats. He’s known me since I was 5, when I’d come here with my mother.

By now, my shopping carrellino is almost full, so I make my way to Anna, for fruit. Her kiosk is always decorated and stocked with exceptionally fresh seasonal goodies, the sweetest and juiciest fruits around. Here, I always end up buying more than I had planned.

Before I leave, I can either pick up fresh flowers at Franco’s stall, or, if I get the munchies, grab a slice of heaven sold by weight at the pizza al taglio booth.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mercato Rionale Parioli | Bars, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks
Viale Parioli at Viale della Moschea | Parioli & Flaminio | +39068088882
Mon – Sat 07:00 – 14:00