Il Caffè e Gelato
/We often get asked for recommendations about our favorite coffee and gelato places. Here are our never-miss places in Rome.
For our favorite coffee shop, it’s an easy choice! We adore the coffee at Sant’Eustachio il Caffè near the Pantheon. Coffee in Italy means espresso. As a matter of fact, don’t order “un espresso,” rather order “un caffè.” To Italians coffee is espresso. Sant’ Eustachio not only has the best espresso in the world, but they make a mean cappuccino freddo and shakerato (an espresso that is shaken until foamy on top). No matter how long the line, it is worth trying. They are known for their crema, the foam on the top of the coffee. Some people think they add something (besides the sugar that comes in all their coffee unless you ask for “senza zucchero”) to create that great taste. We think it is the great Roman aqueduct water that they have access to in this part of the city. Consider paying the higher prices to sit at a table. It’s in a great little piazza that offers great people and doggy watching.
As far as gelato goes, where to start? Here are just a few of our favorites:
· The fruit flavors at Giolitti are outstanding, and that is probably one reason that this gelateria has been serving patrons for over 100 years.
· The chocolatey flavors at Della Palma are wonderful! The visuals when you walk into this shop are incredible and the big photos from Roman Holiday are great fun.
· You must try the ginger, cinnamon, or honey flavors at the all-natural San Crispino. It’s outstanding, though you shouldn’t expect a cone there. They don’t want anything to sully the outstanding flavors of the gelato.
· Finally, grab a tartufo at Bar Tre Scalini. This chocolate “truffle” ice cream ball is to die for!
The good and bad news is that all four of the above can be found in the Navona / Pantheon area, though it would be hard to visit them all in one day. The original San Crispino is over near the Trevi if you need a snack while in that area.
We’ll check out more places when we head to Rome next week and keep you posted on our new favorites!