What is Roma style coffee? | Exploring the history of Rome’s coffee culture
From the bustling coffee bars to the elegant piazzas, coffee culture in Rome is deeply cherished. Home to iconic cafés and attractions, the famous city remains a timeless favourite for tourists.
In this guide, we delve into the traditions, history, and defining characteristics of Roma style coffee and explore how the Carluccio’s Roma blend offers an authentic experience.
Find out what is meant by Roma style coffee.
Read about the history and culture of Roman coffee.
Find out how Roma coffee compares to other popular blends.
Explore some of Rome’s popular cafés.
Read the benefits of Carluccio’s Roma blend.
We answer common queries on Roma coffee.
What is Roma coffee?
Roma coffee embodies the essence of Central Italy, striking a harmonious balance between the bold intensity of Southern Italian coffee and the lighter, refined flavours of the North. Known for its smooth yet rich profile, Roma coffee represents the perfect equilibrium in Italian coffee culture. Here’s what sets it apart:
- A Central blend: Roma coffee typically combines Arabica and Robusta beans. Arabica brings smoothness and nuanced flavours, while Robusta adds depth and a touch of richness.
- The roast: Roma style coffee beans are roasted medium-dark, creating a versatile flavour profile that’s not too overpowering yet is still full of character.
Find out more about the history of the Italian moka pot.
The history of coffee in Rome
Coffee arrived in Italy in the late 16th century, introduced through Venice’s thriving trade routes with the Ottoman Empire. Initially regarded with suspicion, coffee’s acceptance in Roman society is credited to Pope Clement VIII. According to legend, he tasted the beverage and found it so delightful that he gave coffee his unofficial blessing. From this moment, coffee began its journey to becoming a cherished staple in Rome’s daily life.
By the 18th century, Roman cafés were flourishing as social and intellectual hubs. One of the most famous coffee bars, Antico Caffè Greco, opened in 1760 on Via dei Condotti. It quickly became a gathering place for artists, writers, and thinkers from around the world. These cafés were more than just places to drink coffee—they became centres of creativity and conversation, reflecting the city’s vibrant cultural spirit. Antico Caffe Greco is one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful coffee houses and still stands today as an admired attraction.
In the early 20th century, Rome’s coffee culture continued to evolve. Cafés like Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè, established in the 1930s, became legendary for their artisanal blends and unique roasting methods. Around this time, the espresso machine also revolutionised coffee consumption in Italy. Read more about the history of Italian espresso here.
Rome’s coffee culture is a testament to its enduring love for simplicity and quality. Iconic cafés like Tazza d’Oro, located near the Pantheon, uphold these traditions, serving perfectly crafted espresso that Romans enjoy quickly at the bar.
Read our expert guide to the tradition of Italian coffee bars.“I can assure you that if it weren’t for Italian espresso and the social ritual of espresso coffee, Italy wouldn’t exist as we know it. We cannot separate espresso the drink from the social ritual, because it is a routine, a socially shared practice.”
- Massimo Cerulo, sociologist at the Università degli Studi di Perugia (source).
Enjoy a creamy, full-bodied coffee with our Roma blend
Roman coffee is known for its heavy lingering taste with a toasty, chocolatey, dark caramel and nutty profile, with a nod to the Ottoman Empire through its spiciness. Traditionally served very ristretto, with a lower dose of coffee and extracted hot.
Our Roma beans change in flavour profile depending on the grind. Grind “fino”, fine, for espresso for flavours of walnut, dark caramel and spice. Grind “grosso”, coarse, for a cafetiere and you will enjoy longer, softer flavours of almond, vanilla and milk chocolate.
How does Roma coffee compare to other regional coffees?
Italian coffee styles vary by region, each offering a unique take on the beloved beverage. Here’s how Roma coffee compares to other popular blends:
- Milano coffee:Northern Italy’s lighter roasts and cosmopolitan cafés contrast with Rome’s more traditional, medium-dark roasts. Milano coffee often appeals to those seeking a subtler, sweeter experience.
- Napoli coffee:In the South, coffee is bold, dark, and intense. Napoli coffee reflects the passionate spirit of the region, with roasts that push the boundaries of richness.
- Roma coffee:Situated geographically and stylistically in the middle, Roma coffee offers the best of both worlds. It’s rich but not overwhelming, smooth yet full of character, making it a crowd-pleaser for diverse palates.
Read our full guide to cultural traditions around drinking in Italy.
What are some popular Roman coffee shops and cafés?
Rome’s coffee culture wouldn’t be complete without its iconic cafés. Roman cafés range from bustling espresso bars to tranquil spots ideal for people-watching. Each offers a unique glimpse into the city’s vibrant coffee traditions.
Here are a few must-visit spots for an authentic experience:
- Sant’Eustachio Il caffèFamous for its secret roasting techniques, this historic café near Piazza Navona is a Roman institution.
- Tazza d’Oro:Located near the Pantheon, this café is best known for its Granita di Caffè con Panna, a refreshing coffee granita topped with whipped cream.
Carluccio’s Roma blend
If you are seeking to bring the Roman coffee culture home, Carluccio’s Roma blend is the perfect choice. Expertly crafted, the Roma blend combines Arabica and Robusta beans, capturing the smoothness and richness that define Roma coffee.
Roasted in Italy, Carluccio’s Roma blend maintains freshness and authenticity, delivering a true Roman experience with every cup.
Shop our authentic Italian Roma blend here.
Experience coffee the Italian way with Carluccio’s
Our espresso coffee range has been specially blended and roasted for us in Italy and we believe it captures the aroma and flavour of this unique coffee drinking experience. The roasters of Carluccio’s blends roast each type of bean separately in the traditional “drum” roasters, which spin the beans constantly while surrounding them with hot air. A longer roasting time at lower temperatures avoids any burnt taste and recreates the results of the constant, careful stirring given to the pan roasted coffee beans.
Carluccio's commitment to authenticity and quality ensures that each cup of coffee offers a genuine taste of Italy. Carluccio's cafes stand as modern ambassadors of Italian espresso, offering blends that are deeply rooted in regional traditions while embracing the nuances of contemporary tastes. Each blend, from the bold Napoli to the sweet Milano, tells a story of its origin.
Shop our full coffees and hot drinks range to find out more about what we offer. For the perfect pairing with your coffee – explore our authentic Italian cakes and biscuits.
Frequently asked questions
What is Roma coffee?
Roma coffee is a balanced style of Italian coffee that combines smoothness with richness, typically featuring a medium-dark roast of Arabica and Robusta beans.
How does Roma coffee differ from Milano and Napoli coffee?
Milano coffee is lighter and offers a sweeter blend with no bitter aftertaste, while Napoli coffee is bold and intense. Roma coffee strikes a middle ground, offering a versatile and approachable flavour profile.
What does Roma coffee taste like?
Roma coffee is smooth and rich, with a medium roast that highlights nuanced flavours without being overpowering.
Why is coffee in Rome unique?
Rome’s coffee culture combines tradition, quality, and conviviality, making it an integral part of daily life in the Eternal City.
Where can I buy authentic Roman coffee beans?
Carluccio’s Roma blend is an excellent choice for authentic Roman coffee. The beans, espresso blend and ground coffee blend are available online and in-store. The beans are roasted in Italy in the traditional Roman style.
What brewing methods are best for Roma coffee?
Espresso machines and moka pots are ideal for Roma coffee, but it also works well with French press or pour-over methods.
How has Rome influenced Italian coffee culture?
Rome has played a pivotal role in shaping Italian coffee traditions, from pioneering historic cafés to popularising espresso as a social ritual.
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