Italy is known for its coffee. The recognition and reputation is indeed due because most of the coffee I’ve had here really is great. At around €1 for a cup, it’s also quite affordable. Not to mention, I sometimes luck up and receive a little something extra with my morning coffee, which is a perfect start to the day. (You can read about the little something extra here.) The only thing I find lacking with the coffee in Italy is the culture.
The coffee culture in the U.S. is to sit down, take your time, sip your coffee, relax, visit with friends and take a little break. Sometimes you are even encouraged to bring your computer and do a little work while you drink your coffee with the availability of free Wi-Fi. This has always been my experience with Starbucks and the other coffee shops I’ve visited. This is not the case with bars in Italy (bars = name for coffee shops).
The norm in Italy is for you to drink your coffee and eat your cornetto (morning pastry) while standing at the bar. Seats are rare, and if they are available, in many cases you will be charged extra (almost double) for service while seated. In a country that concerns itself with a slower paced lifestyle, spending time with family and friends and savoring multiple course meals over the span of several hours, the coffee culture is surprisingly fast paced and rushed. Normally, you’re in and out and have had your breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up in a matter of a few short minutes.
That is why I was delighted to find a bar that encouraged you to sit down, relax and stay awhile. The first time we visited Bar Fuoco, the owner actually gave us our cornetti served on a saucer (as opposed to handing it to us in a napkin), and asked us to have a seat, then told us he would bring out our cappuccini. This was so completely foreign to me, and I was actually shocked. To my surprise, he actually brought the coffee out to us. I observed him doing this with everyone. He was bringing out coffee and pastries to customers, cleaning off tables and greeting everyone. Again, completely foreign when compared to the ‘normal’ coffee culture in Rome.
Did I mention the price? The price is more than right. It is only €1,30 for both cappuccino and cornetto. (At most bars we usually pay €2,00 for the same thing.) The quality has been consistently good, too. My chocolate croissant (my favorite) is always fresh and filled with creamy, delicious Nutella.
If you’re looking for a bar with a down home feel, great prices and good service, Bar Fuoco is the place to go. It’s also convenient to reach since it’s located close to Rome’s Termini Station.
Bar Fuoco Caffe Gima
Via Milazzo, 15
Open 7 days a week
Andrea! I really need to make a trip to Rome sometime soon, I’m only an hour train ride away so I have no excuses really! Hopefully when I do, we can have coffee and share stories about living in Italia at this bar.
Happy Holidays!
Theresa
Sounds great, Theresa! I’m in the States at the moment helping with my Grandmother who is in the hospital, but I should be back in Rome after the New Year. Would love to get together!