Bars and Cafes in Centro Storico (Rome)

Ciampini

This café entices visitors with an amazing view over Rome. This typical café only has outdoor seating and offers a great choice of things to eat. The lovely garden set with a large number of tables appears like a natural terrace and offers one of the best views over the city, especially on a sunny day. This is an ideal place for enjoying gelato or some of the small cakes made on the premises. Snacks are also available.

Caffè Farnese

This lovely café faces onto one of Rome's busiest streets which is particularly popular with foreigners who love to wander around Campo di Fiori. Traditional Italian breakfast of croissant and coffee, an aperitivo at lunchtime, or gelato in the afternoon, this is a great meeting place. A long row of tables almost fills Via dei Balluari and is nearly always full at any time of the day. This venue is open from early morning until late night.

Taverna del Campo

This historic café in Piazza Navona has been open since the start of the 19th Century when it was an inn. In 1931 it reached the peak of its success largely thanks to a truffle-inspired confection which was invented by its manager, the secret recipe of which has been handed down ever since. The specialty is the tartufo (truffle) but there is also the usual array of coffee variations all of excellent quality. There are many tables outside which are always filled with tourists or businessmen.

Tre Scalini

This historic café in Piazza Navona has been open since the start of the 1800s when it was an inn. In 1931 it reached the peak of its success largely thanks to a truffle-inspired confection which was invented by its manager, the secret recipe of which has been handed down ever since. The specialty is the tartufo (truffle) but there is also the usual array of coffee variations all of excellent quality. There are many tables outside which are always filled with tourists or businessmen.

Babington's Tea Room

Baddington's Tea Room is a 19th-century-style English tea room. Upon entering, expect a relaxing atmosphere with professional service. It is located in the famous Piazza di Spagna and features a tremendous variety of teas which are usually accompanied by cakes, muffins and puddings. Everything is prepared according to ancient and well-guarded recipes. The decor includes elegant tables, wicker chairs, curtains and tablecloths, all in proper English style. If these weren't enough, the waiters and waitresses also dress to fit their roles.

Mad Jack

This pub is furnished in the traditional Irish style with an abundance of 20th-century ornaments and wood which create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. There is live rock music on Thursdays followed by a disco after midnight. Draft beer from the Guinness group as well as various cocktails, many of which are Guinness based, and salads, sandwiches, canapés and desserts are available.

Caffè della Pace

Close to Piazza Navona, the Café della Pace has been in existence for almost 100 years. It is an ideal place to sit at any time of the day and watch the crowds pass by. Divided into two beautifully decorated rooms which are popular with the rich and famous, it offers a full range of delicacies to eat and drink from morning to evening. In summer it is pleasant to sit outside in the lovely small square.

Antico Caffè Greco

A visit to the Centro Storico without dropping into this exclusive, centuries-old coffee house seems almost unthinkable, especially if you have come to Rome to soak up in the history of the place. Lord Byron and Goethe had coffee here; Ricard Wagner and Franz Liszt met for pastries at the Caffé Greco. Period furnishings bring a unique charm to its labyrinthine rooms, conjuring up images of the past and the people that have been coming here since 1760.

Gelateria Della Palma

This modern gelateria is a firm favorite with the crowds of tourists who flock to the capital. There is an excellent choice of gelatos with many cream and fruit flavors. It also serves coffee and pralines. As with many Roman gelato parlors, there are open-air tables so you can sit down and enjoy a real "pausa".

Buccone

This wine bar is set close to Piazza del Popolo. It has a long tradition of professional yet informal service and a superb choice of wines and champagnes. There are regular tasting sessions organized and courses on wine. Downstairs there is the cellar with such a huge choice of labels that it is easy to get confused. The wines are from all over but are mostly Italian. In the small and elegant inner room you can sit and enjoy hot or cold dishes - the cold meats and cheeses are a perfect accompaniment to the wines.

Il Brillo Parlante

In the heart of the centro storico, you can choose between a glass of wine with cheese and salami at the bar, or a traditional Italian meal at the Il Brillo Parlante. The house specialties are grilled meat, the first courses, pizzas baked in the wood-fuelled oven and a wide range of Italian and French cheeses. However, the enormous wine list is the restaurant's strong point.

Gregory's

Located near the Spanish Steps, this bar is a great place to spend a few relaxing hours. Draft Guinness, Miller and Allsops are just some of the beers which can be accompanied by a good variety of salads and sandwiches all served by the English staff. This elegant, English pub consists of a wood-furnished room, that serves as a tea-room in the evening, and a warm and welcoming lounge where Roman and foreign jazz musicians perform.