The 6 Best Breakfast Options To Have In Rome

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s one statement we’ve all grown up hearing. While the jury’s still out on this one, the Romans do breakfast a little differently. It’s not that locals don’t appreciate a good breakfast, but it tends to be a relatively casual affair in Rome.

The Eternal City’s breakfast scene centers around buzzing coffee bars and pastry shops, some of which you’ll be familiar with if you’ve joined my Rome food tours. For the most part, finding the best breakfasts in Rome is all about putting your faith in where the locals go.

For a more in-depth look at classic Roman breakfasts, check out this fail-safe guide, which is packed with some of my top recommendations.

What is a Typical Breakfast in Rome?

Although dozens of Italian foods have made their way to almost every corner of the globe, not many people know much about how Romans do breakfast.

For most locals, the first meal of the day centers around coffee and baked goods. The most common combination is a cappuccino and a cornetto, similar to but sweeter than a French croissant. Despite this, I’ve noticed plenty of people opting for alternatives like espressos and toast with butter or jam.

When I first moved to Rome, I was taken aback by how fast-paced the entire experience was, as I found most people munching on their breakfast standing up at a low-key coffee bar. In fact, it’s rare to see locals sitting for breakfast or choosing a full meal, especially midweek.

After spending some time in the city, I soon learned that Romans generally prefer an on-the-go breakfast, leaving room for heartier, sit-down meals later in the day. Because lunch and dinner can sometimes be multi-course, leisurely get-togethers, breakfast is usually the opposite.

Savory breakfasts don’t feature heavily in Roman cuisine, and I’ve had to go out of my way to find things like eggs and bagels. They do exist, but you’ll probably notice that confections take precedence here, and after I started trying the pastries here, I could quickly understand why!

Iconic Cafés to Start Your Day

Photo credit: Trecaffè

Trecaffè has a couple of locations in Rome, but I have a personal preference for their Trevi branch near Galleria d’Arte Moderna. I’ve faced long queues a few times when I’ve gotten here, but the staff members are pros at getting to everyone promptly.

The interiors here are chic and laid back with exposed brick, industrial-inspired touches, and wooden furnishings. I love that there’s a mix between standing bars and traditional tables, though I’ve rarely been fortunate enough to secure a seat.

Thanks to their huge selection of pastries, choosing what to order here can be challenging. On my most recent visit, I went for the pistachio cornetto and a cappuccino, a combo that has yet to let me down!

Cornettos are relatively sweet as they are, and the buttery and nutty pistachio cream gives these pastries more depth. Their cappuccinos are drool-worthy, and few cafes in the city can compete with these guys in terms of balancing the bitter coffee with velvety milk.

Trecaffè – Via dei Due Macelli, 107, 00187 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday to Thursday from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm and every Friday to Sunday from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm.

Cozy Bakeries for a Sweet Roman Start

Photo credit: Pasticceria Linari

Testaccio is a neighborhood that’s sometimes overlooked for its foodie offerings, but it’s home to one of my favorite bakeries, Pasticceria Linari.

It’s a relaxed, spacious spot that exudes a homely, welcoming vibe, even when it’s a hectic midweek morning in the city! Finding a seat inside can be tricky, but fortunately, I prefer to kick back at the outdoor tables and watch the world go by.

This place is a mecca for anyone with a fondness for baked treats, as their displays are always bursting with Roman and other Italian snacks. I’m a sucker for their maritozzi and rarely leave without one.

These small but satisfying little buns have the fluffiest brioche dough with gentle hints of vanilla and honey. The generous serving of thick whipped cream in the center is my favorite part, and these guys get it right every time.

Pasticceria Linari – Via Nicola Zabaglia, 9, 00153 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday and from Wednesday to Sunday from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm and every Tuesday from 6:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Trendy Spots for a Modern Breakfast Twist

La Licata in Monti is a fantastic option for a different kind of breakfast.

An expansive, colorful, and stylish cafe, La Licata is one of the best places to spend a slow morning in the city. There’s always plenty of people coming in and out, but plenty of room to sit and unwind.

They have a ton of gorgeous pastries and coffees for a traditional Roman breakfast while also offering alternatives like fresh sandwiches, pancakes, and avocado toast.

I stopped by for a late breakfast and kept it simple, going for a crispy panini with salty prosciutto, peppery arugula, and fresh, floral mozzarella.

La Licata – Via dei Serpenti, 165, 00184 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday to Saturday from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm and every Sunday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Breakfast Hotspots for a True Local Experience

Photo credit: Le Levian Roma

Trastevere is home to several of Rome’s best restaurants, so it’s rather fitting that it’s also where I’ve savored some of the best breakfasts in the city. Some of my go-tos include Le Levian Roma, Caffè Settimiano di Mella Valter e C. S.A.S., and Caffè 67. 

With any of these cafes, you’ll be assured of a no-nonsense Roman breakfast experience. If you want to fit in like a local, stick to small, milky coffees and cornettos and enjoy both while standing! For bonus points, be sure not to linger too long if you’re in a busy spot.

Conclusion

Provided you’re partial to a frothy coffee and sugar kick to fuel you up each morning, you won’t have to venture far to find some of the best breakfasts in Rome. Even if that’s not your thing, the diversity of the city’s collection of cafes means foodies of all tastes can find a breakfast to their liking.

Sources:

Pasticceria Linari. (n.d.). Pasticceria Linari – Via Nicola Zabaglia, 9, 00153 Roma RM, Italy. Retrieved from https://pasticcerialinari.com/ 

Trecaffè. (n.d.). Trecaffè – Via dei Due Macelli, 107, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. Retrieved from https://www.trecaffe.it/ 

La Licata. (n.d.). La Licata – Via dei Serpenti, 165, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. Retrieved from  https://www.barlalicata.it/en/