This blog was written by Rome staff member, Meghan Milazzo
I’m picky when it comes to coffee. I need different flavors, sweetener’s (equal/splenda), and skim milk. I love coffees that are extra sweet! My favorite coffee in the US includes Dunkin Donut’s iced caramel latte lite or the delicious skinny caramel macchiato from Starbucks.
When I studied abroad in Florence 2 years ago, I freaked out when I couldn’t find anything to compare to Dunkin Donut’s or Starbucks. I was cranky every morning and the cappuccinos didn’t hit the spot. The coffees in Europe are small, strong, and far from sweet. I at least found something similar to equal called ‘dietor’. It was like finding gold, but not the jackpot. It helped out a little, but the coffee still was not like home.
I then found Astor Cafe right near my apartment one day walking back from class. If your ever in Firenze and a coffee freak like me then go here. Its located in Piazza Duomo, serving iced and blended coffees. Some coffees even include NUTELLA. If anything has nutella in it then you don’t have to ask me twice! I ended up getting a coffee card there and instantly felt like I was back at home drinking my iced caramel lattes and caramel macchiatos.
My goal when arriving to Rome was to find something like this. However, I wanted something that was not so american but popular among the locals. I figured I would be shit out of luck. I was afraid I would fall right back into those crappy mornings were the coffee tasted blah. Until I found Sant’Eustachio il Caffe located in Piazza Sant’Eustachio.
Sant’Eustachio is the best coffee in the world serving the famous coffee mousse- it’s absolutely delicious! It’s so cold and refreshing, perfect on those hot humid days. I don’t feel guilty coming here and ordering a coffee because I don’t have to add anything to it. Usually, I get the typical five different looks from people seeing me load up the coffee with dietor when in local cafes. The coffee mousse is something I never found/heard of when studying abroad. I finally hit the jackpot!
You feel like a Roman when ordering coffee the proper Italian way. First you go to the cash desk where you pick out your cornetto and then pay, then you take your receipt across to the bar, and squeeze your way in to order. In Europe they don’t have lines so you really have to get someones attention or you will be standing there all day. Their secret recipe includes sugar so if you don’t want it you must say “senza zucchero”. Although at this place I just stick to how the Romans drink it with the sugar. Everyone speaks Italian so its hard to communicate so you don’t want to be picky. Plus you don’t need to be, it’s THAT good. They even have a shield to stop people from seeing how they make their coffee!
So when in Rome, do like the Romans and try the coffee mousse at Sant’Eustachio il Caffe you wouldn’t be disappointed.
