Caffe Settimiano

When you’re wandering through the impossibly picturesque streets of Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood, you’ll inevitably need a moment to pause, recharge, and soak it all in. Caffe Settimiano is the perfect spot for exactly that. It’s a charming, classic Italian cafe where you can stop in for a morning cappuccino or an afternoon espresso at the bar, and they also offer a variety of pastries and even a fuller menu if you’re looking for more. But visiting a cafe like this offers more than just coffee; it provides a fantastic lesson in Italian customs. If you’re not familiar with the culture, you might be surprised to learn that if you decide to sit down at a table to enjoy your coffee, you will pay more than if you stand at the bar. Why? It’s all about the service. Sitting down means a waiter serves you, you’re occupying table space, and there are more utensils and dishes to be cleaned. This is a customary practice almost everywhere in Italy, and it’s why you’ll often see locals standing right at the bar, quickly downing their espresso before heading on their way.

So here’s my advice: if you want to sit down to chat with friends, read for a while, or simply rest your feet and people-watch, then by all means, grab a table. The extra cost is for the experience. But if you’re just wanting a quick, energizing coffee, do as the Romans do—skip the table and stand at the bar.

As for the coffee itself at Caffe Settimiano, my espresso was surprisingly on the acidic and bitter side, which is a bit unusual for the typically smooth and rich Italian coffee I’m used to. It wasn’t my favorite espresso of the trip, but the experience and location were still lovely.

Would I go back? Probably! But next time, I’d likely order a cappuccino. The creaminess and milk would be the perfect way to balance out that bitter espresso, creating a more harmonious and enjoyable drink. It’s a beautiful spot in a beautiful neighborhood, and now you’re armed with the knowledge to order your coffee like a pro.