Tazza D’Oro

A classic, single espresso in a cylindrical cup at Rome's Tazza D'Oro.If I was still doing the Coffee Spot’s Where It All Began Award, Tazza D’Oro would be top of the list. Rome was where I first developed my taste for espresso, almost 20 years ago, and Tazza D’Oro played a large part in that. However, it’s been a long time since I’ve been to Rome, almost nine years in fact, long before I started the Coffee Spot and my taste in coffee has evolved a lot since then.

Tazza D’Oro, the self-styled Casa Del Caffè (House of Coffee), is near the Pantheon, right in the heart of Rome. It’s a traditional Italian espresso bar, right down to having a separate till at the door, where you order and pay for your coffee before taking the receipt to the counter, where one of the baristas will make your drink. If you’re going to do things in true Italian style, you’ll stand there and drink it. Back in the day, I adored Tazza D’Oro. The question is, what will I make of it after all these years?

You can find out after the gallery.

  • Tazza D'Oro, on the eastern side of a sunny street in Rome. It has an interesting...
  • ... step shape, with two 'fronts', one set back from the other. This is the right-hand front.
  • Interesting decor: this, which is pretty much the Tazza D'Oro logo, is a common theme.
  • There's also an entrance around the corner on the narrow Via dei Pastini.
  • This is the view if you end up approaching Tazza D'Oro along Via dei Pastini.
  • There are a number of doors, including the one on Via dei Pastini and this at the front.
  • However, the main door is at the front on the left-hand side (the one that's set back).
  • Okay. Let's go in, shall we?
  • Once inside, turn right and join the queue for the till...
  • ... where you are flanked by bags and bags of coffee on one side...
  • ... and various bits of coffee-making kit on the other.
  • When you get to the till, order and pay for your coffee...
  • ... then turn right and head for the counter.
  • There are in fact two counters, this one, running down the side between front and back...
  • ... and a second one off to the right, running along the front of Tazza D'Oro.
  • You can be served at either counter. Just find a spot and catch the barista's eye.
  • There are two main espresso machines, with each counter having its own.
  • That said, Tazza D'Oro also has a shiny La Cimbali M100 behind the first counter.
  • If you manage to get a spot at the first counter, you can watch the other machine at work.
  • It's a really slick operation!
  • It's a poor photo, but here are eight cappuccinos being prepared at once!
  • Meanwhile, back to my coffee. I got a space at the counter and handed over my receipt.
  • This is torn then handed back to you, along with a saucer, the promise of coffee to come.
  • My espresso in a narrow, cylindrical cup.
  • Looks pretty good! Once you have your coffee, the tradition is to drink it at the counter.
  • However, if you don't want to stand, there are a handful of benches, such as this one.
  • Here's another, less ornate, by the door in the front part of Tazza D'Oro.
  • There's also another door down the side by the first counter.
  • You can also order a cake or pastry to go with your coffee if you like.
  • There's a 2nd part to Tazza D'Oro. These bags of green beans are to the left as you enter.
  • Meanwhile, dead ahead is the retail section, where you can buy beans.
  • These are kept in huge buckets behind the counter...
  • ... while off to the right is this bright red Probat roaster. I'm not sure if it's still used though.
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Tazza D’Oro (Cup of Gold) is a famous Roman espresso bars, located in the city’s historic centre, just north of the Pantheon on the corner of Via Degli Orfani, a narrow alley running north, and an even narrower alley, Via dei Pastini, running east. It has an interesting, step-like structure, with the front, facing Via Degli Orfani, split into two, the left-hand side (No. 84) set well back from the right-hand side (No. 85). There are four doors, including one each in the two front sections, a third in the middle section that joins them, and a fourth around the corner on the right on Via dei Pastini. You can use any of the doors, although the main entrance is the left-most one, in No. 84. It’s best to enter this way, using any of the other doors to leave a few minutes later when you’ve finished your coffee.

Tazza D’Oro’s step-like structure is reflected inside, where it’s split into three main areas, four if you count the retail section. This is directly ahead as you enter, through a wide opening in the back wall. Head in here if you just want to buy coffee beans (or merchandising). Alternatively, turn right and join the queue for the till, which is against the back wall on the right-hand side, in front of a long, impressive menu of espresso-based drinks, although I’ve never gone beyond “an espresso, per favore” (or the very occasional cappuccino).

This is an important part of Italian coffee culture. You order and pay at the till, then go to the counter to hand over your receipt in exchange for your coffee. Whatever you do, don’t try to order at the counter!

Tazza D’Oro has two large counters. The first runs back-to-front along the connecting side and is inevitably the busier of the two. If you keep going around the corner, there’s a second counter running along the back of the right-hand side. Both have large, four-group La Cimbali espresso machines, although there’s a shiny new M100 at the back of the first counter.

Naturally I ordered an espresso and drank it, standing up at the counter, although there are a handful of benches if you want to sit and enjoy your coffee. Now for the important question: what was it like?

My recollection of Tazza D’Oro’s espresso is that it wasn’t like the Italian espresso I’d become used to. With the benefit of hindsight, I was tasting the fruitier notes that I’ve now become used to in speciality coffee. Returning to it after 10 years, it was more bitter than I remember, but nowhere near as bitter as the other espressos I’ve tried on this trip. Having steeled myself for disappointment, I actually quite enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a slice of classic Italian espresso bar culture, I’d thoroughly recommend Tazza D’Oro.

84 VIA DEGLI ORFANI • ROME • 00186 • ITALY
www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com +39 06 678 9792
Monday 07:00 – 20:00 Roaster Tazza D’Oro (espresso)
Tuesday 07:00 – 20:00 Seating Benches
Wednesday 07:00 – 20:00 Food Cakes
Thursday 07:00 – 20:00 Service Counter
Friday 07:00 – 20:00 Cards Amex, Mastercard, Visa
Saturday 07:00 – 20:00 Wifi No
Sunday 10:30 – 19:15 Power No
Chain No Visits 8th November 2018

Note: if you’re looking for a different (but still traditional) Italian espresso bar experience, try Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè on the other side of the Pantheon. Meanwhile, if you want a traditional espresso bar, but with speciality coffee, Roscioli Caffè is a must!


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9 thoughts on “Tazza D’Oro

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  3. I’m so happy that you had a good experience at the placed that ignited your love for coffee! I totally agree though, it can be a daunting, hit or miss experience.

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