Rome's iconic espresso bars are adapting to survive, but at what cost?As you weave through the ancient streets of Rome, bustling crowds and tantalizing architecture might be all that you are expecting to experience. When you close your eyes and let your senses wander, the real first thing you will notice is the rich, aromatic smell of coffee. Then, you will hear the echoing chatter of friends, lovers, and even strangers, sharing a quick cup at one of the endless cafes that line the Roman streets. Finally, your feet might start to move a little faster as you are drawn towards the cafe for your own pick-me-up treat.Coffee has been a staple in Roman culture for centuries due to its decadent taste and flavorful history. Coffee initially made its way to Rome around 1570 through the port of Venice, transported through trade routes of the Ottoman Empire. It was marketed through Italian pharmacies as a stimulant, though this reputation was short-lived. Commonfolk, unimpressed by the bitterness of coffee beans, referred to it as the “Devil’s Drink” and advocated for its prohibition. Around 1600, coffee gained papal approval by Pope Clement VIII who was deeply impressed by its complex, earthy flavor profile. It quickly became favored once more. By the 17th century, “botteghe del caffè” coffee houses became a sanctuary for politicians, intellectuals, artists, and elites all alike. Coffee became a driving force in cultural and socioeconomic development as coffee houses encouraged people to exchange ideas over an afternoon drink. Over time, coffee shifted to a morning staple for the Roman people and remains a vital part of everyday life. While the Italian people are by no means drinking any less coffee, the recent surge of new businesses have begun to challenge the original, artisan spots that have captivated Rome for many years. As more tourists and students immigrate to Rome, more American-style coffee shops are popping up alongside them. As of 2025, seven Starbucks locations can be found throughout the city, providing Americans and Italians alike with a saccharine coffee experience that varies drastically from the dark-roast that is traditional to Roman culture. These new, tourism hotspots are contributing to a rise in coffee prices in Rome cafes as they have to balance tourist volumes and competing businesses. Coffee prices in Rome are also being directly affected by the recent surge in operational costs, like rent and energy bills, and the overall increasing price of raw materials. In areas like Trastevere, where many tourists tend to populate, rent has increased by over 15% within the past year. As well, Brazil’s 2024–2025 droughts, Vietnam’s monsoon season, and the current war in Ukraine, have driven the import price of raw coffee beans to well over €2,50 a pound. Italy imports 95% of its coffee beans, making rising prices in Roman coffee shops necessary for costly items like espresso to remain a staple. In 2024, the average cup of coffee at an Italian cafe was €1,07. Locals have noted a significant increase in pricing, as a cup of coffee now varies from €1,30–€1,50. Statistics reveal that a cup of coffee might reach €2,00 by the end of 2026. Italian locals expect to receive cheap, authentic coffee in fast-paced cafes. American tourists enjoy the cultural experience of an espresso shot, or cappuccino, but also embrace the larger portion sizes and the sit-down amenities that chain coffee shops, like Starbucks, provides them with. Many traditional shops have introduced faster service options and tourist-oriented seating to compete with international chains like Starbucks, alongside efforts to maintain affordable €1 counter prices through local sourcing and cost efficiencies. The outcome for these establishments depends greatly on local support and future economic trends, which will shape whether Rome’s classic espresso tradition evolves or shifts significantly. In collaboration with Temple University Rome 

As you weave through the ancient streets of Rome, bustling crowds and tantalizing architecture might be all that you are expecting to experience. When you close your eyes and let your senses wander, the real first thing you will notice is the rich, aromatic smell of coffee. Then, you will hear the echoing chatter of friends, lovers, and even strangers, sharing a quick cup at one of the endless cafes that line the Roman streets. Finally, your feet might start to move a little faster as you are drawn towards the cafe for your own pick-me-up treat. Coffee has been a staple in Roman culture for centuries due to its decadent taste and flavorful history. Coffee initially made its way to Rome around 1570 through the port of Venice, transported through trade routes of the Ottoman Empire. It was marketed through Italian pharmacies as a stimulant, though this reputation was short-lived. Commonfolk, unimpressed by the bitterness of coffee beans, referred to it as the “Devil’s Drink” and advocated for its prohibition. Around 1600, coffee gained papal approval by Pope Clement VIII who was deeply impressed by its complex, earthy flavor profile. It quickly became favored once more. By the 17th century, “botteghe del caffè” coffee houses became a sanctuary for politicians, intellectuals, artists, and elites all alike. Coffee became a driving force in cultural and socioeconomic development as coffee houses encouraged people to exchange ideas over an afternoon drink. Over time, coffee shifted to a morning staple for the Roman people and remains a vital part of everyday life. While the Italian people are by no means drinking any less coffee, the recent surge of new businesses have begun to challenge the original, artisan spots that have captivated Rome for many years. As more tourists and students immigrate to Rome, more American-style coffee shops are popping up alongside them. As of 2025, seven Starbucks locations can be found throughout the city, providing Americans and Italians alike with a saccharine coffee experience that varies drastically from the dark-roast that is traditional to Roman culture. These new, tourism hotspots are contributing to a rise in coffee prices in Rome cafes as they have to balance tourist volumes and competing businesses. Coffee prices in Rome are also being directly affected by the recent surge in operational costs, like rent and energy bills, and the overall increasing price of raw materials. In areas like Trastevere, where many tourists tend to populate, rent has increased by over 15% within the past year. As well, Brazil’s 2024–2025 droughts, Vietnam’s monsoon season, and the current war in Ukraine, have driven the import price of raw coffee beans to well over €2,50 a pound. Italy imports 95% of its coffee beans, making rising prices in Roman coffee shops necessary for costly items like espresso to remain a staple. In 2024, the average cup of coffee at an Italian cafe was €1,07. Locals have noted a significant increase in pricing, as a cup of coffee now varies from €1,30–€1,50. Statistics reveal that a cup of coffee might reach €2,00 by the end of 2026. Italian locals expect to receive cheap, authentic coffee in fast-paced cafes. American tourists enjoy the cultural experience of an espresso shot, or cappuccino, but also embrace the larger portion sizes and the sit-down amenities that chain coffee shops, like Starbucks, provides them with. Many traditional shops have introduced faster service options and tourist-oriented seating to compete with international chains like Starbucks, alongside efforts to maintain affordable €1 counter prices through local sourcing and cost efficiencies. The outcome for these establishments depends greatly on local support and future economic trends, which will shape whether Rome’s classic espresso tradition evolves or shifts significantly. In collaboration with Temple University Rome