A Complete Guide to Roma Style Coffee | History, Flavours & Blends
Roma-style coffee is more than just a morning ritual—it’s a taste of Italy’s rich cultural heritage, served in a cup. Rooted in the heart of Rome, this distinctive blend captures the balance between northern refinement and southern intensity, offering a coffee experience that is both bold and elegant.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Roma coffee - from its storied history and traditional preparation methods to flavour profiles and the best beans to brew at home.
- What is Roma-Style Coffee?
- Exploring the History of Roma Coffee
- Choosing the Best Coffee Beans for Roma Coffee
- What Makes Roma Coffee Authentic?
- How to Brew Roma Coffee at Home
- Frequently Asked Questions
Find the key characteristics of Roma coffee, including roast level and flavour profile.
Browse how coffee originated in Rome, and the cultural significance.
Discover how to choose the best beans for Roma-style coffee, and our top pick.
Carluccio’s uses authentic, Italian roasting techniques to make all our blends, including Roma, find out more here.
A step-by-step guide for brewing Roma-style coffee.
Read common queries on Roma coffee.
What is Roma-Style Coffee?
Embodying the essence of Central Italy, Roma coffee strikes a harmonious balance of bold, intense flavours, like from Naples in Southern Italy, and the lighter, refined notes of northern Milan.
Known for its smooth yet rich profile, Roma coffee represents the perfect equilibrium in Italian coffee culture. Roma coffee often combines Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, bringing smooth, nuanced flavours with a strong, caffeine kick.
Expect a medium to dark roast with Roma coffee beans, creating a versatile flavour profile that’s not too overpowering, yet full of character.
Flavour Profile:
- Chocolate notes that add depth and a velvety sweetness.
- Caramel undertones for a hint of richness.
- Nutty accents to round out the complexity.
For more information, read our complete guide on what Roma-style coffee is, and how it compares to other regional blends, here.
Exploring the History of Roma Coffee
Rome, the eternal city, is not just a hub of historical landmarks and culture—it’s also a cornerstone of Italian coffee traditions. Originating in the bustling cafes of Rome, it became synonymous with sophistication and quality.
Coffee’s journey to Rome dates back to the 16th century, when traders brought the beverage to Italian ports from Venice's thriving trade routes with the Ottoman Empire. By the 17th century, coffee houses, or "botteghe del caffè," had sprung up around the city.
Early 20th century expanded Italian coffee culture in Rome, with espresso machines appearing in Romane cafes. Unlike in other cultures where coffee is often consumed slowly over long conversations, Romans developed the tradition of enjoying a swift espresso “al banco” (standing at the bar), especially during the morning rush.
Read more about the history of Rome-style coffee here.
Enjoy the classic Roman tradition of an intense, full-bodied espresso with our Roma Espresso Blend:
Carluccio’s Roma espresso blend contains a high percentage of Arabica coffee beans with a Robusta kick. Expect flavours of toast, chocolate, dark caramel, nuts – perfect for enjoying rich and intense espressos, just like the Romans.
Choosing the Best Coffee Beans for Roma Coffee
Selecting the right beans is the key to ensuring an authentic Roma coffee experience from your own home. Here’s what to look for:
- Bean Blend: A combination of Arabica and Robusta beans delivers the signature balance of smoothness and intensity, along with a rich crema for espressos.
- Roast Level: Look for medium-dark roasts, which enhance the beans’ natural flavours and ensures a well-rounded cup.
- Freshness: Freshly roasted beans are essential for an authentic Roma coffee. You can find out when the beans were roasted on the packaging.
- Influenced by Traditional Roma Styles: Central Italy’s roasting style often complements Rome’s sophisticated yet approachable coffee culture.
Discover how to choose the best coffee beans for Roma coffee with our full guide here.
Enjoy Italian Coffee Beans, Roasted in a true Roman style, with Carluccio’s:
Our Roma beans change in flavour profile depending on the grind. Grind “fino”, fine, for espresso for flavours of walnut, dark caramel and spice. Grind “grosso”, coarse, for a cafetiere and you will enjoy longer, softer flavours of almond, vanilla and milk chocolate.
What Makes Roma Coffee Authentic?
Authenticity is key to Roma coffee’s appeal. Authentic Roma coffee captures the heart of Italian coffee culture. Known for its full-bodied, distinctive flavour, Roman coffee represents the soul of Rome’s bustling cafes and rich culture.
Look for blends that feature a balance of Arabica and Robusta beans, roasted to perfection. Brands like Carluccio’s take pride in sourcing and crafting blends that honour this tradition.
Why Carluccio’s?
Carluccio's commitment to authenticity and quality ensures that each cup of coffee offers a genuine taste of Italy. Carluccio's cafes stand as modern ambassadors of Italian espresso, offering blends that are deeply rooted in regional traditions while embracing the nuances of contemporary tastes.
We source high-grade coffee beans, ensuring only the finest make it into our blends. All our coffee, including Roma blends, are roasted in Italy – delivering the same rich, authentic experience in every cup.
Read more about the importance of choosing authentic Roma-style coffee with our full guide here.
How to Brew Roma Coffee at Home
Recreating the authentic Roma coffee experience at home is easier than you might think, provided you follow a few essential steps:
- Use high-quality beans or freshly ground coffee.
- Brew with a Moka pot or espresso machine for optimal results.
- Master traditional brewing methods.
- Pair your coffee with traditional Italian treats like biscotti or cornetto.
Enjoy a heavy, intense Roma blend with Carluccio’s, ground specifically for cafetières:
Carluccio’s Roma cafetière blend has been produced in the classical Roman tradition, with a high percentage of Arabica and a robusta kick, producing a heavy, intense blend, but ground specifically just for cafetières.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Roma coffee known for?
Its rich, smooth flavour and cultural significance in Roman life.
What is the cultural significance of Coffee in Rome?
Coffee in Rome is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual. From the quick espresso at a bar to the leisurely cappuccino, Roma coffee embodies the city’s unique rhythm and charm.
How do I make authentic Roma coffee at home?
Use a Moka pot or espresso machine with high-quality beans.
What are the best blends for Roma coffee?
Look for brands like Carluccio’s that offer traditional Roma blends.
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