Antico Caffè Greco
Rome • Established 1760 • Via dei Condotti 86
The oldest café in Rome and second-oldest in all of Italy. Goethe, Lord Byron, Casanova, Liszt, and Keats drank dark roasts in its velvet-lined chambers. While seated service commands a premium, drinking your espresso standing at the front marble bar costs standard Roman counter prices.
Extraction MethodSan Marco Lever Group
Signature DrinkEspresso Romano con Scorza
Counter Price€1.70 al banco
Table Price€9.00 seated in Sala Rossa
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Caffè Florian
Venice • Established 1720 • Piazza San Marco
Widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating café in the world. Florian opened under the Procuratie Nuove porticoes in 1720 under the name 'Alla Venezia Trionfante'. Its espresso blend combines heirloom spices reminiscent of the ancient Venetian spice maritime trade routes.
Extraction MethodCustom Cimbali Line
Signature DrinkCaffè Florian (Liqueur & Cream)
Counter Price€3.50 al banco
Seated Music Surcharge€6.00 orchestra fee
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Caffè Gilli
Florence • Established 1733 • Piazza della Repubblica
Originally a Swiss pastry boutique on Via Calzaiuoli, Gilli moved to Piazza della Repubblica in the early 20th century. Famous for Belle Époque frescoes, Murano glass chandeliers, and some of the crispest sfoglie and richest dark roasted espresso shots in Tuscany.
Extraction MethodLa Marzocco Strada Dual Boiler
Signature DrinkEspresso Doppio con Pasticceria Mignon
Counter Price€1.40 al banco
Best PastryBudino di Riso Fiorentino
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