The new venue opens on Via della Guglia near the Pantheon
Starbucks is establishing a second store in Rome’s city center, positioned on via della Guglia, 56 only a short distance from Montecitorio and Via del Corso. This recent addition expands the popular coffee chain’s footprint in the Italian capital, following the initial store opening in April 2022 at Castel Romano Designer Outlet located in the southern region of the city.
The opening of the new Starbucks store in the city center is seen as a welcome addition by coffee enthusiasts, as it offers a range of beverages that cater to diverse tastes, dietary requirements, and preferences. An inauguration event will be held from 7-9pm on May 11.
Italy has typically not been Starbucks’ biggest fan in the past. For a valid reason too, there are plenty of espresso bars on every street offering high-quality Italian coffee. The Italian food and drinks industry has been thriving fine without international competitors. However, with the grand Starbucks Reserve Roastery located in Milan (like an exquisite coffee factory), now it’s the time for Rome to jump on board. Rome added Starbucks to the city’s existing collection of American joints – 50 McDonald’s, 4 KFCs, and The Hard Rock Cafe to name a few. Here is everything you need to know about the new opening in Rome!
When and where has Starbucks Opened in Rome?
The American chain opened its doors on the 5th of April 2022 in Castel Romano Designer Outlet, 30 minutes from Rome’s historic city center. You will be able to appreciate your Starbucks beverage while enjoying discounts in the 150 shops in this shopping village.
The second Starbucks, the first one in downtown Rome, opened on May 11, 2023 at Via della Guglia, 16 near Italian parliament.
Why Starbucks?
Starbucks can be an ideal place to study as it has free Wi-Fi and ample seating, it is a great location to meet friends and to grab a takeaway beverage during a busy day. Starbucks is also convenient if you have specific dietary requirements – such as dairy free or sugar free – Starbucks can accommodate dairy free needs with various milks such as soya, almond, coconut and oat, or offer sugar free flavourings such as zero calorie caramel or vanilla syrups. In the meantime, here is our guide to cafes with free wi-fi in Rome.
What to order:
Perhaps the top reason Starbucks is widely loved around the world is the wide choice of beverages. The brand proposes coffees, hot chocolates, cold drinks, and milkshakes available in various flavours and sizes. Here are some drink suggestions to get your taste buds tingling. We recommend a piping hot Americano made from Starbucks’ own special blonde roast, a Cinnamon Dolce Latte if frothy milk and coffee flavoured with cinnamon sounds like your kind of treat, or a soothing iced coffee to sip like the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.
If coffee is not your thing, why not try one of their lemonades, like their Kiwi Starfruit Lemonade. For chocolate lovers this drink is more like ice cream, why not indulge in a Frappuccino or a Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème. Also, a great spot for lunch, browse their international food menu here. Please note, that Starbucks is renowned for tweaking their menus depending on location and the seasons. The drinks above may not be available, but they will certainly have similar flavours available!
An Alternative to Starbucks?
As you are staying in Rome, it is time to enjoy a real Italian coffee, full of traditions. Here is a selection of coffee bars, where you will be plugged in the “dolce vita” atmosphere, while not being in the style of an American coffee chain in Rome (which could be seen as paradoxical for an Italian).
The Antico Caffé Greco is one of the oldest caffé of Europe, where, while drinking a coffee, you will experience a throwback in history. Il Caffé Sant’Eustachio is the typical Italian coffee bar, where funnily enough, a dollop of sugar (zucchero) is already stirred into your coffee. Finally, Canova, located on Piazza del Popolo, is the perfect place to savour the Italian sun thanks to its many tables on the piazza.
Addresses and opening times:
Designer Outlet Castel Romano, Via Ponte di Piscina Cupa 64 | Mon-Sun 10am-8pm
Via della Guglia, 56A | Mon-Sun 7.30am-10pm
This is very depressing.
Yeah, sorry, how tone deaf is this article? On a website that’s supposed to celebrate Roman life and culture, why are you celebrating an American multi-national chain that debases the authentic Italian coffee culture? If you prefer Starbucks, no need to come to Rome – better stay in Seattle…