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Rating: Standard, run-of-the-mill Roman coffee
It’s interesting how names sometimes predestine a person, the same happens with this cafe. The Snack Bar Caffè is actually a nice place inside; its small, long and has a lot of wood and marble, i.e., very traditional looking. I had been there a few months before and had a horrible coffee, but this time, something was different.
The barista is very nice and asking for an espresso gets you this:
Presentation: Cool square in circle fluted cup, with a renowned Roman coffee brand logo on it. Good, let’s see what happens. No water offered even though we’re in the mid afternoon.
Temperature of Cup: The temperature of the cup was perfect, not too hot, nor cold.
Quantity: The shot was short, a good espresso.
Temperature: Its temperature was good, spot on.
Volume/Consistency: Aha… here’s the kicker it was a bit watery, not thick.
Crema: The light, yet thick crema gives it away, the machine wasn’t tuned to it’s grind and while the espresso was short, the setup is off.
Odor: None, not even a hint. Disappointing.
Taste: The first taste was super bitter, very-very bitter, then the espresso opened up, and the rest of it was OK. The shot was overextracted or burnt and thus the crema was simply too bitter.
Overall: Since the espresso has so many good qualities, and is definitely not rancid, it is a decent coffee. It is not extraordinary by any means, and its taste could have been better.
The setup: They had a Nuova Simonelli 90s Appia three-group semi-automatic machine with a like grinder, a good setup for serious espressos.
The coffee was a new one here on this website: Paranà Caffè. This is a traditional Roman roaster and is always touted as one of the Best of Rome, etc., etc. Their Termini locale has closed, so we’ll get to review this some other day.
However, since I was here before, and had terrible coffee, the management of this bar has probably just adopted this brand, and they’re happy to advert for it. Sugar and napkins are branded with this.
While I’m not saying this is an outstanding coffee experience, it is like the name implies, generic and while it’s much better than most I’ve reviewed, it doesn’t stand out as some of the best, nor above average. Yet, next time I’m around I won’t be afraid of stopping in.
Snack Bar Caffè, Marina Albertazzi
aka, Bar Maurizio Lausi
Via Marmorata, 59
00153 Roma