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Rating: Standard, above-average Roman coffee
The Café al 339 (its name referring to the address number of the cafe) is a light, family styled workaday coffee shop. It’s got an interior bathed in 1950s Hollywood celebrity photos, along with a few Italian ones for taste. As you can see from the outside it’s a no frills place with an unassuming style. Inside I found a very amicable young barista who’s courtesy, and kindness broke whatever ice could have existed immediately. The coffee I found was simply good. And this is itself a nice surprise.
Before paying, and just going to the bar and after an affirmative nod to the question ‘un caffè’ I got this:
Presentation: Water came up automatically, it was as if this guy knew I’d be up to more than just a coffee. The cup was clean, the spoon as well, and the cup of water not too abundant, just right to help wash down the deep bitterness of the coffee.
Temperature of Cup: While the cup was very hot, it wasn’t totally scalding. It was OK.
Quantity: The espresso was short in the rather bulky ceramic cup, so it was a good pull.
Temperature: The brew was also at a good temperature. Since I didn’t have to wait at all to drink it, I had it at a temp. that was almost at that of the pouring, so I was happy.
Volume/Consistency: We’re off to a good start with this coffee, it was silky, not watery, had some body I could enjoy.
Crema: It was slightly marbled and textured, it was thin, not too persistent. So some positives, some negatives, and it wasn’t too dark, nor all blond. See below:
Odor: None, by now, do we think this is a good sign as Romans do?
Taste: It was silky and smooth. With a sharper and darker roasted tone than the nearby Luna Bar, it’s bitter aftertaste was not rancid in any way. There are no hints of fruit or teas, or anything of the sort like we’d expect from a third wave roaster.
Overall: Yet I was most surprised by the smoothness of the coffee. It wasn’t the best ‘Roman’ traditional coffee I’ve had, but it was definitely quite good and a good above-average brew.
The setup: They had a very simple, matter-of-fact Astoria three group espresso machine with a like grinder. If you spend some time honing in the beans to grinds, you’re guaranteed some spectacular coffee from this. The coffee they were serving was indeed Lorycaff. This an East-Roman roaster roasting the traditional Arabica Robusta blend that is typical of Roman coffee tradition. You can buy their stuff on Ebay here.
Overall, I was glad to have stopped by in here. It was a casual, pleasant experience, and the coffee, again, decent to drink.
“Café al 339”
Lamarra Carmela
Viale dei Colli Portuensi 339, 00151 Roma