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Rating: Standard, mid to upper range Roman coffee
As you head east on the Nomentana, and just after you pass the Mausoleum of St Constance, you have the Gran Caffè S. Agnese on your right hand side. It is all glass windows, and all bar. And it’s quite new, sleek (somewhat of a cold feel, more suited to a cocktail bar), but very friendly and clean. When I walked in it was bathed in the afternoon light and all the mirrors and glass were quite blinding. But on the other half of the café there were some tables and shade. I had a quick stop here and was glad to have experienced this place. The barista was super accommodating, and attentive.
This is what she brewed for me:
Presentation: Nice clean cup- barrel shaped, spoon was a bit beat up, but clean. Water was very politely given after I asked and all was in order. Because of the sunlight I couldn’t really focus the camera phone very well….
Temperature of Cup: It was good, warm, not scalding nor boiling.
Quantity: This cup has a slight line etched inside it to let the barista know when their reaching the right point to cut off the shot. This espresso was just below that faint line, and it was still, a bit long in my opinion.
Temperature: Good good! Very glad.
Volume/Consistency: It was very silky, smooth, not runny, nor powdery. It coated my mouth with a very light, delicate oil.
Crema: Thin, extra fine granular texture, persistent, and not cakey.
Odor: Very sharp dark-roasted scent. Not bad, but not third wave. It’s expected of course…
Taste: It was nutty, buttery, with a bitter punch after the first sip that wasn’t unpleasant. It wasn’t oily either, but silky. It was a very decent espresso.
Overall: It was mid to upper range Roman. I prefer my espresso a bit heavier and richer, with a more complex taste profile, but for those that are used to delicate espressi, this could indeed be an excellent drink for them. Recommended.
The setup: They had a Spartan and oft scene setup. The La Cimbali espresso machine with a Mazzer/Astoria grinder. The coffee was Negresco Caffè, a local roman roaster of very intense sharp coffee. Here it was good.
Gran Caffè S. Agnese
Via Nomentana 172-174
00162 Roma
Tel. 06 8621 6388