Taste a different bean in every shop you walk into in Europe’s coffee culture hub, Trieste. Proud founders of world famous brand Illy, the capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in north east Italy is no stranger to caffeine. As the Mediterranean’s main coffee harbour, you’ll be hit with rich dark aromas from the moment you arrive. To get your trip off to the right start, we’ve narrowed down five of the best places to drink coffee in Trieste.
Right in the centre of the iconic Piazza Unita d’Italia, this historic coffee shop has long been part and parcel of Trieste’s city life. Located in the Palazzo Stratti building, the café was opened in 1839 by Greek owner Nicolo Privolo and is dripping in history. Notice the engraved mirror recounting historical events that occurred in the 19th century and head to the basement to see the relic of a wall of the ancient Venetian Castello Amarina. Serving great coffee with a slice of Trieste culture, this is most certainly one to add to your list of what to do when visiting the city.
Founded in 1830, Caffe Tommaseo is the oldest café in Trieste and was the first place in town to sell gelato. Situated in a square of the same name, the café (and square) was named after the coffee shop’s first owner, Tomaso Marcato. Equally stunning inside, the aesthetic interiors include mirrors from Belgium, decorated ceilings and wooden chairs. Restored in 1997, the café has always kept its original neo-classical style. A favourite hangout for literary greats such as James Joyce and Pasquale Giuseppe Besenghi degli Ughi, you’ll get your caffeine fix here with a hint of sophistication.
Airy, cosy and stylish are three words that will come to mind when you enter the next place on the list of the best coffee shops in Trieste. Keep a look out for the hidden symbols and metaphors in the décor as you discover the history behind this iconic literary café. hosting the bookshop San Marco, this little spot is ideal for relaxing over a latte with a great book or immersing yourself in the peace and quiet while you get some work done. Regularly putting on exhibitions, concerts and cultural events, this is more than just a café but rather a creative space where you can mingle with the locals and experience daily life in Trieste. A real must-see, be sure to try their chocolate and pear cake when you stop by one of the best places to drink coffee in Trieste.
Established by the Hungarian Eppinger family in 1836, this Art Nouveau pastry shop is arguably the best in the city. Drop in for a brew and a slice of the world famous Rigojansci. This antique dessert was the foundation of the Sacher Torte, made by the Viennese pastry chef, Demel. Spend the afternoon tasting typical Austro-Hungarian treats such as Jewish marzipan and white and black checkerboard almonds in the chic, classic interiors of the age-old café. Listed among the most beautiful historic patisseries in Italy, this spot also serves up a mean cup of your favourite jitter juice so make sure to sit in when visiting Trieste.
Part of the city’s coffee culture since 1915, Anitico Caffe Torinese is a hidden gem located on the corner of Corso Italia and Via Roma. While it doesn’t look too impressive from the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that matters and this place oozes charm by the bucket load. With ceilings covered in fine wooden panelling, interiors made of priceless teak and fruit tree wood, crystal chandeliers and wooden fixed furniture systems, the café embodies luxury. Also worth mentioning - this one-time pastry shop uses its own branded Antico Caffe Torinese blend.
Heading to Trieste soon? Make sure to tag us in your photos of the best places to drink coffee in Trieste using the hashtag #ryanairstories for the chance to be featured on Ryanair’s social media channels.
Flights to Trieste
- Lucy Norris
2017 © Ryanair DAC. All rights reserved.
