Everyone has their favorite bar in Rome. It’s usually close to where you live, or where you work. You stop there at least once a day, as much for a the coffee as for the chance to chat and catch up with the regulars.
In Rome you usually have quite a big choice of neighborhood bar, and choosing one is not always easy. In Monti, where I live, I have to admit that I am a bit of a strumpet when it comes to bars. I am not faithful to just one barista. Sorry, but I have different needs depending on the time of day.
In the morning you’ll see me at Licata, because I like their cornetti. After lunch Domenico and I usually stop at the Pope’s Cafe on Via dei Serpenti because we like their espresso.
But on the weekends, or in the afternoon, when I have a bit more time to linger over a cappuccino I head straight to Er Barreto. Not only are the cappuccinos delicious, they are beautiful. Marco, who is Egyptian, owns the bar and is passionate about presenting each little cup as if it were a work of art. Using foam as his canvas he paints little masterpieces in cinnamon, chocolate and milk.
And it’s not as if you have to ask for a special coffee to get the special treatment. Every coffee that has a bit of foamed milk floating on top is fair game for hearts, leaves, swirls and curls.
Marco and his brother usually practice their craft with their back to the crowds. But a few weeks ago I snuck in behind the counter and caught them on video. 
Er Baretto
Via del Boschetto 132
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thank you so much. I am going to watch this over and over so I can do the same thing.
These are exceptional. Worth seeking out for sure.
Want to go here for sure! Thank so much!
What a lovely post! I so enjoyed watching the video of Marco making those beautiful designs in the coffee! Truly it is an art! Grazie for sharing! Loved it!
Ahh…Art in daily experiences. Thank you for sharing this.
So lovely! I loved the coffees in Italy… I remember being so surprised to order a cappuccino in Paris and to have it arrive topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder! Amazing how many variations there are all over the world in these “standard” drinks…
My profile picture for Blogger is one of the cups of coffee we had from Er Baretto! I cannot tell you how excited I was to see your post – Er Baretto was our favorite place when my husband and I were there for our honeymoon almost two years ago – we stayed in the Cavour neighborhood and went to Er Baretto every morning and had dinner there, too. The warmed chocolate in a bowl was also our favorite! Ahhh, the video you posted made my husband and I check airline tickets just now! I miss them!! Thank you so much for posting this, I just walked down memory lane…
Coffee and a Book Chick: I actually have some more photos – especially of that chocolate thing you described – to send to you!
Thank you for these great recommendations — I’m moving to Monti this winter, just around the corner from Licata, so these are very helpful! I’ll also be checking out Lotti (I really, really love good coffee.)
Hi Elizabeth! I just wanted to write and thank you for your amazing suggestions. My husband and I have been in Rome at an Airbnb on Via Leonina the past three days and while sitting at Er Baretto yesterday I realized once I got my cappuccino that I recognized that chocolate heart in the coffee from your blog đŸ™‚ Anyway, this morning we were there again and you walked past us! Rather than stop you I thought I’d just thank you here, we only have three days in Rome but so far we have been to Sora Margherita, Alle Carrette and La Taverna Dei Fori Emperiali and are off to Milano tomorrow before we fly home to NYC. x Caitlin
Aw! I wish you had flagged me down! I love meeting readers. Glad you found my blog useful. Have a great trip and come back soon.