26/03/2025: In Rome, typical cafes have a clear rule: they can be restored but not completely remade. Anyone who breaks this rule is destined to lose customers, but this also applies to other types of establishments. Some adhere to the golden rule, such as Caffè Peru, Caffè Sant'Eustachio between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon (where the coffee is served without the customer having to alter it with added sugar, the penalty is capital: execution by the hangman) and San Calisto in Trastevere, which has moderate prices, like these establishments mentioned. The customer wants to be immersed in an authentically retro or modern atmosphere pertinent to previous decades. The case of 'Caffè Greco', another historic establishment, is particular. Owned by the Israelite Hospital, it charges dizzying prices at the table. The tenants charge between 50 and 80 euros per person for sandwiches, appetizers and spritz. This is 'justified' by the fact that the rent was considered a fifth of what it actually should have been, and the old tenants were evicted. It used to be affordable, I myself sat there a few times in a group at modest prices. It used to be 'Babingtons' in Piazza di Spagna, the inaccessible café, which maintains its English aplomb and the level of prices. I believe that the prices at the 'Caffè Greco' were already aligned, because if it were not so, paying a small bill of 500 euros per person for the service mentioned above would seem really out of this world to me. And yes, the greats of literature, art, science and politics, including 'Sitting Bull', sat at those tables. There have recently been cases of wealthy gentlemen who refused to pay the bill but left double the amount as a tip to the waiters. Tell that to 'Sitting Bull' today, who has to pay 50 euros for a cappuccino and croissant :D The Israelite Hospital plans to contribute to the budget with 'Caffè Greco'... very salty obviously :D
12/03/2025: Turns into a very fun little bar at night, we grabbed a cocktail (amaretto sour) and a beer and drank them in the piazza right in front of Caffè Perù, with the view of the church (chiesa di Santa Caterina Della Rota). The atmosphere in and around the bar is super nice, you can tell that this is a popular spot for both locals and internationals.
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