08/01/2026: Our first taste of Rome’s espresso & ice cream magic: Terrazza Ciampini – coffee, gelato & Roman atmosphere at its best
As tourists visiting Rome for only a week, we were looking for places that could give us an authentic taste of the city – and Terrazza Ciampini delivered far beyond expectations. It became our very first unforgettable experience with authentic Roman coffee and Italian ice cream, and we loved every minute of it.
The location is simply perfect. After a walk through the beautiful Villa Borghese Park, one of Rome’s most impressive green spaces -filled with trees, paths, fountains, and a peaceful, classic Roman atmosphere-, we reached the elegant surroundings of Villa Medici. The café sits right in this charming zone.
The terrace itself offers a refined yet relaxed environment. The service was exceptionally kind, attentive, and welcoming. The staff treated us with genuine warmth, making us feel comfortable even though we were first-time visitors and did not speak Italian.
The caffè doppio was outstanding – rich, aromatic, and perfectly prepared. It was our introduction to Rome’s coffee culture, and we could not have asked for a better first impression.
And then came the gelato. The menu describes it beautifully:
“… ice cream is like a perfume. Everyone has his own. Mine has all the flaws of a homemade ice cream.”
This sentence perfectly reflects the experience – artisanal, real, slightly imperfect in the best way, and absolutely delicious. The texture was creamy, the flavours were natural, and it felt like a handcrafted masterpiece rather than a commercial dessert. The ice cream alone is worth the visit.
If you want great coffee, incredible gelato, and a beautiful setting surrounded by one of Rome’s best parks and piazzas, this is the place—a classy Roman pause in the middle of sightseeing – peaceful, scenic, and memorable.
Highly recommended.
A first excellent taste of Rome we will never forget.
14/11/2025: The service is wonderful. There's a very nice guy.
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