Vista panoramica Caffè Tommaseo e Chiesa greco ortodossa
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Caffè Tommaseo

4.4
·2k reviews·Trieste, Italy

Trieste's oldest café since 1825, offering historic elegance, famous tiramisu, and waterfront views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Perfect for coffee & pastries

CrowdMedium
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Vista panoramica Caffè Tommaseo e Chiesa greco ortodossa

Caffè Tommaseo

Best Time

Afternoons

Perfect for coffee & pastries

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Trieste's oldest café since 1825, offering historic elegance, famous tiramisu, and waterfront views.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"The tiramisu was the best I’ve ever had! Highly recommended—we’ll definitely be back!"

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Savor the Tiramisu

Don't leave without trying their legendary tiramisu, a local favorite for decades!

🎩 Dress for the Occasion

The elegant, historic ambiance calls for smart casual attire.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Tiramisu

Legendary Tiramisu

Dessert Menu

Often hailed as the best ever, this classic Italian dessert is a must-try.

InstagramReddit
Historic Ambiance

Historic Ambiance

Main Dining Area

Experience the elegance of a Habsburg-era café, once frequented by intellectuals.

Instagram+1
Prime Waterfront Location

Prime Waterfront Location

Piazza Nicolò Tommaseo

Enjoy your coffee or meal with views of the picturesque Trieste waterfront.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Elegance

Step back in time at Caffè Tommaseo, Trieste's oldest café since 1825. Expect a refined atmosphere perfect for coffee, pastries, or an aperitivo. Dress a little nicer to match the Habsburg-era charm. Instagram

Savor the Sweet & Savory

While famous for its tiramisu, Caffè Tommaseo also offers delicious cocktails, Viennese pastries, pizza, and pasta. Don't miss out on the seafood risotto or octopus salad if you're looking for more than just dessert. Reddit

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Perfect for coffee & pastries
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Aperitivo time
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cosa mangiare di tipico a Trieste? Ecco un po' di posti che puoi segnarti! Poi fammi sapere! 🦀🦀 #cibo #cibobuono
@prattquello
10.5K likes • 274.6K views

☕ Savor the Tiramisu

Don't leave without trying their legendary tiramisu, a local favorite for decades! InstagramReddit

🎩 Dress for the Occasion

The elegant, historic ambiance calls for smart casual attire. Instagram

Oggi si parla di caffè, noi italiani siamo la patria di questa bevanda, ce chi lo prende liscio, chi lungo o chi deca, ne hanno inventati di ogni. Ma ti sei mai chiesto qual’è la città del caffè?La magnifica Trieste, mi sono “sacrificato” e ne ho provati 3 per voi ❤️☕️ #caffe
@ifpfvg
3.5K likes • 84.8K views
but first .. tiramisu ☕️ mamka si recept na tohle tiramisu v Caffè Tommaseo vzala přibližně před 20 lety. od té doby ho doma děláme a pravidelně jezdíme kontrolovat, jestli ho v Trieste připravují stále stejně dobře haha 🇮🇹 @antico_ristorante_tommaseo #tiramisu #tiramisurecipe #italiantiramisu #triesteitaly #ig_italia #pinterestaesthetic
barborazik
0 likes • 8.7K views

📜 Ask About History

Staff are happy to share stories about the café's rich past. Reddit

🌊 Enjoy the View

Sit by the window for lovely views of Piazza Nicolò Tommaseo. Instagram

Jak pić kawę w Trieście to tylko w Caffè Tommaseo ☕️🇮🇹 #włochy #kawa #kawiarnia #ciekawostki #ciekawemiejsca #podróże #zwiedzanie #caffetommaseo
darcy.jesionka
40 likes • 818 views

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Savor the Tiramisu

Don't leave without trying their legendary tiramisu, a local favorite for decades! InstagramReddit

🎩 Dress for the Occasion

The elegant, historic ambiance calls for smart casual attire. Instagram

📜 Ask About History

Staff are happy to share stories about the café's rich past. Reddit

🌊 Enjoy the View

Sit by the window for lovely views of Piazza Nicolò Tommaseo. Instagram

🍝 Explore the Menu

Beyond coffee, try their pasta, seafood, or pizza for a full meal. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Caffè Tommaseo's exceptional tiramisu and its rich, historic ambiance, often calling it the best they've ever had. The elegant setting and prime waterfront location are frequently praised, as is the attentive and knowledgeable service. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor issues like an occasional fly or an unusual taste in a specific dish have been noted.

"A top-notch Italian restaurant with fresh ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
The service is excellent, especially Dino, who knows the menu inside out and shared fascinating stories that made the experience even better.
The tiramisu was the best I’ve ever had! Highly recommended—we’ll definitely be back!"

KY W

"We decided to celebrate our anniversary here last week. They welcomed us with a drink and a warm greeting. I had the full course menu. We were speechless from the appetizer to the dessert, the food was excellent. The only downside was the raw tuna on the pasta, which had a slightly odd taste. The place is very elegant, although there was a fly flying around while we were having dinner. The dessert? Absolutely the best! I’ll definitely come back."

Jeffrea T

"I just had an incredible experience with the best scallop I've ever tasted! The staff were so kind and attentive, making my time there truly special. I felt so well cared for, and I can't thank you enough for everything. It was a lovely experience. 😊💖"

Ally Shin

What People Like

Legendary tiramisu
Historic elegant ambiance
Excellent service

What People Dislike

Occasional minor service/food issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Caffè Tommaseo is centrally located in Piazza Nicolò Tommaseo, easily accessible on foot from most parts of Trieste's city center. If arriving by public transport, look for bus routes that stop near the Piazza Unità d'Italia, which is a short walk away. Instagram

Street parking in Trieste can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages like the one at Piazza Goldoni or the one near the waterfront, then walk to the café. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While not always strictly necessary, especially during peak hours, making a reservation is advisable if you plan to visit during busy times or for a special occasion to ensure a table. Instagram

Caffè Tommaseo typically opens in the morning and serves throughout the day, often until late evening. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current operating hours. Instagram

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Caffè Tommaseo. It operates as a café and restaurant, so you pay for what you order. Instagram

🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience

Caffè Tommaseo is most famous for its historic ambiance dating back to 1825 and its exceptional tiramisu, often cited as the best in Trieste. InstagramReddit+1

They offer a range of items including coffee, Viennese-style pastries, cocktails, pizza, pasta, and seafood dishes. InstagramReddit

Yes, in addition to coffee and pastries, Caffè Tommaseo serves a full menu with options like pizza, pasta, and seafood, making it suitable for lunch or dinner. Reddit

Absolutely! Caffè Tommaseo is a popular spot for an aperitivo, offering a sophisticated setting to enjoy drinks and light snacks before dinner. Instagram

The atmosphere is elegant and historic, reminiscent of the Habsburg era, with marble tables and a refined ambiance. It's a place where history meets modern enjoyment. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photos are generally allowed inside Caffè Tommaseo. Many visitors capture the beautiful interior and their delicious food and drinks. Instagram+1

The ornate interior, marble tabletops, and the piazza view from the windows are popular photo subjects. Don't forget to capture your tiramisu! Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Caffè Tommaseo offers a charming experience for families, though it leans towards a more refined atmosphere. While the historic setting might be fascinating for older children, younger ones might find it a bit too formal. The café does offer pizzas and pastries that are generally kid-friendly. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Caffè Tommaseo is an elegant establishment, it can cater to various budgets. A coffee and a pastry is a relatively affordable way to experience the historic ambiance. Instagram If you're looking for a more substantial meal, sharing a pizza or pasta dish can be a cost-effective option. Reddit For those on a tighter budget, enjoying the atmosphere with just a coffee is still a worthwhile experience. Reddit

💖 Couples

Caffè Tommaseo is an ideal spot for couples seeking a romantic and elegant outing. The historic ambiance, coupled with delicious food and drinks, creates a perfect setting for a special occasion or a leisurely afternoon. Instagram Enjoying a shared tiramisu or a delightful aperitivo by the waterfront adds to the romantic charm. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Taste of History: The Legacy of Caffè Tommaseo

Established in 1825, Caffè Tommaseo is not just a café; it's a living piece of Trieste's history. As the city's oldest café, it has witnessed centuries of change and has been a cherished meeting point for generations. Its elegant Habsburg-era design, complete with marble tables and ornate decor, transports visitors back in time. Instagram+1

This historic establishment was once a hub for intellectuals, artists, and merchants. Figures like Italo Svevo and Umberto Saba are said to have frequented its tables, discussing literature and observing the city's pulse. Today, it continues to attract locals and tourists alike, offering a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere to enjoy coffee, pastries, and light meals. Instagram

Being recognized as a 'Local Historic Site of Italy' underscores its cultural significance. Visiting Caffè Tommaseo is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Trieste's rich cultural heritage while enjoying contemporary culinary delights. Instagram

Culinary Delights: Beyond the Famous Tiramisu

While Caffè Tommaseo is renowned for its exceptional tiramisu, often described as the best ever tasted, its culinary offerings extend far beyond this iconic dessert. InstagramReddit Visitors can indulge in a variety of Viennese-style pastries, perfect accompaniments to their expertly brewed coffee. The café also serves a selection of pizzas and pastas, providing satisfying options for a full meal. Reddit

For those seeking savory experiences, the menu features delightful seafood dishes, including octopus salad and seafood risotto, which have received high praise. Reddit The café is also a popular spot for an aperitivo, offering a sophisticated setting to enjoy cocktails and light bites. The staff's attentiveness and knowledge, particularly Dino, who shares fascinating stories, enhance the dining experience. Reddit

Whether you're stopping for a quick coffee, a leisurely lunch, or a pre-dinner drink, Caffè Tommaseo promises a memorable gastronomic journey. The quality of ingredients and the skillful preparation ensure a delightful experience for every palate. Reddit

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