So many Rome regulars are trying to fill the Marigold-sized hole that was left when the beloved restaurant closed. One of the best contenders is Marzapane, which has been reborn once more. It is hidden in plain sight near Piazza del Popolo, and still somehow a bit off the classic tourist trail, which is part of the draw.
If you make the short walk from the Flaminio metro, you’re likely to be surrounded by Roman creatives reconnecting over craft beers or sipping specialty coffee. The remade space is sleek without feeling sterile: think light wood, clean lines, and just enough greenery to soften the edges. (And there is a terrace for the nice weather that is finally arriving, too!)
Marzapane takes its coffee and its food seriously, listing all its suppliers right on the menu. The coffee is from aliena and I can confirm that if you want a flat white done properly, they’ve got you covered.
Their pastry game is strong, and I almost had to go for the cinnamon bun but it was the savory menu that ultimately hooked me. Look at that toast with prosciutto and cheese. (A toasted sandwich with ham and cheese is literally called ‘toast’ in Italy).
What really sets Marzapane apart, though, is how it manages to feel both elevated and easygoing. You can linger over a cappuccino and a pastry, meet friends for a slow, chatty brunch, or pop in solo for a quick but proper lunch. The staff are friendly and never pushy—which is surprisingly rare in Rome’s more design-forward spots.
It’s the kind of place you wish existed in every neighborhood—a modern café that actually lives up to the hype (and has a daily brunch!! 8:30 am – 4 pm daily).
Bottom line: if you love good coffee, thoughtful food, and places that strike that rare balance between stylish and genuinely welcoming, make your way to Marzapane. It’s quietly becoming one of Rome’s best spots for a casual bite.
Marzapane
Via Flaminia, 64
+39 0664781692
Open daily, 8:30 am – 4 pm
