A Taste of Cafés in Perugia
Written by Umbra Rep Noah Singer, University of Vermont
Coming to study abroad in Perugia, one of my goals was to find a charming café where I could read, write, do homework, or simply relax and people-watch. As you could assume, there are an immense amount of cafés in Italy… an overwhelming amount. Though I have not found one that is unsatisfactory, I felt it necessary to guide others to some of the cafés that have stood out to me.
Antica Latteria
A gem hidden in plain sight, Antica Latteria is a place you must try if you are in Perugia. Founded back in 1925, this fantastic bar is a good place to check out because they make fresh panna (fresh whipped cream) for pastries and coffee. This panna is exquisite; it is so tempting and delectable that it is dangerous! Pictured above is a “caffè con panna” (espresso with whipped cream), I highly recommend trying this. They have a plethora of pastries such as cannolis, brioche with panna, and a variety of sweets without this delicious, whipped cream. Antica Latteria is located just down the street from Piazza IV Novembre, just to the right of the Pam, making it just a short walk from the Umbra Institute.
Caffè del Banco
Caffè del Banco is the perfect place to go in between classes if you need a caffeinated beverage, a snack, sandwich, or the need to satisfy a sweet tooth! It is located about 300 feet away from the Umbra Institute making it a great place to get something quick. Because it is located just outside Piazza IV Novembre, it is also an ideal location to get a drink and people watch! The barista inside Caffè del Banco is always very sweet, and she will remember your face after a few visits. Oftentimes you will see Umbra professors and staff going for a snack or coffee throughout the day!
Caffè Dal Perugino
Caffè Dal Perugino is a terrific little bar just outside of Piazza IV Novembre, and across from the Coop. It is a wonderful place to go if you want a coffee and a panini because it is very cost efficient, and they have high quality products. The baristas here are very kind, always greeting you with a smile, and offering you water (the only other place that has offered me water is Verace). They even have various types of mints and gum at the register, which can help if you are trying to avoid coffee breath! Caffè Dal Perugino is a cute cafè that you must checkout!
Verace
Verace is my favorite cafè and is just a short walk down from Piazza IV Novembre. The owner of this spectacular establishment also owns a restaurant (that is also called Verace) right next to it. This restaurant is fantastic and makes delicious pizza for a reasonable price. They have pizza for sale in the cafè as well, making Verace the perfect place for a cheap, heavenly lunch. Verace has exceptional coffee, friendly baristas that always welcome a chat (they have even taught me some Italian), and they always offer a free glass of water, which is a rarity in Perugia. Personally, I love to go to Verace with a book in the afternoon for a coffee, and to enjoy the quietness in their outdoor seating area. I simply cannot speak highly enough about Verace!
All these bars are wonderful places with a great aesthetic and quality products. They are all within a 5-minute walk of Piazza IV Novembre, which is great because they are right in the city center. On the contrary, if you are at the institute and do not have time to leave the building, or you are looking for the cheapest option, there are coffee vending machines within the building. Though I was skeptical at first, I have learned that these vending machines make delicious cappuccinos for just 70 cents, an espresso shot for 60 cents, and many other cost-efficient options.