Tram Depot Review – Where To Find A Delicious Coffee In Rome

When you are in the Testaccio neighborhood of Rome, the Tram Depot is a convenient spot for some delicious coffee and pastries, if you have the right time!

Originating in 2013, the Tram Depot on via Marmorata in Testaccio, a popular suburb of Rome, is a specialty coffee shop that began as a way to transform Rome’s kiosks into bars all around the city. This location, and there is a second in Talenti, borders a green space that is well maintained and relaxing for both morning coffees and evening cocktails

The Tram Depot’s Atmosphere

The entire experience is outdoors. This small build (kiosk) is limited to ordering and serving. There is also an adjoining green space and another with table and chairs that provide a respite from the busy via Marmorata.

We arrived not long after opening and they were quickly clearing off the tables from the leaves of the previous evening. There are two and four seated tables, some benches and open space that could allow for a blanket or folding chairs.

The location is great because it is close to the Piramidè, the Testaccio Market, Aventine Hill and viale Aventino. These are a little less touristy, but popular with the locals.

The Tram Depot’s Menu

The menu at the Tram Depot is mainly what you would expect for breakfast. When we arrived, they were unboxing the day’s pastries  that were fresh and delicious. We ordered a couple cornetti and cappuccini, took our seats and waited for the delivery, which was after only a short wait.

The cost was reasonable, especially with table service and outdoor seating. There was a €.50 service change each, the cappuccino was €1.50 and the pastries were €1.40. Overall, pretty reasonable prices and a decent selection.

Practical Information For Visitors

This is where a visit to the Tram Depot gets a little tricky. We had walked by that location for months, during the time it should’ve been open, only to see it closed. We double checked their hours and visited during different times on the weekend, but finding it open was a challenge.

We recently made another attempt, after seeing it open on a trip to the neighborhood. We didn’t want to get there early, so we timed it to be an hour late. This was a good decision because the bar was in the process of opening even though it was an hour after what Google believes to be its operating hours.

They are closed Monday through Wednesday, and you can see from the hours that breakfast is only on weekends, withThursday and Friday focusing on cocktails.

Navigating Your Visit

This bar is easy to reach by public transportation and it is close to a couple sites that you are probably already planning to visit. By bus or tram, the Marmorata/Galvani stop is the closest serving the #3 and #8 trams.

If you are visiting Aventine Hill, walking down Via di Porta Lavernale from the Malta Keyhole or the Giardina degli Aranci, you will find the Tram Depot at the foot of the hill.

Here is a helpful map of the area:

Is It Worth A Visit

My only criticism was how many times we tried to visit, but found it unexpectedly closed. For this reason, I can’t recommend planning a journey to this neighborhood unless you have other things to do. However, if you find yourself in Testaccio and the tram Depot is open, stop by for a quick pick-me-up and some relaxing shade.

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