Seemor

La LicataB-Worth Trying

Name: La Licata
Address: Via dei Serpenti, 165, 00184 Roma RM, Italy, Roma, Italy
Rating: 4.5

Via dei Serpenti, 165, 00184 Roma RM, Italy · Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (5184 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Buzzy Monti cafe for early breakfast, coffee, and simple Italian plates with friendly vibes but frequent queues, dual pricing quirks, and inconsistent service.

Why it gets a B- for overall quality

La Licata delivers reliable cafe-bar comfort with strong food quality anchored by excellent coffee and popular breakfast sets, but inconsistent execution during peak hours—cold eggs, variable pastries—and uneven service attention prevent a higher grade. The Colosseum-view street seating adds appeal, though tight quarters and confusing dual pricing (bar vs. table) reflect its hybrid cafe-bar identity rather than polished restaurant standards.

Restaurant Summary

Mornings here feel lively and bustling, with a steady line, clinking cups, and servers trading smiles even when slammed. One guest summed it up: "Best coffee of our trip and a perfect pre-Colosseum stop." Street tables offer a <bpeek of the Colosseum down Via dei Serpenti, though tight quarters and queues are part of the deal. The cooking leans classic cafe comfort rather than culinary fireworks: creamy cappuccinos, house tiramisu, Roman pinsa, and tourist-friendly breakfasts like pancakes and avocado toast. When the room is calm, execution shines; at peak, eggs can run lukewarm and pastries vary. Clarify what is included in sets and expect bar vs table price differences—this is a hybrid cafe-bar more than a formal restaurant. Families do fine thanks to familiar kid-friendly choices like pancakes, pinsa margherita, fries, and simple pasta. Strollers can be tricky in the narrow space and there is an isolated report of seating friction, so arrive early and request outside tables when possible.

At a Glance

Early opening with strong coffee and popular breakfast sets
Side-street seating with a peek toward the Colosseum
Confusing hybrid service flow and long morning queues
Dual pricing (bar vs table) and upsell ambiguity
Peak-time inconsistencies with eggs and pastries

What Sets It Apart

early_opening_hours
colosseum_peek_view
roman_pinsa_option

What People Love

Warm, friendly servers who keep things moving
Foamy cappuccinos and robust espresso
House tiramisu that feels homemade
Early hours that beat the tourist rush
Lively Monti street vibe

Points of Concern

Morning lines of 20-30 minutes are common; service slows at peak
Confusion around ordering, paying, and pickup in hybrid model
Table prices exceed bar prices; some report unexpected extras on bills
Quality dips reported on pastries and eggs during rush

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleHybrid Average Cost€22-35 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Use bar service for coffee to save; confirm which pastries are included in breakfast sets; choose pinsa and salads for a reliable quick lunch

Perfect For

Pre-Colosseum breakfast stop
Casual morning coffee meet-up
Quick lunch with pinsa and salad
Families seeking simple, familiar dishes

Location Insights

Area: Historic Monti side street near the Colosseum; lively, tourist-heavy by day with a neighborhood feel.

Safety: Busy, well-traveled area with good daytime foot traffic and lighting; typical central Rome crowds.

Nearby: Steps from Via Cavour and short walk to the Colosseum; boutiques, hotels, and other cafes cluster nearby.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday06:00–21:00 Tuesday06:00–21:00 Wednesday06:00–21:00 Thursday06:00–21:00 Friday06:00–21:00 Saturday06:00–21:00 Sunday06:00–14:30

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →