James Joyce Café in Trieste

Not the Historical James Joyce Café:

James Joyce Café Bar

It’s been raining a lot in Trieste and so we duck into the James Joyce Café at via Roma. James Joyce’s statue is just across the street on the Canal Grande and one of the apartments he lived in was at via S. Nicolo 30, in the opposite direction and so we assumed that he must have spent time in this café.

Not a Historical James Joyce Café

Joyce might have had a coffee or two in this café, as he has been known to walk around this area whilst gathering his thoughts and inspiration for his next poem or novel.

But it is not one of the five historical cafés that Trieste’s literary greats and intellectuals used to gather in. The café has a nice modern interior and if you’re lucky you might secure the table below the portrait of Joyce.

James Joyce portrait

How to order coffee in Trieste

We’ve travelled around Italy a fair bit and thought that we knew all about ordering coffee in Italy, but here in Trieste we discover that they have their own lexicon of terms for ordering our favourite brew. For his espresso, Tony has to ask for a “nero” or “nero in B” if he wants it served in a small glass (B, meaning bicchiere or glass). I have a “capo in B” which is a macchiato served in a small glass. If served in a cup, just ask for “capo“. For cappuccino lovers, you’ll need to ask for “caffelatte“. Note that these terms are peculiar to Trieste.

Inside James Joyce Café

Nice atmosphere and quick service

James Joyce Café is run by a Chinese lady and her young daughter. We had a light snack here and a couple of coffees. The service is quick and friendly.

Entrance to James Joyce Café

They enjoy a fair number of customers, no doubt tourists wanting to experience a bit of James Joyce in Trieste.

Address:
James Joyce Café
Via Roma 14, Trieste, Italy, 34121

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