In 1717, Emperor Charles VI declared Trieste a free imperial port.
The city began to import various goods, including coffee, and soon became one of the key port of the Mediterranean, contributing to the immense growth of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
By the mid-19th century, Trieste was a prosperous city and ran Europe’s coffee trade.
Magnificent coffee houses were built and became meeting points for intellectuals, politicians, and traders. Some of these lavish venues still exist, such as Caffè degli Specchi, Tomaseo, l’Antico Caffè San Marco.
You can find them listed alongside Trieste's other historic shops in the "Consierge Book" in the hotel lobby.
If you decide to try the experience, here's a "coffee dictionary in Trieste" that might help you order:
Espresso - Nero
Espresso in a glass cup - Nero in B
Capo - Macchiato
Macchiato in a glass cup - Capo in B
Cappuccino - Caffellatte
Espresso with grappa - Corretto
Macchiato with a sprinkle of cocoa - Marocchino
The coffee we have chosen for the Savoy is from a small artisanal roastery in Aquileia, Cocambo, which you can also visit and see how the roasting phase of coffee works.