TAZZE PAZZE Specialty Coffee — Restaurant in Genoa

Visiting family in Rapallo, which has no specialty coffee at all. Nearest was in Genova so I set out there to take a walk and have some nice coffee. The square of Cinque Lampadi is small and kind of run down. I actually liked it but it is kind of borderline between has plenty of "character" and it's a dump. The café itself is a small and quaint place with a bar and perhaps one place to sit while all other seating is outside on the aforementioned square. Also, as a small sidenote, there is no bathroom. The staff was really nice and spoke good English. Now all these things, good or bad, are nowhere near as important as the coffee. I asked for something fruity and sour. There were three blends for espresso. I really can't remember what they were. But I got the most expensive 3.5€ one that the staff reccomended. (Also they mentioned that the first and cheapest blend for 1.2€ is supposed to be bitter which I found to be extremely strange as most "3rd wave" cafés absolutely avoid a prevailing bitterness of their coffee). The coffee arrived and there was no crema. It was watery, bland and mostly bitter with just a bit of fruity in the background. It seemed over extracted to me. This is the only reason I gave only two stars. Nothing except the coffee matters. Now, keep in mind, it might be this was just a fluke, and I only had the one coffee, I just didn't feel like ordering more after. They will still be miles better than any other place that serves regular coffee like Illy or Lavazza. I had so many good coffees around Europe with awesome atmoshperes and this sadly just doesn't deserve to get rated higher than them. Keep...

Good coffee. But expensive. Also I have had very rude experiences here on both occasions I have been there. First time I asked if I should order at the counter or while seated. I was told I would be served while seated. Waited quite some time to actually be served. Staff were coming towards me to take my order and someone else interuppted them so they served them instead and I had to wait longer. No worries, happens. But second mildly rude experience says maybe its a thing. Was this evening. I was there before closing hours and so sat down. Staff aggressively said ""ciao" nothing else and packed up the table beside me. I tried to get eye contact and then asked if they were closing and they said yes... but he could have told me that when he first greeted me rather than me having to wait around.... and he didn't have to be rude about it. 🤷‍♀️ I did enjoy the coffee I managed to get from them from the first time though...so perhaps I will try take away again and avoid the...

Ade, the barista, was awesome. He knew everything about the coffee served and was proud to serve it. I had 2 double espressos. One from Uganda and another from Kenya.

You could tell the staff were having a good time in there. Exactly what I like to see. I got some pastry recommendations from Amanda.

I had lost faith in finding good coffee in Italy until I stumbled at this shop in Genova. It was full coffee experience. I’m a home barista who appreciates a well pulled shot of espresso and ‘Ade’s shots were one of the best I have ever had.

You tasted the exact notes he said. This coffee shop is a gem. And if you love coffee, do yourself a favor and stop by and enjoy a shot of espresso from Ade and his team. High qualtiy team making great coffee.

I will be back for the coffee and the...