What have the Romans ever done for us? Put swans on our coffee! Pompeii Latte Art Caffe exalts Italy

For this photo session, István swapped the empty cup in his hand for an afternoon latte he quickly fixed, drawing a swan on the top. When it comes to coffee, István is passionate and determined to get up earlier every morning at home so that he can make coffee for his partner and himself on a machine kept within arm’s reach.

The barista’s other passion is Rome. With a degree in history, he is a regular visitor to Italy and has also visited Pompeii. Sitting in his namesake café, you can’t help but smile at the little things, the ancient philosophers’ sayings on the wall, the coffee-themed mural, the mosaic tables and the ubiquitous patterns of meanders, a clear sign that the place isn’t just a coffee sanctuary but István’s own playground.


His Pompeii cafés operate at two locations, on Mester utca and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, but the design, product range and expertise of the baristas do not differ.

Moving on to the coffee itself, and the latte art that decorates it, your hot drink here drips from a handmade Rocket Espresso machine from Milan, because István is a lover of all things traditional. He revels in the art of the barista, adjusting the grinding and the volume by hand.

Of course, all coffee is 100% arabica, the classic, slightly chocolatey, dark roast for ristretto (HUF 490), espresso (HUF 490 Ft) and lungo (HUF 690). There are also light-roasted, slightly fruitier coffees with milk, such as cappuccino (HUF 690) and flat white (HUF 990), as well as a special coffee bean that changes every month. 

The milk is 3.5% fat and protein-rich, ideal for nice patterns, but you can also order plant-based, the figure drawn using cocoa, caramel and natural dyes in addition to the coffee.

These apart, you can order cakes of various descriptions, as well as several types of tea. There seems to be no need to add more, and regulars are already showing each other photos of the flowers and birds on their latte. An older guest simply enjoys the conversation.

What makes latte art beautiful?

Pouring is the one thing a barista needs to pay attention to. It is also important that the pattern can be repeated accurately. At István’s, everyone has their own style. Barista Miki at Mester utca specialises in 3D shapes, the neat ones by Simon at Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út are especially professional, while István’s own favourites are colour patterns.

Really good latte art is not made from milk foam anyway, but from milk cream. This also involves a different technique, as you have to apply the cream differently from the foam, which gives the coffee extra creaminess and a different texture, and the pattern stays in place until it is completely removed as you finish up your cup.

István’s swans, flowers and Japanese bushes should also leave a smile on your face while you plan your next visit.