The Coffee Scene of Timișoara

Timișoara has a coffee tradition dating back to the 19th century, but in the last decade a new wave of specialty roasters has transformed the scene. We map out the best places for a cup and talk to the people behind them.

Timișoara's coffee scene is not a recent invention. The city has a long history of coffee houses, some dating back to the 19th century, when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. These establishments were places for political debate, literary readings and business deals. Today, that tradition continues, but with a new wave of specialty coffee shops and roasters that have raised the bar for quality. The result is a diverse and vibrant scene that caters to all tastes and budgets.

A City of Coffee Houses

One of the oldest surviving coffee houses is Cafeneaua Veche, located on Strada Vasile Alecsandri in the Cetate district. Established in 1890, it has been serving coffee for over 130 years. The interior retains its original wood panelling, marble tables and mirrored walls, giving it a fin-de-siècle atmosphere. The coffee is traditional: you can order a simple espresso or a cappuccino, but don't expect single-origin pour-overs. The clientele is a mix of older regulars, students and tourists. A cappuccino costs 10 lei (about €2).

Another historic spot is Cafeneaua Kunsthalle, inside the Kunsthalle building on Piața Victoriei. It opened in 2015 but occupies a space that was once a cafe in the early 20th century. The cafe serves specialty coffee from local roasters, as well as cakes and light meals. It is popular with the art crowd and often hosts exhibitions and events. An espresso costs 8 lei.

We wanted to create a place where people can enjoy a good cup of coffee without pretension. — Andrei, co-owner of a local roastery

The Specialty Coffee Wave

The specialty coffee movement in Timișoara began around 2012, when the first dedicated roastery, Coffee Central, opened on Strada Miron Costin. It was founded by two friends who had travelled to coffee-producing countries and wanted to bring better coffee to their hometown. They started roasting in a small workshop and selling to cafes and restaurants. Today, Coffee Central has a cafe and roastery in the Iosefin district, where you can watch the roasting process and buy beans. A flat white costs 12 lei.

Another key player is Origo Coffee, which opened in 2014 in the Elisabetin district. Origo roasts its own beans and has a rotating selection of single origins. The cafe has a minimalist design with white walls, wooden benches and plenty of natural light. It is a favourite among freelancers and remote workers, who appreciate the fast Wi-Fi and power outlets. A filter coffee costs 11 lei.

A more recent addition is M60, which opened in 2019 on Bulevardul Mihai Viteazu. The name comes from the former military unit that was once based in the area. The cafe is spacious, with high ceilings and large windows, and serves coffee from various Romanian roasters, including Origo and Coffee Central. It also has a small shop selling coffee equipment and beans. An espresso costs 9 lei.

For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, there is Aethernative, a cafe and art space in the Fabric district. It opened in 2015 and hosts live music, poetry readings and film screenings. The coffee is from local roasters, and the cakes are homemade. A cappuccino costs 10 lei.

Roasters and Baristas

Behind every good cup of coffee is a skilled barista. In Timișoara, baristas are increasingly well-trained, with many competing in national and international competitions. One of the most decorated is Alexandra, who works at Origo Coffee. She won the Romanian Barista Championship in 2019 and 2021. She says that thekey to a good coffee is consistency and attention to detail. 'You have to dial in the grinder every day, sometimes multiple times a day, because the beans change with humidity and temperature,' she says.

The roasters themselves are also gaining recognition. Coffee Central's beans are used in cafes across Romania and have won awards at the Golden Coffee Bean competition. The company sources beans directly from farms in Ethiopia, Colombia and Brazil, and pays above fair-trade prices. 'We want to make sure that the farmers get a fair share, because without them we wouldn't have coffee,' says Andrei, one of the founders.

Origo Coffee also sources directly from farms and roasts in small batches. They have a subscription service that delivers fresh beans to customers' doors. 'We want people to understand that coffee is not just a commodity, it's an agricultural product that depends on the climate and the people who grow it,' says Mihai, the head roaster.

Where to Drink Coffee

If you're looking for a classic coffee experience, head to Cafeneaua Veche. For a more modern take, try Origo Coffee or M60. Both have excellent coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. If you want to combine coffee with art, Aethernative is a good choice. And if you're interested in learning more about coffee, Coffee Central offers cupping sessions and brewing workshops. Prices are generally between 8 and 15 lei for a coffee, which is affordable by Western European standards.

It's worth noting that the coffee scene in Timișoara is not without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic hit cafes hard, with many forced to close for months. Some, like Cafeneaua Kunsthalle, survived by offering takeaway and delivery. Others, like the original Coffee Central location on Strada Miron Costin, closed permanently. Rents in the city centre have risen, making it difficult for small independent cafes to survive. 'It's tough, but we love what we do, so we keep going,' says Andrei.

Despite these challenges, the scene continues to grow. New cafes are opening, and existing ones are expanding. There is a sense of community among the cafe owners, who often collaborate and support each other. For example, during the pandemic, several cafes started a joint delivery service to share costs. This spirit of cooperation is one of the things that makes Timișoara's coffee scene special.

So next time you're in Timișoara, take some time to explore its coffee culture. Whether you prefer a traditional coffee house or a modern specialty cafe, you're sure to find a cup that suits your taste. And you'll be supporting a vibrant local scene that values quality and community.