Finding good roasters or coffee shops, especially local, isn’t always easy, so I think it would be good to share the places we discover

Here’s my list of local and not-local favourite shops, hope it’s helpful.

Kicco Caffè Pieve di Cento, Bologna, Italy

This is my closest roaster, it’s a very small business working mainly with Italian-style blends and roasts, however it also sells a small but nice selection of monorigin beans, which changes during the year. They also sell a variety of tools for many brewing styles.

My favorite coffee there is the Ethiopian Sidamo

Forno Brisa Bologna, Italy

Forno Brisa is a local chain of bakeries that in recent years embraced the specialty coffee wave, becoming a roastery themselves. Even though baked products are their main activity, you can find very good roasts there. In the physical shop, the staff is well trained and they can explain you in detail the characteristics of the coffees on the shelf.

At Forno Brisa I’ve tasted one of my favourite coffees ever, the Colombian Campo Hermoso

La Libertaria - torrefazione autogestita Galbiate, Lecco, Italy

This store in particular was recommended by a Fediverse contact of mine. It’s a roastery that imports a variety of beans from small farmers, carefully selecting supply chains that ensure good working conditions for the farmers. They contribute to many projects focusing on cooperatives and specific areas facing various kinds of issues, such as the Chiapas state of Mexico.

Sprout Roasters Eindhoven, The Netherlands

I’ve found this roastery while looking for a shop selling good quality decaf coffee. This one in particular offers a wide selection of beans, decaf included, and also sells the decaf projects kit by James Hoffman.

It’s a shame that delivery costs from The Netherlands to Italy were so high because I really loved their coffee, especially the Colombian decaf one