I walk into this tiny café and see do-gooders.

What is Caffè Rainer?

The coffee shop is a reminder of my petite hometown in South Carolina. It’s simple. Slow-paced. Warm and familiar. There are shelves on the wall filled with books—give one, take one, kind of deal. There’s family history sharing the same space: the owner’s coffee grinder from her grandfather. An old menu. Copper pots on the wall are from Sylvia’s home in Padua. A black and white photo of her and her lively husband. They are happy, laughing and cherishing the moment between two wonderful souls.

A true treasure of a coffee and pastry shop near where classes are held is the spot to be. Put together by husband and wife, Rudolf and Sylvia give their unique lives to make this cafè a safe place for anyone traveling through, or the common study abroad student such as myself!

Foodie, are you?

My stomach roars like Simba while walking to this café. Probably because it knows where I am headed and can taste the delectable, fluffy pastries. Rudolf wakes each morning just before the sun rises and starts working on his treasures. The sweet pair is reflected by the patisseries made. A good croissant is chewy without being tough, and when you break open that flaky top, your nose is embraced by butter-land! There’s also cakes, biscotti, chocolates, and savory sandwiches. All of which is greatly troublesome to say no to. I often don’t!

Why does this place feel comfortable?

I always like to walk up to the counter, smiling graciously at the barista and say good morning in my best Italian accent (which isn’t all that great) and ask for a cappuccino and an almond croissant. I take my sweet pastry and take a seat in the corner and set up my computer or notebook to get to work. I cherish this time. In the states, you are expected to sit and work while you drink your coffee. In Italy, it is expected to stand at the counter and drink your coffee before being on your way. This place allowed me to stay and tend to my schoolwork without getting strange glances. It is a safe place for me to do what needs to be done without having to worry about offending the culture… or embarrassing myself!

This caffè is a warm and welcoming place to be. It is reliable and pleasant. The owners are constantly moving around each other in a dance of tango. Soft smiles, small touches, and an overwhelming sense of love. It is absolutely cherishable to be in the room that emits a charming glow of affection. It feels like a toasted marshmallow melting over creamy chocolate–everything sweet and good. The desire to be here, more than to eat or drink, but to feel those admirable moments is sumptuous in itself.

Who is the coffeemaker? 

The person that works that magical, shiny espresso machine is a lovely Italian woman. She is patient. She is funny. She is hard-working. Every time I go into Caffé Rainer, I ask about all the pastries and what kind there are. She beams and laughs, already knowing what I was to ask. She’s very careful with her English as she tries her very best to describe to me the various types of opportunities. Nevertheless, I always pick almond (because, honestly, there’s no better kind). Oh, look! It’s already plated for me.

Beautifully tanned skin, dark long hair, and lips that curve into a smile. Her voice glazes over words in an elegant gown of profession. She has the grandest smile, one that should be displayed in the Uffizi gallery. I wonder her name, even though I frequent this small spot of delicacy. I wonder why she feels the compulsion to run around in a controlled panic. She is particular–her delicate, deft fingers pulling levers on the espresso machine like dropping pennies in a fountain. Perhaps my hidden gem is not the place itself, but the souls who run it. The girl, with hair pulled back, reminds me of me. Delicate, like a peony in the wind, dancing a silent tune. The owners, joyful and passionate, are heavily inspired by each patron–to show their appreciation and love.

Hands moving in swift movements, feet stepping over the mess spilled, voice softer than the foam on my cappuccino. 

Where can I find the Caffè Rainer?