Rome Recs: Food, & Hidden Gems
Roma, la città eterna- The eternal city. A place you can’t help but fall in love with again and again. If you’ve got a short trip planned, I hope this guide gives you a starting point with some of my favourite spots around the city.
RESTAURANTS:
Trattoria D’à Enzo al 29
They only take walk ins and you usually end up waiting a while for a table (sometimes not if you’re lucky or go early enough!) The food is very good but sadly feels a little touristy now, no Italians in sight, just a loud mix of 10 different languages. My favourites were the Carbonara or the Caccio e Pepe pasta.
Ai Marmi
We fell in love with this place the minute we walked in. We went at 11pm, right after going to get a few drinks and it hit so well. It’s only locals there, dining alone, in twos or a late night drunken bite with friends. There’s something very special about this place you’ll only understand if you go. And the pizza… 10/10.
https://www.instagram.com/pizzeriaaimarmi/?hl=en
Dal Bolognese
A Roman classic, great for a sunday lunch with family. As the name suggests, their specialties are the Bolognese dishes. (Get the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese)
https://roma.dalbolognese.it
Nino
This Tuscan restaurant has been open since 1935. It’s in the center of Rome, located near the Spanish Steps, and a place that I always associate with my grandmother.
https://ristorantenino.it
Dà Francesco
No fuss, lively trattoria. They are most known for their pizzas but I think their pastas are just as good.
https://www.dafrancesco.it/osteria-da-francesco-roma/
Maccheroni
Another no fuss trattoria, always reliable and great prices.
https://ristorantemaccheroni.com
Roscioli
The restaurant has become a bit of a tourist trap ever since they opened up a sister restaurant in New York. You can mainly hear Americans chatting away, but i’ve got to say, their pastas are very good. I think worth going for a drink (their antipasti are good) or just to see their bakery next door.
https://salumeriaroscioli.com/en?srsltid=AfmBOorMLxIcB53qNXc0FZmnhUX-pYSsZGLJPncOyenItnGaNrvaqtsi
Trattoria Lilli
A friend recommended this place, but last time I was there I couldn’t get a table. The food looked delicious so I wanted to include it incase anyone goes (let me know how it is!)
CAFES/ MISC:
Ciampini
Favourite thing to do in the morning is to walk to Ciampini and have a cappuccino on the counter. Very cute, small bar, outdoor seating is great too. It’s on a lovely square called Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina.
Giolitti
Delicious ice cream, but the lines are quite crazy. You feel bit silly queuing until you get the front, so you better know what you want because they go fast!! Well worth it though. Go for the whipped cream on top when they ask.
Moriondo & Gariglio
The oldest chocolate shop in Rome. It’s a time capsule that smells like cacao. Everything is delicious and almost too beautiful to eat.
BARS:
Il Gocetto
A wine bar in Centro Storico that cosy, easygoing and always packed. It has a really extensive wine list and very good aperitivi.
https://www.instagram.com/thereal_ilgoccetto/?hl=en
La Botticella
More of a pub, but also feels like a bar if you sit outside. The music from the neighbouring bar seeps through into this one. Nice for a pre dinner drink.
Vinaietto
Another nice neighbourhood wine bar, very low key.
https://www.instagram.com/ilvinaietto/?hl=en
Hotel Minerva - Rooftop bar
Lovely view of the Pantheon. Best to go for a pre dinner drink. The hotel is also a great place to stay!
https://www.orient-express.com/en/hotel/europe/italy/rome/la-minerva