Matt Glazier
Roma 2008
Restaurant Guide
Lunch
A great thing about Italy is that lunch can be anything you want it to be. It can be a full five course sit down meal or it can be a quick panini. Either way, there are many places I love for a good lunch. I never got into the habit of having heavy lunches and often had a panini, a salad, or a pizza. One thing to keep in mind is that you can walk into any Italian deli and buy fresh bread, cheese, and meat for an incredible sandwich. Not all places will make sandwiches to order but you can buy the ingredients separately and eat in one of Rome’s many piazzas. I had a break from 1:30-4:30 every day and usually I would wander Rome, finding a new place for lunch. I encourage you to do the same, wander the city, get lost, because that is the way you will not only get to know Rome but you will find some hidden gems.
Forno
Campo de Fiori 22
I cannot say it enough, forno is the best place in the entire city. If you go one place I recommend make sure it is here. When anyone asks me what the best pizza in Rome is, I do not hesitate: Forno. This is the first and last place I will take a visitor to Rome because you can go back every single day and have that same wow sensation. It is one of those moments where you take a bite, absorb the flavors, close your eyes, look to your friend and say wow, this is fantastic. I could go to Forno every day of my life and be completely satisfied and I mean that. While Forno does offer a wide selection of toppings the best choices are the traditional margherita or the pizza with cherry tomatoes. Also, the pizza bianca is simple but delicious, coated delicately with fresh olive oil and oregano. Fresh pizza’s come regularly so I recommend waiting it out until you can get a slice directly out of the oven. The only draw back of Forno is that there are no places to sit, however I enjoy grabbing a slice at Forno and walking to near by Piazza Navona. Cheap, fast and delicious, there is no better place in Rome for pizza by the slice. Something to keep in mind, Forno closes at two, reopens at five and closes at seven. I don’t recommend going after five because they don’t make fresh pizzas as often
Volpetti
Via Marmorata
There is no better place in all of Rome for Italian meats and cheeses. Located in Testaccio, Volpetti is a traditional Italian deli with meats hanging from the ceiling and the aroma of fresh cheese lingering. The servers at Volpetti are exceptionally kind and welcoming. You can get a few types of meat and cheese and eat them at the near by park or at request they will make you a panini to take away. While it may be overwhelming to pick between the ample selections of meat and cheese, I offer two suggestions. First off, get the pesto. This is by far, the best pesto I have had in Rome. Second, if you are in question of what type of cheese or meat to get, just ask, the men behind the counter will recommend their preference. If in need, my go to sandwich at Volpetti is speca, salami, pecorino, pesto and olive oil, however the prosciutto crudo with fresh mozzarella and olive oil is amazing as well. A note about the olive oil, it is not out of a bottle, the men at Volpetti take a scoop of fresh olives and drain the oil onto the fresh bread. Unreal. Volpetti closes at 2 during the day so make sure you head there in the early afternoon. It is a little out of the way but I guarantee it is worth it.
I Suppli
Via Francesco de Ripa
This place is one of a kind. It serves a Roman specialty which cannot be missed called il suppli. A suppli combines three of my favorite ingredients into what was said to me by a visiting friend as “pure deliciousness”. A suppli is a fried ball of risotto, mozzarella and pomodoro which I like to call a mozzarella stick on steroids, because it is just that much better. Not only are suppli delicious, but they are cheap (1 euro at most places). They are the perfect snack to grab after class or in between meals. Now most pizza shops have suppli for the customer however not always freshly made and piping hot. And trust me, the best suppli has to be fresh and hot. I Suppli as the name suggests is known for their suppli. Located in Trastevere, this hole in the wall (literally) has a great grab and go selection consisting of fresh pasta, pizzas and of course suppli. The suppli are always fresh and one of my favorites so far in Rome. I honestly say that I cannot pass this place without stopping in and having a suppli. It is always crowded with locals, which is always a good sign and the men behind the counter are very welcoming. Go there in between meals or as a bite in between classes, but beware, suppli are filling and at I suppli they are huge.
Miscellanea
Sometimes in Italy, you need a break from the pizzas, pastas and panini and simply crave a fresh salad. There is no other place in Rome to get neither a better nor more affordable salad, which are made to order with any combination of ingredients for only six euro a piece. My personal favorite was turkey fresh tomato, mozzarella, walnuts, egg , olive oil and red wine vinegar. It is nice at times to have something light and fresh. Run by friendly owner Mikki, Mics (as most college students call it) is a delicious and healthy lunch alternative and located just minutes away from the Pantheon. The salads are extremely fresh and actually very tasty. While Mics is packed with local Italians, the staff is extremely friendly to students like me as well. This is also a solid bar at night that shows both Italian and American sports. (where I watched the super bowl) It is very difficult to find, but if you are in the entrance of the Pantheon, take a right out of Piazza Della Rotunda and take your next left down an alley; Mics will be on your left.
Frantoni’s
Corner of Via Francesco de Ripa and Vialle de Trastevere.
Frantoni’s is an unbelievable place for lunch. They have made to order paninis with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, Italian meats and various oils and vinegar. In addition to the paninis, you also have the option to get a place of meat, cheese and vegetables. Often times I would get a plate with mozzarella, prosciutto, broccoli rabe, zucchini and tomatoes. There is also a bar of fresh antipasti. I ended up going here like once a week for lunch because it was convenient and very good.
Obika Mozzarella Bar
This is somewhat of a trendy lunch spot but serves some of the best mozzarella I had in Rome. Every thing you order, whether it is plain vegetables or classic Italian meats comes with a variation of fresh Mozzarella. I thought the food was great but somewhat pricey for a lunch in Rome.
Aristocampo
This is a panini place located literally twenty steps from John Cabott. I am sure you will go here a lot and I don’t doubt that it is good. The ingredients aren’t the freshest, but its fast and you can make whatever sandwich you want. My go to was chicken cutlet, mozzarella, peppers (they have amazing peppers) and salsa rosa (which is like a russian). Although this in convenient and good, there are better places in Rome and I urge you not to settle for it everyday.
Da Francesco
Piazza del Fico
+39 06 6864009
Some of the best restaurants are those where you don’t even get a choice of what food you order. I love the kind of places where the staff brings the special of the house or special of the day to your table without even consulting a menu; because more often than not, it is extremely fresh and tasty. This is one of my general rules of eating in Italy, eat the specialty of the house. The words de la cassa scream out to me from the menu; and this applies not only to food but the wine as well. I went to Da Francesco for lunch, ordered a glass of house wine and looked over the menu. Before I had a chance to make a decision one of the waiters came over to me and asked me the following; “Antipasti?” I am not an enormous antipasti fan, especially when I am trying to have a lite lunch so I respectively declined. He answered back, “Bolognaise?” I thought to myself sure, why not. I had seen bolognaise as the specialty of the day and decided to trust the waiter. I was not disappointed as this was one of the best bolognaise dishes I have had yet in Rome. Overall, Da Francesco serves excellent homemade pasta is absolutely somewhere I would return. At night, it turns into a pizzeria, however I never got the chance to go back.
Enotecca Cul de Sac
Piazza Pasquino, 73
+39 06 68801094
This is one of my favorite places to go for lunch. Located on a side street right outside of Piazza Navona, Cul de Sac has an enormous selection of wine, meats and cheese. It has that small, rustic feel a trattoria in Trastevere would have, which is nice in the central part of the city that you don’t usually get in most places. They have an English menu however I enjoy getting the Italian menu and trying to navigate my way through the array of options. With such a wide variety of meats and cheeses, you can order your choice of two cheeses and two meats for starters. The waiter will often times recommend a cheese and a meat if you are caught stumbling through the long list. The brie was fantastic along with the prosciutto and salami. For primi, the pasta selections are rather limited however both the lasagna and amatriciana are delicious. Additionally, the house bean soup was delicious especially considering I usually do not order soup while abroad. The portions are the perfect size for a light lunch and the food all around quite good.
Hostaria Isidoro
Via S. Giovanni in Laterano, 59/a
+39 06 7008266
There are not many students who live in the area of Rome by the Colosseum, however if you are looking for a good lunch following a tour of the Colosseum and want to avoid the ample tourist traps in the area, this restaurant is a good choice. They have a wide selection of delicious pasta and pizza. I would recommend the chef’s or house pasta sampler which changes daily. We had delicious bolognese and gnocchi.
Dinner
Like I said with lunch, the best thing to do in Rome is wander around the city and find your own places. You never know what you will find or what hidden gym you will discover. Often times the most authentic restaurants are those that are whole in wall, local places. While these restaurants are places I recommend, find your own places because Rome is full of amazing restaurants. You don’t understand how lucky you are to in such a great city because the food is affordable and delicious. Also, a lot of the places I went to for dinner on a consistent basis were those in my neighborhood, so look out for the them.
Vecchia Locanda (favorite restaurant in Rome)
Vicolo Sanibaldi 2
+39 0668802831
Every traveler has in mind their ideal dining experience. We all want to stumble upon a random alley and find that mom and pop hole in the wall that you envision. Locanda Vecchia from the outside screams out romance and authenticity. During the day, it is invisible to the naked eye, the only sign of a restaurant is the name scripted on the top of the door leading into the restaurant. However, return at night to find the vine awning illuminated by two humble flames. You walk into the restaurant to see only a few tables, however the host will lead you down a set of stairs into the basement/wine cellar. Although dark, the room is lit by candle light and surrounded by ample bottles of wine. It is without a doubt a perfect place for a date in the city, which was the setting I first experienced. The pasta is homemade and in exceptionally unique shapes with a variety of texture. The carbonara is fantastic however ask for the special of the day. I had at one meal a spaghetti with pancetta, brie and truffle, which was exceptional. For a secondi, the traditional saltimbocca romana is one of the best in Rome as well as the sea bass. If you are partial to anchovy, the steak in an anchovy garlic glaze is a different taste than most cuts of beef you will get in a restaurant and was extremely tasty. One of my favorite restaurants in Rome, this is the kind of place you go either with your parents, or for a special occasion.
Matricianella
Via Del Leone 2-4
+39 06 683 2100
Matricianella is located in one of my favorite parts of Rome, Piazza San Lorenzo. The traditional cobblestone alleys leading from the Pantheon towards the Spanish Steps can be a challenge to navigate however, it is not always a bad thing to be lost. The array of alleys and small streets lend themselves to what can and should be a perfect setting for a Roman dinner. When in Rome, do as the Romans do and eat dinner at a restaurant which specializes in Roman cuisine. Matricianella, right off of Piazza San Lorenzo and Via Del Corso is a great place to feel at home in Roma. We arrived at 10pm to see the restaurant completely full both inside and out. Be it somewhat expensive for a student abroad, this is a great place to take your parents if you are looking for a traditional meal. While there is no house wine and the wine list to some may look like a bible of sorts, the menu specializes in Roman cuisine. The buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes are undoubtedly fresh and tender however the fritto misto for an antipasti cannot be missed. A fried selection of various vegetables and cheeses, this dish is perfectly prepared and makes you wonder why a restaurant in the United States can’t perfect such a dish. The menu is full of traditional pastas like spaghetti carbonara and amatriciana, however the tonnerlioni with artichoke in a light sauce was the highlight of the meal. The secondi, consisting of traditional saltinboca romana, steak and lamb were all very tasty and well prepared. Overall, I would say, great food, great atmosphere and a great experience.
Trattoria de Cavalier Gino
Vicollo Rossini, 4
06 687 3434
This is one of my favorite places. Throughout Italy, many of stores and restaurants close in the middle of the afternoon and reopen in the early evening. At first close, workers and store owners alike tend to flock to their favorite local trattoria for a late lunch. Gino’s is no exception. The simple yet rustic trattoria is consistently packed with local Italians who flock to the rustic trattoria after they close up shop. While the menu is translated in English, I was surrounded by local Romans and could hear nothing but Italian, always a good sign in my opinion. In addition to the classic Roman menu, daily specials are listed outside in the quiet alley way. Gino himself is the owner and a nice old man who putters around and delivers the food to his faithful customers, which adds to already authentic atmosphere. Although I have only eaten there twice, the house spaghetti was delicate and delicious, cooked perfectly in a light butter sauce with peas, pancetta and mushroom, topped with a generous helping of parmesan. The veal saltinboca, a Roman specialty was the best I had in Rome. Gino’s is open for lunch and dinner.
La Scala Ristorante
Via Della Scala
There are not very many restaurants I return to on a constant basis, however if I have visitors who want a good dinner, I know with certainty that La Scala will come through. Although it is somewhat pricy for a dinner in Trastevere, it is a very good restaurant, although I find myself getting the same thing each visit. For starters, a good antipasti for the table is the foccacia primavera which consists of fresh foccacia topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil and olive oil. The dough is extremely light and flakey while the tomatoes and mozzarella are fresh. Add a touch of balsamic vinegar and you have yourself a great appetizer. For primi, the house ravioli is in one word, amazing. The plate comes with two homemade ravioli filled with ricotta in a sage, pancetta, mushroom, white wine butter sauce. The ravioli by itself is tender and delicate however combined with the delicious sauce; it is a truly fantastic dish. The other pasta dishes are also good, such as the carbonara and the gnocchi with truffle and smoked gouda, however they do not stand out like the ravioli. For secondi, the truffle steak is very good along with some of the best mashed potatoes I have had abroad. Additionally, the mixed grill plate is tasty and a good thing to split if you are looking for a lighter secondi. It is more of a modern looking restaurant compared to the surrounding local trattoria of Trastevere however; the ravioli is worth the visit.
Augusto
Piazza Di Renzi
A sure sign of a good restaurant is when there is a wait every night of the week. Augusto is consistently packed with local Romans who flock to the Trastevere trattoria for the delicious food, constantly changing menu and low prices. I finally ate at Augusto after three attempts, each time being turned away by the long wait. Initially I was disappointed by my meal at Augusto after sampling a variety of average pasta dishes, which were neither homemade nor creative. But at Augusto, the wide selection of meats, at extremely reasonable prices is the highlight. Ranging from rabbit and oxtail to traditional vitello Romano, each secondi is tender and delicious. I recommend both the lamb and the rabbit however; try whatever is special that day. At Augusto, the prices are extremely cheap for both delicious house wine and delicious secondi. Know ahead of time that the specialty is the selection of meat, not the pasta.
Casetta de’ Trastevere
Piazza Di Renzi
065800158
Every restaurant you go to in Rome has certain dishes that they prepare exceptionally well. The same is true with Casetta di Trastevere. Like all restaurants located in Trastevere the house wine and local specialties are all very good, however there is one dish that I recommend to any patron: the spaghetti with assorted seafood. The various seafood comprised of mussels, clams and shrimp is tossed together with a delicate sauce of white wine, butter and parsley. The dish is finished in a tin foil seal which locks in the flavor and the aroma of the seafood into the pasta. The ingredients are simple, however the preparation along with fresh ingredients make this dish truly fantastic. In addition to the seafood pasta, the rigatoni carbonara is fantastic along with the house ravioli, but it is a shame to go to Casetta di Trastevere and not taste the seafood pasta.
Pietro
Via della Pianellari
I will admit, I was skeptical when I was recommended Pietro by a group of girls who had dined there recently. Before committing to Pietro, I of course had to check it out with my own eyes to see if the menu and the atmosphere were to my liking. Immediately I knew I was in for a great meal because Pietro refers to itself as a black truffle restaurant and for me, truffle is one of those key word ingredients which instantly make a dish more appealing on paper. In addition to just the food, the staff at Pietro is one of the more friendly I have experienced abroad, as they made you feel truly welcome and genuinely cared about the quality of your meal. At the suggestion of our server, I ordered the gorgonzola and pancetta gnocchi with black truffle. I was awestruck when the server brought the plate over and began to shave fresh black truffle on top of my already fantastic smelling dish. Each bite of the tender gnocchi complimented by the delicate shaved truffle melted in your mouth and was truly one of the more memorable dishes I have had. All of the pasta’s at Pietro are homemade however I recommend any of the gnocchi or ravioli on the menu. Keep in mind that this is an expensive restaurant (22 euro for the gnocchi), however one plate can satisfy two people, for they are heavy. Great place for any food lover and parent.
Spirito de Vino
Via dei Genovesi 31 A/B
+39 (0)6 5896689
The staff at Spirito de Vino does their best to try and create a distinct Italian dining experience. Located in Trastevere, the homey atmosphere complements the family owned staff, consisting of mother, father and son. The mother is in the kitchen where she makes fresh pasta and fresh marinades, while the son and father head the dinning room where the son is the wine connoisseur and will recommend a bottle of wine from their enormous wine list. The primi at Spirito De Vino are excellent consisting of both homemade zuppe and homemade pastas, however the secondi are the specialty of this restaurant. The variety of meats are extremely tender and left to marinade days before service. What distinguishes this restaurant for me is the unique menu, as all of the dishes tend to combine different flavors and ingredients you don’t really get in traditional Roman cuisine. The restaurant does two seatings so make a reservation.
Alfredo e Ada
Via Bianchi Nuovi
At Alfredo e Ada, you feel like part of the family. Started over 60 years ago by Alfredo and Ada, Ada still cooks away in her rustic kitchen while her son Sergio has replaced her late husband Alfredo in the dining room. The food is simple and the table settings are basic, but at this local Roman trattoria, you come for the atmosphere. Sergio will greet you with a smile and take your drink order while Ada in the kitchen cooks up whatever primi and secondi she feels is good that day such as farfalle amatricianna and sautéed veal. There is no menu for the customer, as you sit back, relax and let your temporary grandmother serve you quality, comfort Roman food. At the end of your meal, Ada will walk right up to your table, pinch your cheeks like your grandmother would, and tell you stories of her and her Alfredo. For twenty euro a person, you can get a primi, a secondi, wine, water, and most importantly, a classic Italian family dining experience.
A Maccheroni
Via de Coppelle
During my first visit in Rome a few years ago, I started a journey to find the best caprese salad in all of Italy. Although that grand vision quickly diminished, the caprese at Maccheroni surely would have made the list, maybe even at the top. While Maccheroni is a little pricier than your typical neighborhood trattoria, it does serve some very good dishes. In addition to traditional Roman specialties, Maccheroni has items on the menu with a unique twist such as butternut squash ravioli in a zucchini flower cream sauce. Combine the can’t miss caprese and any of the tasty primi, you can have an extremely satisfying and affordable meal. It is a good option for lunch as well.
Trattoria Antonio Bassetti
Via del Governo Vecchio 18
Set amongst the variety of restaurants behind Piazza Navona along Via Governo Vecchio, Antonio Bassetti is another favor among local Romans. I could tell just instantly that the patrons were regulars, often knowing the servers by their first name. The aroma from the kitchen seeps through to the array of tables and the ambiance is exactly what Roman dining is about: close tables, loud customers and friendly service. It does, what so many other trattorias do: serve fresh, well made basic Roman cuisine. With that said, Antonio Bassetti has very good traditional Roman food including a very good rigatoni carbonara for a primi and sautéed rabbit for a secondi. The prices are extremely reasonable Both the pasta and the meat were well cooked and the carbonara sauce was indeed tasty, however at the end of the meal I was left wanting something more. Antonio Bassetti serves simple, delicious, basic Roman cuisine, which I can appreciate however there are better restaurants out there. The restaurant is a lot like Gino’s, serving good, quality, simple, Roman cuisine. Good place for lunch as well.
Trattoria Da Lucia
Vicolo Mattonato 2
Tucked away in a back alley of Trastevere, Da Lucia takes you out of the tourist scene and into the countryside trattoria. The atmosphere is fantastic and the wine extremely delicious however not much more. Da Lucia is written up in multiple guide books, which surprised me because both meals I had at this Trastevere restaurant were lacking. Aside from the spaghetti alla gricia (the house specialty), the primi were basic and relatively unflavorful. Dishes like tortellini with ragu and fettucini bolognaise were dry and poorly executed. Secondi such as sautéed veal were dry and overcooked. In my opinion, this is a restaurant that is only good because it is listed in a guidebook. I would say Da Lucia is a good place to go at some point, but for a better Roman meal, venture elsewhere.
Tutti Frutti
As my first study abroad meal in Rome, I was expecting big things. I was hoping to experience those wow moments I tasted years ago and urged to taste again. Tutti Frutti came highly recommended as an excellent restaurant in Testaccio. While the house wine was indeed excellent, my meal at Tutti Frutti was average. The linguini I had was covered in a bitter, tart sauce and the veal was bland and over cooked. Although the rigatoni with broccoli rabe and pesto was tasty, my meal was average at best. Maybe I ordered the wrong dish which is definitely a possibility, however there are just too many good restaurants in Rome to go back. Sorry Tutti Frutti. A few of my friends went back and said they had a fantastic dinner so maybe it is worth another go.
Osteria Da Mario
Piazza Delle Coppelle, 51
+39 06 688 6349
It is virtually impossible to find a bad meal in Rome. There are either good meals or there are great meals. Osteria Da Mario is a very good meal but did not strike me as a great restaurant. The restaurant had great antipasti, the meats were all very tasty and the grilled vegetables were excellent. House wine was cheap and delicious. Had a decent bruscetta, but you could tell the tomatoes weren’t as good as they should be. The rigatoni carbonara was cooked perfectly. Other primi were very good however the secondi were nothing to write home about such as pollo, lamb and veal saltimbocca. Overall it is a good place, except not a place I will likely return.
T-Bone Station
Fuck the Hard Rock Café, it is over priced and not that good. This is the place to go if you are homesick and want a solid burger. It is right next to JC so I am sure you will find it rather easily. They have good burgers and lots of TV’s to watch games.
Pizzerias
One thing to keep in mind is that all of these pizza places are only open for dinner. That is the Italian way, you eat a heavy lunch and a light pizza for dinner. The crust is so thin in Rome that you never feel overly full like you do in the States. Aside from Naples, Rome has the best pizza in Italy so take advantage of it. Not only is the pizza flat out unreal, but it is not too expensive. Most places you can get a pizza and some wine for 10 euro.
Dar Poeta (my favorite)
Vicolo del Bologna 45/46
+39 6 588 0516
There is a lot of hype mentioned about Dar Poeta so expectations were high. I was surprised at first to see that the menu consisted solely of antipasti and pizza, which for me was a comfort to know the restaurant specialized in pizza. The pizza dar poeta was fantastic, cooked with fresh zucchini and sausage with the perfect amount of garlic and olive oil. The crust is cooked perfectly in a wood oven and served piping hot. The traditional Margherita was also delicious. Do not miss, I repeat do not miss the desert calzone at Dar Poeta, filled with nutella and fresh ricotta. The calzone is served directly out of the oven and the combination of the nutella, fresh ricotta and amazing dough is what every warm desert should taste like, borderline perfection.
Pizzeria Da Buffetto
Via Governo Vecchio
This is known as one of the best places in Rome and is in every single guide book you will ever read. As such, the place is always packed. I can say without a doubt this is the thinnest crust I have ever had. I think Buffeto has awesome pizza, but not worth the long wait that usually accompanies the restaurants. What I did once or twice was go to Abbey Theatre, a sports bar which shows all the soccer games as well as playoff American sports and head to Buffetto right before close around 1045.
Pizzeria San Collisto
Piazza San Collisto
Via Francesco De Ripa
I love Pizzeria San Collisto because like Buffetto, the crust is so amazingly thin. Additionally, the pizza’s are enormous, almost the size of your wingspan. The wine is cheap and so are the pizzas which what makes it such a popular spot. You can get a classic margarita pizza and liter of wine for about 10 euro.
Pizzeria Ai Marmi
Vialle de Trastevere
Many of the pizza places that are famous in Rome are because of international guidebooks. Places like Buffetto are good but they are always filled with tourists. If you want the most authentic pizza eating experience in Rome, go to Ai Marmi. You are shoved next to other patrons and often are touching elbows. The place is always packed but on a nice night, it is great to sit outside and eat one of the best pizzas in Rome. You will not hear a word of English and the pizza will be one of the best you will have
Pizzeria Ivo
Via Francesco de Ripa.
Everyone always raved about Ivo when I was in Rome, but honestly I was not a huge fan. The pizza does not compare to the ones I mentioned above, however it is a larger place, and good for a large group. They have a huge menu filled with pasta, pizza, and fried appetizers but honestly, not a place I would go if I had all of Rome at my disposal.
Da Vittorio
Via di San Cosimato 14/a
+39 06-5800353
Da Vittorio is a great find because unlike many of the other Roman pizzerias like Dar Poeta or Pizzeria Ivo, it is open for both lunch and dinner. It specializes in a variety of homemade pizzas which are made to order from scratch. Like many of the pizzerias in Trastevere, the house wine is delicious, cheap and overall a perfect way to pass the time while the chefs at Da Vittorio go to work on their homemade dough. In addition to the delicious fork and knife pizza’s the fresh prawn and tomato cream risotto is one of the best seafood dishes I have had in Rome. Da Vittorio is a perfect place to fulfill all your culinary needs with great homemade pizza, fresh pastas and delicious house wines. The risotto is a must have along with any of the bianco pizzas, I recommend the mushroom, sausage, garlic and olive oil.
Gelatto and Other Deserts.
You really can’t go wrong with any gelato, its all good in my opinion. But there are two places, which happen to be next to each other, that re my two favorites.
Della Parma
This place is great because it has probably over 100 flavors of gelato. There are some crazy flavors and combinations but it is really good and for a while my favorite gelato. For example they have this flavor called mars which is like caramel and butterscotch and chocolate mixed which is awesome. But for the best, get the fresh strawberry mixed with banana split, that was my go to. I don’t kid you that the first time you go in there, you might be so overwhelmed with the amount of flavors that you will walk out, I did.
Giolitti:
This was my favorite gelato place and is more traditional in terms of flavor selection. Honestly it had the best flavor of gelato I have ever had. I am a huge black raspberry ice cream fan so I like any flavor gelato that resembles that. Get the frutti di bosco and it will rock your world. It is similar to black raspberry but honestly, unbelievable.
To get to della parma, go straight from the pantheon past the mcdonalds and it will be on your left. To get to Giolitti, go past della parma staying straight and take a right at the black duke pub which will be on your left.
Tazza D’Oro
Piazza Della Rotunda
This is one of the best places I went in all of Rome. It has a unique specialty called a granite, which is a combination of ice coffee, coffee coolata, coffee slush. In a cup, the bottom layer is filled with homemade whipped cream that is amazing. In the middle is the iced coffee slush and then topped again with whipped cream. It is amazing, just trust me, and is great on a hot day. It is located in Piazza Della Rotunda by the Pantheon.
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