The thing I love about Rome is how effortlessly ancient and modern are combined. It feels like wherever you go, there is another piece of history just around the corner. Of course it’s hard not to love the food as well.
How to spend almost 48 hours eating & drinking in Rome
Lunch Day 1. Frescoli
Tiny and frenetic, there’s something about Frescoli that I just love. It’s a little bit old school but the food is seriously good. Truth be told this was my first and my favourite meal in Roma. Make sure you try the burrata. In the neighbourhood of Campo de’ Fiori.
Dinner Day 1. Palatium
A modernish enoteca that focuses on local food. We just sat at the bar and shared some amazing cheese, bread and salumi. Next time I’m making sure I book ahead to get access to the full menu.
Dessert Day 1. San Crispino
Not far from the Trevi fountain, this is the place to go for gelato. With classic and more unusual flavours there’s literally something for everyone here. I loved the ice creams with meringue. I was a little disappointed that this is a ‘tub only’ affair – it’s just not the same as licking from a cone.
Lunch Day 2. Matricinella
For a taste of old-school Roman food, it’s hard to go past Matricinella. We were lucky to snag a table outdoors in a little alleyway and had a wonderful time watching the Romans go by.
Dinner Day 2. Pizza 00100
This little hole in the wall in Testaccio is more of a takeaway joint than a place to eat in. And be warned, it’s more of a beer place than somewhere to enjoy a glass of vino. It’s also more thick Roman-style pizza than my favourite thin Napoli. But all that being said, I did enjoy their little ‘trappezzini’ – rectangles of pizza dough sandwiching various fillings. The meatball was a favourite. Next time I’m in Rome though, I’ll head to Pizzarium for my pizza fix instead.
On my list for next time…
Il Forno di Campo de’ Fiori
A bakery that is meant to do wonderful foccacia for breakfast and decent pizza later in the day.
Cafe – Sant’eustachio
I can’t tell you how many recommendations I had for this place. Apparently the best coffee in Roma, unfortunately I was too lazy to drag myself out of bed to get there this trip. Kinda kicking myself now.
Pizzarium
My sources tell me this is a contender for the title of best pizza in Rome.
Gusto
My Dad and I tried (and failed) to have lunch at Gusto – another deli come restaurant in the Frescoli vibe. I’m still puzzling over whether it was the wrong address or that they were closed on a Sunday. Some unfinished business here.
Fiaschetteria Beltramme
An old style Roman trattoria famous for it’s nonna-chic Roman food.
Gelateria del Teatro
Another highly recommended ice cream joint.
Montecarlo
Apparently the place to go for cheap thin crust pizza.
Buccone
A well loved wine bar near the Spanish steps.
Thanks to
updated October 2012
For more cities:
See the Stonesoup Guide to Tasty Travel.