When in Rome: A Foodie's Guide

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

Whether it’s your first time in Rome, or you missed it last time, or you just want to see it again, this is at the top of my list. The tickets on the official website usually sell out fast. It’s worth waiting in line to see it and I highly recommend booking a tour — for just a small amount, it will save you a few hours of waiting.

St. Peter’s Basilica

There are times and places where you can feel God, and for me this was one of them.

The Colosseum

Book at least a few days in advance to make sure you catch a convenient slot.

Pantheon

Its impressive dome, the largest in the world, measures 142 ft in diameter. The central opening at the top of the dome, named the oculus, is a unique source of natural light and a symbolic connection between the temple and the heavens. And in case you were wondering, the rain passes through the 9m diameter oculus, the floor being slightly convex with 22 drainage holes. If you don’t book in advance, the automatic ticketing system up front is pretty quick.

Galleria Borghese

You should book a few days in advance, otherwise they have last minute tickets for sale — only 13 entries /hour

Trevi Fountain

Spanish Steps. The official name is Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti, the French monastery church they lead to. In the 17th century, the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, the first embassy in the world, was located on the square — 'Piazza di Spagna' — at the base of the stairs, hence the name 'Spanish Steps'.

Castel Sant’ Angelo

Shopping. Via Condotti and a few smaller streets that cross it, for high-end designer shopping. Via del Corso, for more affordable brands. Don’t miss the gourmet food shops for some real parmigiano or prosciutto souvenirs.

Taverna Trilussa

Located in Trastevere, this is one of my all-time favorites and most recommended restaurants in Rome. One of the exceptions from my rule — this restaurant serves many good dishes, among them amatriciana, carbonara, grilled artichokes and mozzarella in carozza. Dessert shouldn’t be skipped — the tiramisù and millefoglie are very good.

Al Moro

Located steps away from Fontana di Trevi, with an old school vibe and frequently visited by businessmen, journalists and politicians, this is not at all a tourist trap. They serve Roman classics. As well as delicious Amatriciana and Alla Gricia pasta, they specialize in offal dishes — the deep fried brains were great, as were the sweetbreads with mushrooms, and even tagliatelle with tomato sauce and chicken innards. A bit pricier than other trattorias around but it is definitely worth the extra euros.

Baccano

Located very near to the Fontana di Trevi, with a brasserie style that reminds me of Balthazar restaurant NY, this one is also a great choice in the crowded touristic area. The chef who used to work for many years at the more famous Salumeria Roscioli is known for preparing excellent carbonara and amatriciana; the parmigiana di melanzane is also very good, as well as the tiramisù prepared at the table.

Armando al Pantheon

Even if it’s so close to a tourist attraction, this 20-seat restaurant is very good and really hard to get a table; the reservations are open for the next 30 days and most of the time fully booked.

Matricianella

Located somewhere between the Pantheon and Spanish Steps, they are known for Roman Jewish fried specialties. The carciofi alla giudia (artichoke entire edible, stem and leaves) and bucce di patata frite are very good, indeed. The spaghetti cacio e pepe isn’'t bad either.

Cesare al Casaletto

This is one of the best typical Roman trattorias. They serve very good light fried starters. For “primi”, go for tonnarellia with the gricia, cacio e pepe or mezze maniche with oxtail.

Salumeria Roscioli

Deli, wine bar and restaurant, they serve excellent antipasti like burrata, mortadella with grated parmigiano reggiano or anchovies with butter and sourdough bread. For primi, go for the classics: carbonara, amatriciana, gricia or cacio e pepe, while the mains and desserts apparently are better to be skipped.

For pizza lovers

Try the Roman thin-crusted specialties topped with quality ingredients, go to A Rota and L’Elementare. For “pizza al taglio”, Pizzarium or Panificio Bonci. For “pizza bianca”, go to Antico Forno Roscioli or for“pizza rossa”, go to Forno Campo de’ Fiori or Cesare al Casaletto (as a starter as this is not a pizzeria).

For gelato

There are many options in Rome. Check out Stefano Ferrara Gelato Lab, Giolitti, Gori, Fatamorgana, Fior di Luna, Neve di Latte, Al Settimo Gelo or Gelateria dei Gracchi.