General Info

BAR: Not a U.S.-style bar. Those places, usually hotels, that have U.S-style bars will advertise "American bar." While you can buy beer, brandy or other alcoholic beverages at Italian bars, the central feature is the espresso coffee machine. You can have a Caffe or Espresso ( about Euro 0.70 ) or a Cappuccino for about Euro 80 cents to 1 Euro. Italians visit bars throughout the day, but especially in the morning, when pastries are served with the coffee. -back to top-
ENOTECA: Place wher you can drink wines. You can usually buy whole bottle or consume by the glass.-back to top-
GELATERIA: Serves Home made Icecream Giolitti is One of the Most renown in Rome and it is surely worth a walk in that general area - I Tre Scalini a Piazza Navona is Famous for its 'Tartufo Icecream' but somebody has to pay for the location. -back to top-  
PASTICCERIA: Pastry shop, often connected to, or part of a bar. Such a sign usually means a wider selection of pastries available. Many serve foods other than pastries, such as sandwiches ("panini" -- literally, "little breads.") If "panini" is advertised on a sign, again, you could expect a larger selection. These are excellent places to get a quick, inexpensive snack or lunch. As in a bar, you pay first, and order second. -back to top-  
TAVOLA CALDA: Literally, "hot table." The closest U.S. translation is "grill." These are more elaborate than panini shops, featuring hot dishes. Some are small with only a few choices each day, and you select what you want from a glass-enclosed display. Most have a few tables. More elaborate ones are similar to U.S. self-service cafeterias. -back to top-  
ROSTICCERIA (Girarrosto) / Pizza al Taglio : These shops sell rotisserie-cooked meats, most often whole chickens; sometimes advertised as a "polleria." They also offer "suppli'" or a bowl of fried rice with mozzarella inside , crocchette a bowl of fried mash-potatoes, Pizza al Taglio ( means Pizza by the slice) and other inexpensive lunch or quiick dinner. -back to top-  
RISTORANTE: A restaurant offering a large-selection menu and full waiter service. These range from small and intimate to very large and ornate (and sometimes expensive). -back to top-  
PIZZERIA: Just like America...it sells pizza. Pizza was invented in Italy, but they are quite different from the pizzas served by the US Pizza Chains. They are individually-sized or no more than 10-12 inches in diameter and come covered in a wide variety of toppings. Most pizzerias also sell other foods, and many other types of eating places also sell pizza. For example, a ristorante-pizzeria offers pizza as an alternative to its full restaurant selection. -back to top-  
TRATTORIA: With full waiter service, a smaller, usually family-run restaurant. The menu is more limited, the decor usually less ornate, and the prices usually lower than a full ristorante. -back to top-  
PUB / BIRRERIA: Like a British pub or American "bar," these have become popular in Rome and Italy. A variety of beers on tap, plus cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. A 0.4cl ( about 1 pint) beer is around Euro 4 to 5, Cocktails € 6 -7; Glasses of wine Euro 2 to 4.-back to top-  

HOSTARIA: The 'more popular' version of the Enoteca ( which is the more Yuppy version) - Usually Osteria serves home-made wines The Dining Experience. -back to top-

  
   
 
   
Most of these restaurants are in the heart of Rome. The others can be easily reached by taxi in less than ten minutes. If you want to have a quick lunch, a delicious slice of pizza would do for it. You'll find it in the many "Pizzeria al taglio" (sort of take away pizzerias)
  
     
Restaurants Price Range

Cheap: Less than 15 euros per person

Medium: 20-30 euros per person

Expensive: More than 50 euros per person

  
 
List of cheap restaurants

Pizzarè Via di Ripetta, 14 (Piazza del Popolo) - Tel. 06 3211 468 / Via Oslavia, 39 (Piazza Mazzini) - Tel. 06 3721 173

The queues until 11 p.m. say it all: one of the best pizza in town. Try also Mozzarella di bufala served with pachino (small tomato)

Insalata Ricca Largo de'Chiavari, 85 - Tel. 06 6880 3656

Wide range of salads and first courses

Gaudì Via R. Giovannelli, 8 (Parioli) - Tel. 06 8845 451

Optimum pizza or sorted roasted meet. Special menu for a quick lunch

Pastarito, Pizzarito Via Veneto, 13 - Tel. 06 4742 248

Pasta and pizza in an informal but elegant restaurant -back to top-

  
 
List of medium price restaurants

Cafè Veneto - Ristorante Asador Via V. Veneto, 120 - Tel. 06 4827 107

Location is everything! Elegant Restaurant with soft music in the heart of La Dolce Vita. Italian and Argentine specialties: fish, truffle, and game. Try also asado, beef from Argentina cooked for more than 3 hours

Vecchia Roma Via V. Veneto, 155 - Tel. 06 484 535

Restaurant and Pizza

La Cuccagna Via della Cuccagna, 18 (Piazza Navona) - Tel. 06 6874 848

Da Armando - Hostaria Romanesca Piazza Campo de' Fiori, 40 - Tel. 06 6864 024

Restaurant with a wide range of Roman specialties. Plus, good wine

Al Ceppo Via Panama, 2 (Parioli) - Tel. 06 8419 696

Fortunato Via del Pantheon, 55 (Pantheon) - Tel. 06 6792 788

Gusto Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 9 (Town centre) - Tel. 06 3226 273

Pizza, pasta and good wine

Nino Via Borgognona, 11 (Town centre) - Tel. 06 6795 676

T-Bone Station Via F. Crispi, 29 (Town centre) - Tel. 06 6787 650 / Via Flaminia 525 (Corso Francia) - Tel. 06 3333 297

American steakhouse and cocktail bar -back to top-

  
   
List of exclusive restaurants

La Pergola Via Cadlolo, 101 c/o Hotel Cavalieri Hilton (Monte Mario) - Tel. 06 35091

International cousin and an enotheca supplied with a wide choice of Italian and foreign wines. Very elegant atmosphere

Alberto Ciarla Piazza San Cosimato, 40 (Trastevere) - Tel. 06 5818 668

If you are looking for fish in Trastevere, Alberto Ciarla is the right place. A wide choice of Italian and French wines

Les Etoiles Via dei Bastioni, 1 (Prati) - Tel. 06 6873 233

Roof dell'Hotel Atlante Star with a breathtaking view

La Terrazza dell'Eden Via Ludovisi, 49 (Via Veneto) - Tel. 06 478 121

La Rosetta Via della Rosetta, 8 (Pantheon) - Tel. 06 6830 8841

Excellent fish here, highly recommended with white wine

Agata e Romeo Via Carlo Alberto, 45 - Tel. 06 4466 115

Relais le jardin Via G. De Notaris, 5 - Tel. 06 3220 404 -back to top-

  
   

Part of the holiday pleasure in Rome is discovering your very own favourite trattoria. In our opinion, it's hard to eat badly in Rome. But for those who'd like some guidance, here are our suggestions.

For smarter restaurants, it's advisable to book, especially at the weekend. At the simpler but popular trattorie and pizzerie, there's often an informal queue or waiting list.

Many restaurants - especially in tourist areas - start serving dinner at 7pm, although nearer 9pm is a more normal time to eat. Restaurants in Rome shouldn't request a coperta (cover charge) but generally they'll bring some bread and charge you for that, anyway.

  
   

Good tourist choices

Around Rome's tourist hubs you'll find many restaurants aimed at tourists. Some are overpriced and uninspiring, but there are also plenty of reasonable restaurants. Have a look at the menu, the prices, and at the meals being served and you'll get a good idea of whether the place will suit you. Naturally you pay more in a tourist location like Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, and a Roman may not be impressed with the establishment, but it's your holiday and you may well feel the view is worth it. You only have to go a few yards from the main piazza to find cheaper fare. There are far too many decent places to list, but one of the best areas to start looking in the Centro Storico is around the narrow Via di Tor Millina (which leads off Piazza Navona) and along Via del Governo Vecchio, where you'll find plenty of pleasant restaurants with outdoor seating. Campo dei' Fiori and Trastevere are also places where you'll be spoilt for choice.

  
   

Navona Notte

Via del Teatro Pace, 44. There's nothing flash or fancy about this pizzeria, which makes it ideal for tourists on a budget. There is a wide range of good, cheap pizzas, no extras are added to the bill, and the tables inside and out are usually full.

Osteria del Gallo

Vicolo di Montevecchio, 27 (near Piazza Navona, off Via di Tor Millina). A haven just off the busy lanes west of Piazza Navona, the Osteria serves classy meals at a touch more than average tourist prices.

Ecce Bombo

Via di Tor Millina, 22 (near Piazza Navona). Well-located for people-watching, this restaurant situated on one of Rome's liveliest lanes has a good, varied menu.

Pastarito - Pizzarito

There are several branches of this chain around the centre of Rome, and although they have little atmosphere the service is swift and efficient (everything is computerised and when you've finished there's no need to wait for the bill - simply go to the cash till with your table number). You can choose your own combinations of pasta and sauce, or pizza and toppings, from the long list in the menu. Portions are generous and good value for money.

Local favourites

Romans are fine judges of food, so where crowds of locals go, you can be sure to eat the best. But note that they can be chaotic places with long queues.

Dar Poeta

Vicolo del Bologna (Trastevere). So busy that they ran out of cutlery when we were there, Dar Poeta serves legendary pizzas and generous, filling bruschette.

Da Tonino

Via del Governo Vecchio, 18. An old-fashioned Roman eating place, with a few, sought-after tables, no pretensions at all, and good, cheap pasta.

Da Francesco

Piazza del Fico (close to Piazza Navona). Another simple and crowded shrine to good Roman grub.

Quite smart

For something a little different or a little smarter here are some less touristy eateries with a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Enoteca Antica

Via della Croce (near the Spanish Steps). A small wine-bar-restaurant with a cosy atmosphere. The pizzas are good and reasonably-priced, and for dessert they serve gorgeous chocolate cake.

Di Fronte A

Via della Croce, 38 (near the Spanish Steps). A popular restaurant with a youthful, international atmosphere and art hanging on the walls. The menu is extensive and varied - our favourite is the Pizza della Casa with cheese and truffle.

Le Pain Quotidien

Via Tomacelli 24/25 (near Via del Corso). This Euro-chain specialises in filling breakfasts and large salads. There's nothing local about it, but the atmosphere is friendly (with large shared wooden tables) and their breakfasts fill the gap left by typical hotel fare.

Hip eating spots

If you want to hang out with Rome's super-tanned, jewellery-clanking celeb trash, you'll need to get up to date with the current 'in' places - fashionable society in Rome moves en masse from one place to another. Here are some of the options:

Target

Via Torino, 33 (near Metro Repubblica). A smart restaurant with a restrained atmosphere on weekdays, Target is handily located for the Teatro dell'Opera, and opens late. Good house wine. Highlights include cold dessert crepes, and the orecchiette ('little ears' pasta).

'Gusto

Piazza Augusta Imperatore,9 (near Via del Corso and the Spanish Steps). A restaurant, pizzeria, wine bar and bookshop. It's been around a few years now, but Gusto is still a modish spot for Sunday brunch as well as serving good dinners and pizzas. Outdoor tables are atmospherically located, opposite the Mausoleum of Augustus.

Prado

Via Mameli, 5 (Trastevere). Prado has a PA system which is used to request diners to move their double-parked sports cars. It's busy and buzzing, but prices are surprisingly normal (pizzas under ten euros) and the food is extremely good. A favourite with footballers.

  
   
   
Roman Cuisine - What to Eat in Rome
  
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ANTIPASTI / APPETIZERS


BRUSCHETTA – toasted bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil, tomato can be added

FILETTI DI BACCALA’ - deep-fried cod fillets.

FIORI DI ZUCCA FRITTI - deep fried courgette flowers stuffed with mozzarella cheese and anchovies.

SUPPLI’ – fried rice croquettes stuffed with mozzarella cheese

ANTIPASTO MISTO – may include olives, anchovies, cured meats, seafood, grilled or preserved vegetables (artichokes, peppers, tomatoes), greens etc…

PASTA


SPAGHETTI CACIO E PEPE - a very simple traditional recipe where boiled spaghetti are dressed with abundant sharp Roma pecorino cheese and plenty of pepper.

SPAGHETTI ALLA CARBONARA - spaghetti dressed with beaten egg yolk and parmigiano, added to a mixture of fried bacon.

SPAGHETTI AGLIO, OLIO, PEPERONCINO - spaghetti dressed with a sauce of olive oil, chopped garlic, parsley and chili.

BUCATINI ALLA AMATRICIANA - the bucatini, longish pasta tubes, similar to spaghetti, are dressed with this sauce, composed of hog jowls or bacon, white wine, tomatoes and spicy peppers. It is traditionally served topped with aged pecorino. Matriciana comes from Amatrice a small town near Rieti, home to this recipe.

GNOCCHI ALLA ROMANA - sliced semolina dumplings served with butter and grated cheese.

CANNELLONI - sheets of egg pasta are stuffed with a ricotta and spinach or meat filling, then topped with a light, fresh tomato sauce and baked.

PENNE ALL’ARRABBIATA - short pasta dressed with a spicy tomato sauce.

RIGATONI CON LA PAJATA - square pasta tubes with a sauce based on milk-fed calf’s intestine cooked with tomatoes, salt pork, garlic and spices; topped with grated Pecorino cheese.

FISH AND SEAFOOD


COZZE ALLA MARINARA – sauteed mussels

MEAT


ABBACCHIO - is the dish which most characterizes Roman cuisine. Abbacchio is milk-fed lamb prepared in several different ways: oven-roasted, or hunters' style with rosemary, white wine, anchovies and peppers.

LAMB CHOPS IN LEMON EGG SAUCE – traditionally in Rome, a leg of lamb is cooked for Easter and topped with a lemon egg sauce such as in this recipe.

SALTIMBOCCA ALLA ROMANA - veal with Parma ham and sage is served rolled and skewered.

CODA ALLA VACCINARA - braised oxtail with tomatoes, celery and white wine.

INVOLTINI - these tasty, tender beef rolls, stuffed with celery and carrots are cooked in a robust tomato and wine sauce.

POLLO ALLA ROMANA - chicken cooked with green peppers, tomato and garlic.

PORCHETTA - roasted pork dressed with aromatic herbs.

CORATELLA CON CARCIOFI - lamb or kid liver, heart and lungs, braised in olive oil and white wine, served with artichokes.

TRIPPA ALLA ROMANA - tripe cooked with tomato sauce, Roman mint, celery and onion.

VEGETABLES AND SALADS


CARCIOFI ALLA ROMANA - Roman artichokes are a special variety called "mammola". The stems are severed and minced fine with mint, garlic, salt and pepper, then used to fill the artichokes, which are then cooked atop the stove with water and olive oil.

CARCIOFI ALLA GIUDIA - tender artichokes flattened flower-like and deep fried.

PUNTARELLE - this unique member of the chicory family is sure to be found among the side dishes at any Roman restaurant, but most likely nowhere else in Italy. The hollow spears of the puntarelle are sliced very thinly lengthwise, and set into a large quantity of cold water for some hours. This causes the thin strips to curl up in an extraordinary manner. The crispy curls are served raw, dressed with olive oil, vinegar, garlic and minced anchovies.

FAVE AL GUANCIALE - fresh springtime fava beans cooked with bacon and onion.

FAVA BEANS WITH PECORINO - springtime fava beans served with Roman pecorino cheese.

FAGIOLI CON LE COTICHE - stewed white beans with pork rind, olive oil, rosemary, onion, garlic.

POMODORI RIPIENI - large tomatoes stuffed with their pulp, rice, garlic and basil.

SWEETS AND DESSERTS


MARITOZZI ALLA PANNA - soft sweet buns with raisins and candied peels are filled with whipped cream.

FRAPPE E CASTAGNOLE - Carnival sweets; fried pastry ribbons and balls.

 

  
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