At 7am the Romans hit the bars for espresso. At 1pm they take their
lunch, consisting of three courses and wine. Around 7pm, it’s time for
an “aperitivo”, typically a Prosecco Negroni with Campari, Martini
rosso and Gin. Then you’re ready for dinner, starting at 8.30pm!
il Pomodorino
A
few steps from the top of Via Veneto, behind Grand Hotel Flora in Via
Campania, you will find il Pomodorino. A large, sizzling restaurant
with two pizza ovens. They have specialized in Neapolitan food and
dishes that you usually don’t connect with the Italian kitchen – such
as suppli (deep fried risotto balls) and crocette (deep fried mashed
potatoes). The pizzas are fabulous and they have a counter with a guys
who is solely there to hand-cut different kinds of prosciutto. Pasta is
not their force, but they have a lot of traditional rustic dishes and a
wide selection of antipasti (starters). Everything at reasonable
prices. Lots of locals and few tourists.
il Pomodorino, Via Campania
Tullio
At
the foot of Via Veneto, behind Hotel Bernini on Piazza Barberini, is
this classical Florentine restaurant, Tullio. Everything is wonderful,
but particular stand-outs are the steaks and the risotto with tartufo
bianco (white truffle), when in season. Also try the grilled artichoke,
but be aware of the check. It’s a pricy place.
Tullio, Via San Nicola da Tolentino 26.
Nino
A
dark wooden ceiling and tall wood panels set the atmosphere. It is
often crowded, so you should reserve a table. Tom Cruise and Katie
Holmes came here often when he was shooting in Rome, and this has been
brought to the ears of the Americans. They take up a lot of the space
and the tense smiles don’t leave the waiters’ faces until 10pm where
the local Italians pour in – and the Americans leave. On Fridays, they
serve seafood pasta, and it’s so good it will make your eyes water. The
spaghetti is cooked to perfection, the shellfish is al dente and the
parsley and the famous sauce bianco are perfetto!
Don’t forget to ask for the house olive oil to dip your bread in – it’s the best oil you can get.
Nino, Via Borgognona 11
Nueva Fiorentina
An
amazing restaurant, solely visited by locals. It’s lovely to sit
outside on the green chairs and enjoy the evening and the delicious
food served by the nice waiters. Their thin pizza-like bread sprinkled
with olive oil is wonderful and the Cacio e Pepe spaghetti topped with
parmesan and pepper is second to none! If you can make it before they
are all gone, order the house pastry.
Nueva Fiorentina, Via Angelo Brofferio 41/51
Top three Gelateria (Ice cream parlors)
Cremaria Monteforte
To
the right of the Pantheon, you will find this little place – almost
hidden behind the crowd of people gathering in front of it. But it’s a
little treasure and you have to try their gelato rosa and black
chocolate. It’s almost poetic.
Cremaria Monteforte, Via del Rotonda 22
Ciampini
Located
on one of the greatest squares in Rome, which is actually not that
great looking, but the atmosphere is great. It’s awesome to sit here
and enjoy the best ice cream or coffee in the city, watching
well-dressed gentlemen in tight suits and beautiful women in high heels
walking by. Even the nuns wear heels! Choose from the metal board and
have your ice cream served in small silver bowls. But don’t forget to
check the glass cupboards behind you. It would be a shame to miss the
mini cones from the top shelf!
Ciampini, Piazza de San Lorenza, Lucina 29
Gelateria di San Crispino
A
small and narrow ice cream parlor. You will hardly notice it, if it’s
not one of those days where the line goes all the way out in the
street. Look for bright marble and a tiny glass sign with blue writing.
Treat yourself to an ice cream with a distinct flavor. You can try the
ginger-cinnamon or their signature ice cream: San Crispino Honey.
Gelateria di San Crispino, Via della Panetteria 42
By David Rich