Hi,
We have a 1:30 tour at the Vatican and would like to grab a bite before. Any suggestions on a lunch/brunch spot nearby would be helpful.
Also, I keep reading about Italian/Roman places to eat and while I love Italian food, I was wondering if there were any other good cuisines in the area and if you could give me some names and locations. Our hotel is near the Stazione Centrale-Roma Termini.
Thanks so much! 48hours and counting - can't wait :)
-Pal
Many things over in the Vatican area are touristy… but there’s a small restaurant that we’ve eaten at near the Vatican/Castel Sant’ Angelo called Trattorio La Pancia Felice located at Via Porta Castello #11. Telephone number is 06.6861819, Again, it’s just a small place but the food has been great. Here’s their website: http://www.lapanciafelice.com/
Over by Termini is a well-kept food secret – The area near Piazza Vittorio in the heart of Esquilino is flanked by more signs in Chinese characters than Latin letters – it’s Rome’s version of Chinatown. Most of Rome's 250 Chinese restaurants are within a few blocks. The food and markets are great – and quite different from what you might expect in Rome!
Have fun exploring in Rome - Ciao,
Ron
I had a great lunch at Perilli in Prati just before hitting the Vatican, it is listed in Rick Steves' books. Really nice lunch buffet with several pastas but especially nice grilled meats and veggies. It is on Via Otranto a block north a block west of the Ottaviano metro stop. It opens at 12:30 and didn't start to fill up until after 1pm when I was heading out.
