We will be in Rome on a Friday for our actual anniversary. Does anyone have good restaurants with a romantic atmosphere to recommend? We are not looking for "fancy" though. Thanks!
Posted by
824 posts
Julie,
In my humble opinion, the most romantic restaurant locations are on piazzas near famous churches, fountains, or other sights. Unfortunately, these restaurants are also the most expensive (location, location, location) and often have mediocre food and service. There may also be the nuisance of street venders constantly trying to sell you flowers, toys and/or laser pointers... So, there is definitely a trade-off when trying to go for romantic ambiance and quality/price.
That all being said, here are my two favorite restaurants from my short stay in Rome a while back. They are each really close to Piazza Navona they each have very different personalities.
Ristorante l'Orso 80: Felt like a family run establishment with very good and unpretentious food. The menu is varied and the prices very affordable, especially compared to the restaurants right on the Piazza Navona.
Il Cantuccio al Senato: One street over from Piazza Navona and nearly across from the Italian Senate building (a 15th century palace). This restaurant is much more upscale than Ristorante l'Orso 80 with uniformed staff and a very elegant interior. However, the menu prices were not all that bad considering the formality of the establishment.
If you want the best food at the best prices, consider wandering a few blocks off the beaten path. Given that you are talking a Friday evening, I would find a place with an appealing menu (they're all posted outside) while doing your sightseeing and make reservations in advance.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Where are you staying? That might be helpful to know.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11851 posts
I've always liked La Taverna degli Amici in a quiet piazza a stone's throw from Piazza Venezia. Nothing fancy, quiet, lovely outside as the piazza is not heavily trafficked, great fish, and a house cat.
Posted by
OP
KS, USA
677 posts
Work2Travel and Laurel - thank you for your suggestions - I will look into them!
Michael, we'll be staying by the Trevi Fountain. But, as it is a special occasion we are more than happy to take a taxi or public transportation if it means a better way of getting to where we need to go. I'd just like to dine in the city center and not go too far out.
That being said we are supposed to have a Colosseum at Night tour with Walks of Italy that same evening - and they just moved the tour time from 6:00 to 7:00 - meaning we wouldn't finish until 9:15 (previously was 8:15). That's means we wouldn't get to our chosen restaurant until late (if it's a distance away) and get settled in and food ordered. I had hoped with our previous tour time that we could be sitting down to eat by 9 somewhere. I don't think we want to eat at 10. I may ask them to refund our tickets and save this experience for another trip.