Rome Eating

Hi ak,

well, I can't write "must," but I would just suggest walking around the beaten path to little eateries or little restaurants. You may find the best home style food if that is what you're looking for.

Termini Station has the Coop (Market) where you can pick up a panino and other things. The Coop is also near the city centre. Off the top, I can't recall what street.

Nonna Betta's in the Jewish Ghetto gets mixed reviews. It may be good, I didn't try it, but it will be expensive for the popularity.

I really enjoyed and favored most nights, the restaurant a couple of blocks from my hotel near Termini.

For Gelato, there is also La Romana Gelateria which is very good. There are many gelaterias in Rome. I tried one time, a couple of years ago, the one across from Trevi. It was a bit pricey and "okay." They had a restroom, lol.

Ristorante Campo de' Fiori. Via della Corda, 3, Roma. (off of Campo de' Fiori Piazza)

Da Poeta in Trastevere

Maybe try watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nouDEg8k248

Or, browse some of these videos to get some ideas https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRomanGuyTours

Most of the pricier restaurants will be around the center of the Piazzas. Usually, down the side alleys you can find cute and inexpensive eateries. I also think you may pay for the area you are in.

If you love pasta, Cacio e Pepe, Tortellini Bolognese, Bucatini all'amatriciana are some favorites. Pizzas will be individual and not expensive. If you drink Coke, it can be expensive depending.

In case you aren't aware, Italian restaurants don't pair items on the plate like we do in America. And they don't have the Americanized "fettucine alfredo." Spaghetti sits alone on the plate. Meatballs say hello from their own plate.

I noticed some peeps ordered potatoes which come as a side dish on a separate plate from the chicken or other meat they may order. Salads as we know them are not served first.

If you watch the Roman Guy "neighborhood series," Sean, one of the leads, gives recommendations about a few restaurants.

Some restaurants will charge for bread (pane) and a table charge. I did not find that with the smaller restaurants. If you don't want the bread, don't touch it or tell them you don't want it before they cut it and bring it out.

Also, in case you're not familiar, Italy is not really a tipping country. So, it is not necessary to leave a tip. If you do feel your waitstaff warranted a little extra thanks, then maybe round up or give it to them directly. Some restaurants do not allow their staff to keep the tip.

Cacio e peppe........that is all. There is no other. You may want to save this one until the end, because it will ruin all other expectations. Or, just eat here the whole time.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d1191220-Reviews-Ristorante_Roma_Sparita-Rome_Lazio.html

ak,

If you're a cafe lover, try this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9Q9Rp2kW9Y

Bojan, another lead from The Roman Guy is funny and informative too.

Also this may help with espresso and cappuccino https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2adg7YzExCY

Tipping is optional, and some don't tip at all unless you have a exceptional experience. Waiters/waitresses are salaried for the most part. It is a profession.

Seems like you should have spaghetti Carbonara in Rome. Yum, I would have it right now if I could.

I agree with Cacio e Pepe - I ate an unbelievable amount of it when we were there last month!

I discovered Carlo Menta in Trastevere (near Santa Maria in Trastevere church) 2 years ago. It had been there but I just didn't want to wait in line. Dumb me! There's a reason for the long lines! Evidently this is where the locals eat, meet, and has long been a political center for Trastevere. I kid you not - they even wrote a book about it!

I don't read prices - I order what I want or what the waiter suggests. Antipasta, primo, secondo, vino, acqua, dolci, caffe with sambucco. Would you believe 39 euro!?! The waitress (that night) directed me to all the house specialties. The caccio e pepe was amazing. Went back for pizza at lunch - I think pizza with sausage and mushrooms was 7 euro?

Now, the best part - I went back last year and they recognized me! Guess it helps to be nice to people.

Now, the best part - I went back last year and they recognized me! Guess it helps to be nice to people.

I agree Robert. I've had the same lovely experiences at my favorite restaurant in Rome. It's in the Termini area. I hesitate suggesting even though I did not experience any issues in the area. If someone is interested pm me.

I've had nothing but great food, not expensive, friendly staff who welcome you like an old friend they've known for years. Two restaurants are owned by one old guy, like he stepped out of a Godfather movie. The managers who run both are relatives and nice men.

Here are a couple of our favorites.

Spirito Di Vino: http://www.ristorantespiritodivino.com. This is one of the oldest restaurants in Rome situated in Trastevere. They serve ancient Roman recipes and have a wonderful old wine cellar. This is more of a special occasion restaurant.

I Suppli: https://www.suppliroma.it. This is Roman street food at its best. Suppli is like arancini, but only better. They also have pizza by the slice. This is take out only and always crowded. On Via di San Francesco is Trastevere.

Fatamorgana in Trastevere for gelato.

Enoteca Corsi: http://www.enotecacorsi.com. 5 minute walk from the the Pantheon, there is a lovely little wine bar with outstanding pasta, risotto, and steak. We loved this so much, my husband and I went for lunch and then took our friends back for dinner. If they have rooster, you must try. It was my husband’s favorite dish of our time in Rome.

There are so many great places to eat in Rome, so hope you enjoy and get to try some of the local favorites.

Trattoria da Enzo 29 in Trastevere. A favorite eating spot for many chefs. Very good. Very busy.

Ai Tre Scalini in Monti -- recommended by a local foodie, with mostly locals dining there with a few tourists -- amazing delicious food!

Check out Katie Parla's blog. Parlafood or just katieparla. Writes about food and going ons of Rome. Great information about restaurants and food.

Katie Parla did me right by identifying restaurants open on Sunday night--not all of them are--when we had just flown in. She turned me onto Pizzeria Emma, owned by the Roscioli family, that served up a stellar version of Spaghetti alla Carbonara.

Eight years ago, I had another traditionally Roman dish--Bucatini all' Amatriciana--at Da Giggetto in the Jewish Ghetto. The rest of the meal was forgettable, but that plate remains the very best I've had in Rome in my visits.

Also, a truly indigenous Roman item is puntarelle--chicory leaves and stems served as a salad with olive oil, cracked pepper and anchovy. Fantastic. Served at many places near Campo de' Fiori, this was at Filetti di Baccala, in the tiny piazza Piazza dei Librai.

You'd do well searching out and trying those three dishes.

Try the super thin crust wood-fired Roman style pizza at Baffetto. Dar Poeta has good pizza, but they use a thicker more Neopolitan style crust. One of my favorite Roman main dishes is saltimbocca, with of course cacio e pepe as the first course, While Italian main courses generally don't include a side dish, saltimbocca often includes a small side portion of roasted potatoes.

You're killing me! Caccio e pepe AND Saltimbocca!?! Add a good house red wine and life could not possibly be better! Remember: we all deserve this!