Rome Restaurant

Hi Anne,

It's hard to think of a restaurant where you can see Rome lit up. If you want to be some place where you can people-watch, I would suggest a restaurant in Piazza Navona (Rick Steves recommends several, but you could stroll through the piazza and choose one). You don't say what time of year you are traveling, but even if the weather is chilly, many restaurants have heaters so you can sit outside comfortably. For delicious, mid-price food, we loved Ristorante Santa Anna, but it's on a side alley off Largo Argentina, so you won't have any kind of view. It's customary in Rome to stroll after dinner, so choose something centrally located (like Ristorante alla Rampa near the Spanish Steps--they don't take reservations, though) and then you will be situated for a lovely walk after dinner.

See Rick Steves' Night Walk Across Rome from the Spanish Steps to Campo de' Fiori, taking in Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori. Or eat at Campo de' Fiori and walk toward the Spanish Steps. Ristorante Santa Anna is near Campo de' Fiori. Here is a link to their website: http://ristorantesantanna.it/

Thanks Elizabeth, it looks great!

I really liked the Trattoria del Pallaro near Campo de Fiore. It's in the RS book. No menu, you eat whatever they are serving that night. Great atmosphere and reasonably priced.

I'm a big fan of Sora Lucia, on Via Della Panetteria, a little side street just a couple of blocks from the Trevi Fountain. Mama is in the kitchen cooking and son is out front with the guests -- once he and I determined that I speak no Italian and he speaks no English, we had a great conversation in rusty French. The prices are very reasonable, too. Bonus: the best gelato in Rome (Il Gelato di San Crispino) is right next door.

Also near the Spanish Steps is Il Gabriello. Both our hotel and Rick's 2006 Guide recommended it.
Definitely, one of the best meals I've had in three trips to Europe.

http://www.ilgabriello.it/index.htm