The best food experiences in Rome

Did you find a place that you wish you could return to, to just sit and drink wine for a few hours (or days)?

It's a tourist trap so don't eat anything but the Tempio Bar in the Piazza della Rotonda looking at the Pantheon is perfect for a couple of beers, get a front table preferably on the left (facing the Pantheon) for the best view.

Marco, exactly the advice of what I was looking for. Thank you.

One morning I got out early and walked to the Pantheon. I had a cappuccino and cornetto at one of the cafes and just sat looking at the Pantheon, reflecting on what I was looking at and thinking about who, in ancient Roma, might have walked where I now sat. I was so glad that I did that, despite the inflated prices. Often the experience of being in a certain place is really all that matters.

Was there a guy sitting next to you drinking a beer, named Marco? Sempre Italia 🇮🇹, perfect. Its what I am looking for. I will go sit with Cicero and De Officiis.

A completely different restaurant in Rome is named L'eau vive, near Piazza Navona. Run by a group of lay sisters, mainly of oriental origin, they do French cooking with an exotic overtone. At a set time the Lourdes Ave Maria is sung and if there is a young sister available, she will dance to the sound of music and prayer. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly, and the overly kind nuns keep a couple of reserved rooms for cardinals' meetings; more than a future Pope has attended the restaurant. The restaurant is interesting as a window on the Catholic administration of Rome, running parallel to the state administration from the Vatican, that is completely overlooked by tourists. The Vatican is not only a museum and a cathedral, but a network of universities, churches, administrative offices and so. It has an international profile, very much a Catholic UN quietly working underground.

Mr É, 🤣 e cin cin.

lachera, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

And I have a reservation!!!

We’ll be in Rome in May. Also going to make a reservation.

This is when the forum pays off.

I can use a few good lunch places scattered around town. And American breakfast. Nonna Betta is also on my list. ...

Oh, a good laid back Italian speaking wine bar

We had a beautiful meal served by a very kind staff in a lovely and warm setting at La Tavernaccia Da Bruno, off the beaten track in Trastevere. It was one of the best meals of my life and I dream often of returning.

Well, I have just spent, or wasted depending on your POV, over an hour trying to recall the names and locations of two funky wine bars in Rome I went to in the last year or two. I've "walked" Google Maps and scrolled back in my Photos trying to find them but no luck.

One was near Mercato Trionfale and was a small, two-room affair down a few stairs with a crusty old proprietor and a knowledgeable woman sommelier. There were only a few of us in there mid-afternoon and we had a great chat and some delicious wine. I have a picture of myself and the proprietor INSIDE the shop, but did I take a picture of the outside???

The other was vaguely off behind the train station as we were hunting for a specific recommended Indian restaurant. The Indian food was disappointing but the wine bar beforehand was wonderful, a tiny wood-lined place with infinite bottles and hints that it was a hipster joint at night. Not even a picture this time, though I remember sitting outside in the spring late-afternoon sun.

I'm very annoyed with myself for not promptly writing down the names. So, after all that useless reminiscing, I refer you to an expert often cited here: Katie Parla's post on Rome's Best Wine Bars.

I hope you update us on your finds. Clearly I need a better journaling habit, like my RS Forum traveling and posting heros Jean and Nancys8 - and you!

EDIT: My favorite dinner restaurant - I've recommended this place numerous times, and I keep going back and loving it again - is Renato e Luisa, tucked down an alley behind Teatro Argentina. They make everything themselves, from the salumi to the breadsticks. Very popular with Romans, make a reservation. Only open for dinner and Sunday lunch. Closed Sunday evenings and all day Mondays. Only downside is no outdoor space but they have two lovely dining rooms.

Nelly, thank you for all the hard work. Its useful. But I understand you. Some one in a post not long ago noted that I had been to Romania 4 times and asked for my help. I had to answer, I dont pay much attention when I travel. I rarely write anything down on a trip.

Again, thank you for tge help ... good leads.

Sue, looks wonderful and remote... and that can br good. We will make a try and get away from the tourists. Its my traveling companions first trip to Rome so we gotta play tourist, its my 3rd, but the others were 20 years ago, but old stuff just stays old over time.

We happened upon Archimede after visiting the nearby Pantheon and stopped for an early afternoon snack. We seemed to be the only non-locals. Food, service and outdoor seating were all lovely. It was a serendipitous, happy stop. For a wine bar, recommend the small hole-in-the-wall L'Angolo Divino. The wine, cheeses, food and local ambiance were memorable. If/when in Rome again, we would happily return to both establishments…which is not our norm.

Rimissa Roscioli offers a fabulous wine pairing with food experience. They serve six different wines paired with smaller portions of appetizers, main dishes and then a dessert. They seat you with other people which as a solo traveler was lovely. There is plenty to eat and drink. I went six years ago and am going again during my upcoming trip.

Mimi, I looked, I love the math, Archimede is on my list. Thank you.

Lauri, you filled a desire perfectly. Thank you.

Now I need an American breakfast and I need Seafood. Any ideas?

Well this won't get you your bacon and eggs, but when I have a serious craving for NY style bagels, I either go to or order from Beehive Bagels, in the Beehive Hostel near Termini train station. I have been known to haul 10 dozen of them home to Abruzzo when I'm passing through Rome. Slice, freeze and savor later.

I know some great seafood restaurants here on the Adriatic side of the Apennines, but I don't know a great seafood place on the Rome side. I'm sure it exists. But if you decide to escape Rome and visit me...I can ensure this need is met!

The best American breakfast spot that I've found in Rome is Homebaked. I've been going there every time I'm in Rome for over 10 years now and always order the same thing: the American breakfast with waffles, eggs, and bacon. The owners Carolina and Jesse are lovely people. I've only been to the location in Monteverde but there's also one near the Vatican. I'll be back in Rome in a few weeks and am looking forward to my favorite breakfast there!

Thank you Nelly. Bagels are good all day long!

olivialuce32; and not far from my hotel!! Thank you!

Great post and thank you to all for the recommendations. I’ll be in Rome in September.

Yes, this is working out well.too often these tyrn into long lists as opposed to great experiences. I really appreciate this.

Ristorante Roma Sparita in Trastevere is one that we remember.
Not only was the food delicious but the owner was especially nice when my wife and I showed up without reservations, long story.
The server was very good and the neighborhood was great to walk around. The owner called us a taxi back to our hotel and it has remained one of our favorite dinners in a city filled with great restaurants.

We really enjoyed Spirito Divino. We found it during a food tour in Rome and returned on our last visit. They are part of the slow food movement. The menu had some unique items including food from a cookbook dating back to the time of Caesar. You are also able to visit their wine cellar which pre-dates the Coliseum. Their location is a bit off the beaten path, but I highly recommend it.

www.ristorantespiritodivino.com