Destination Rome

Eating & drinking

All kinds of restaurants are represented in Rome. But remember “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. You can eat best at the simple restaurants and trattoria’s. The Italian word for dinner, cena, originates from the Latin convivum. This word more or less means living together – and that is now precisely what is done here. Eating is equivalent to social conviviality, which takes at least three courses – often also at lunch. However, the Romans do not eat before 21h00 at night.

The traditional Roman pasta is called Carbonara. It is made of pork and beaten egg yolk, with plenty of parmesan cheese and black pepper. All’Amatriciana is another pasta, with bacon, tomatoes and onions. Vegetables are eaten here as a side dish, contorno, with the main meal, for example spinach or chicory with garlic and peperoncino (pimento).

Da Franco

The Da Franco restaurant lies in the student quarter of San Lorenzo, a colourful and simply fitted-out fish restaurant with very favourably priced dishes. A six course menu (including amongst other things fried vegetables and steamed mussels) and a half-litre of wine costs around € 16.
Address: Via del Falisci 2

Da Marcello

A real Buco, really no more than a niche in the wall, not far from Da Franco. It’s always full. The menu is surprisingly extensive. Closed on Sundays.
Address: Via dei Campani 12

Betto e Mary

In the small Betto e Mary restaurant, soak in the Fellini atmosphere: noisy, vibrant and with large portions. Here the gramiccia pasta is made in-house from fresh eggs, and is then eaten with various sauces. For a change, try Saltimbocca alla Romana (veal roulade, Parma ham and parsley), made to an in-house recipe.
Address: Via dei Savorgnan 99

Cesare

A favourite eatery in Prati close to the Vatican. The menu includes traditional Italian dishes and, as always in Rome, gnocchi are served on Thursdays. Cesare also has tasty cold meat dishes such as prosciutto di cervo, Venison meat rolls.
Address: Via Crescenzio 13

La Rosetta

Rome’s best fish and lobster restaurant.
Address: Via della Rosetta 8-9

La Taverna degli Amici

At the centre of Rome’s Jewish quarter. A summertime classic with tables and chairs outdoors, protected by plant-covered walls. However, it’s just as cosy inside in winter. Wide choice. People always like coming here to enjoy the fantastic cinnamon mousse.
Address: Piazza Margana 36

Tazza d‘Oro

The Golden Cup is a popular café that, in addition to particularly strong coffee, also serves Granita al Caffè, fruit ice with coffee and whipped cream.
Address: Via degli Organi 84-86

Gelato di San Crispino

According to Rome’s inhabitants, its best ice-cream place. Known for its Zabaione, prepared with 20-year-old marsala. Other variants are Lampone (with raspberries) and Pistacchio.
Address: Via della Panetteria 42

Fiocco di Neve

Almost as popular is Fiocca di Neve. According to many, you get the best Zabaione here. Also try its chocolate ice-cream with orange, Roman-style.
Address: Via del Pantheon 51