Rome Food-Restaurants

Rome Food-Restaurants information

Italian

Valentino * Via del Boschetto, 37 Tel: +39 06-488-0643 Just off via Nazionale, Valentino is a typical family-run restaurant serving food cooked alla piastra (on a hot plate). No pasta is served here but delicious bruschetta and salads make fabulous starters. Osteria Margutta *** Via Margutta, 82 Tel: +39 06-323-1025 In the exclusive via Margutta this is a very upmarket trattoria popular with a chic, young clientele. The decoration tends towards kitsch and creates a warm, fun atmosphere. Takes an innovative approach to classic Italian cuisine. Taverna degli Amici *** Piazza Margana Tel: +39 06-6992-0637 Located in a pretty square in the Ghetto, this quietly elegant restaurant is popular with local politicians. The degli Amici offers excellent service and high standards of cooking. In the summer the restaurant's terrace is the prime place to dine. Lo Zodiaco ** Viale del Parco Mellini, 88-92 Tel: +39 06-3549-6744 Not centrally located, but it is worth going just for the views over the city, that can be enjoyed from the delightful outside terrace or from inside the modern restaurant. Lo Zodiaco offers a limited menu that concentrates on Italian classics, but is justifiably famed for its superb home-made ice cream, which is well worth the rather extravagant price. International Wine Academy of Roma *** Vicolo del Bottino, 8 Tel: +39 06-699-0878 Overlooking the Spanish Steps, the Wine Academy is, as the name suggests, dedicated to wine and the study thereof, and runs a number of courses in wine appreciation and viticulture. It is also home to a very refined restaurant serving food that perfectly complements the wines on offer. The menu consists of innovative takes on Italian classics, serving the finest fresh ingredients in creative combinations, with, needless to say, an excellent wine list. George's *** Via Marche, 7 Tel: +39 06-4208-4575 One of Rome's most elegant restaurants, near via Veneto, George's is somewhere for a special night out, its chandeliers and gilded furnishings indicative of the smart clientèle that congregates here. The cuisine is a mixture of Italian and more generic European dishes, all beautifully prepared and exquisitely presented. The adjoining cigar room and piano bar are good spots for pre- or post-prandial relaxation.

Pizzerias

Pizzeria San Calisto * Via Arco di San Calisto Tel: +39 06-581-8323 In the square of the same name in the heart of Trastevere, San Calisto is a typical and popular pizzeria offering a variety of pasta dishes as well as excellent pizza. Gusto Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 9 (pizzeria *) (restaurant **) Tel: +39 06-322-6273 A modern, fashionable restaurant comprising a winebar, pizzeria, cigar bar, restaurant and cookery shop. The pizzeria serves a broad range of traditional Italian dishes while the upstairs restaurant is more international in flavour. Recafé */** Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 36 Tel: +39 06-6813-4730 Popular with stylish young Romans, who come for the tasty pizza of various descriptions, including a fair choice of veggie options. This is definitely the restaurant's forte, though salads, pasta dishes and a few meat and fish dishes are also available.

Seafood

Quinzi e Gabrieli *** Via delle Coppelle, 5 Tel: +39 06-687-9389 Quinzi e Gabrieli is deservedly famous as one of Italy's best seafood restaurants. A very elegant spot, it is extremely popular with wealthy Romans and is an excellent place to go for top-notch fish. Porto di Ripetta ** Via di Ripetta, 250 Tel: +39 06-361-2376 Centrally located and famous for its innovative seafood dishes, this is a top quality, reliable restaurant that offers good value for money. La Penna d'Occa ** Via della Penna, 53 Tel: +39 06-320-2898 A few steps away from the River Tiber, La Penna d'Occa serves primarily fish and seafood dishes, all freshly caught and served up in tasty concoctions. Other favourites include bacon and saffron risotto, and delicious melt-in-the-mouth soufflés.

Vietnamese

Thien Kim * Via Giulia 201 Tel: +39 06-6830-7832 An intimate restaurant with attentive service, Thien Kim is one of the best oriental restaurants in the city.

Japanese

Hamasei *** Via della Mercede 35-36 Tel: +39 06-679-2134 With its prime situation close to the Spanish Steps, Hamasei is, without doubt, the most famous Japanese restaurant in the city. Great attention has been paid to creating a clean, warm and elegant atmosphere. A popular choice with the jet set.

Indian

Surya Mahal * Via di Ponte Sisto, 67 Piazza Trilussa 50 Tel: +39 06-589-4554 Located in Trastevere with an attractive garden terrace used in summer, Surya Mahal is an elegant restaurant specialising in Tandoor cuisine. Closed on Sundays.

Cafés

Caffè Greco * Via Condotti 86 A veritable Roman institution, Caffè Greco has been a favourite haunt of writers and musicians since it opened its doors in the 18th century. Famous names to have passed through include Byron, Goethe and Wagner, and though now quite touristy, the café has managed to retain its elegance and charm - not to be missed for a true Rome experience.

Bars

The Italians have honed the art of taking refreshment to perfection - whether it's during the day or in the evening, stopping for a sociable drink is an integral part of Roman life. Traditional Roman bars are café-bars, where coffee is as likely to be drunk as beer. However, nowadays the city also has its share of pubs that draw on more international influences and where alcoholic drinks are the norm. Enoteca Via della Croce off Piazza di Spagna Tel: +39 06-679-0896 Claimed to be modern Rome's oldest wine bar, Enoteca is the place to take a break while shopping in via Condotti or meet friends for pre and post-dinner drinks. It has an excellent wine list and provides delicious plates of Italian antipasti to augment the liquid refreshment. Tucci Piazza Navona Tel: +39 06-686-1547 With tables extending well out on to the piazza, Tucci is an excellent place to enjoy a coffee and appreciate the ornate fountains of Bernini in the square. Probably best just to stick to the one cappuccino - the prices aren't for the faint-hearted. Bar del Fico Piazza del Fico Tel: +39 06-686-5205 Its energetic, young, artistic clientele and central location means the del Fico is commonly busy until late into the night. A nice bar at any time of day and perfect for an early evening drink. Trinity College Via del Collegio Romano 6 Tel: +39 06-678-6472 Irish, Scottish and English pubs continue to be in vogue in Rome and Trinity College is one of the best exponents of this school. Here you can enjoy a pint and a plate of stodgy food in the wood-panelled ambience of an "Irish" pub. Bar della Pace Via della Pace 3-7 Tel: +39 06-686-1216 The via della Pace is a great place to head for some nightlife, and the Café della Pace is at the centre of it all. However, this is definitely not the place for the deficient in fashion or the slim of wallet; this is Rome at its most expensive best.