Rome - Eating
Rome restaurants cater to all tastes. There are American steakhouses, Lebanese meze restaurants, Vietnamese eateries, and a number of haute cuisine establishments celebrated in the Guide Michelin. But ”when in Rome, do as the Romans do” and choose the less extravagant restaurants and trattorias for a memorable dining experience.
The Italian word for dinner, "cena," comes from the Latin convivum. A word which means “live together” and that is precisely what you do. Eating is a social get-together which lasts at least three courses—often even at lunchtime. The Romans do not eat dinner until nine in the evening.
The traditional Roman pasta is called Carbonara and is made from pork and whipped egg yolk with lots of parmesan and black pepper, or all’Amatriciana with bacon, tomato and onion.
Vegetables are ordered as a side dish ("contorno"), accompanying the main dish, e.g. tossed spinach or chicory with garlic and pepperoncino (Spanish peppers).
Re degli Amici
The "Friends of the King" is a traditional local and family restaurant with an atmosphere full of charm and history. Frequented visited by celebrities the King of Denmark, Queen of Greece, Anthony Quinn and Charlton Heston. With typical Roman recipes and a careful selection of quality wines, The "King of the Friends" welcomes the lovers of good food and company.
Da Franco
Da Franco is an airy and sparsely decorated seafood restaurant located in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, home to many of the city’s students. The menu offers good value for money. A six course weekend lunch with deep-fried vegetables, steamed mussels and a half bottle of wine is only €17!
Betto e Mary
Bustling, loud, and packing large portions is the best way to describe Betto e Mary. The restaurant makes its own egg pasta, gramiccia, and serves it with a range of sauces. Try the saltimbocca alla romana, veal, Parma ham and sage.
Cesare
A popular local restaurant in Prati, close to the Vatican. The menu is full of classic Italian dishes and, as Roman custom goes, gnocchi is served on Thursdays. Cesare also has a selection of deli cold cuts like prosciutto di cervo, made of deer.
Il Desiderio Preso per la Coda
This restaurant is tucked away behind Piazza Navona and its tourist traps. The menu is Tuscan and has several rustic dishes including pappa al pomodoro (bread and tomato soup), fig risotto, and polpettone (meatloaf).
Antico Arco
Touristy Trastevere is home to elegant Antico Arco and its inventive and exciting menu. A good example is the flan di taleggio con salsa di funghi, made with talleggio cheese and mushroom sauce, the lamb with foie gras sauce and pears in port wine.
Bolognese
An pricey alternative, but as the name suggests, the best of Emilia-Romagna cuisine. Unbeatable beef steaks. At the neighboring table you will always find a politician, film star or TV celebrity, often resulting in the paparazzi hanging around outside. Please book in advance.
Somo
Japanese fusion restaurant SOMO is a perfect harmony between contemporary design and taste between the East and Europe. The menu is predominantly centered around fish (particular attention is given to sushi), accompanied by elaborate vegetable compositions. Other dishes to note are the griddle and wow cooked rice, hot and cold noodles and sesame, cinnamon and green tea desserts.
La Pergola
At the Rome Cavalieri Hilton Roof Garden you find La Pergola, a three-Michelin-star restaurant run by culinary genius Heinz Beck. This restaurant was voted Best Gourmet Restaurant 2008 by the Romans themselves. The frescoed ceiling and warm cherry wood interiors, combined with the excellent setting create a magical atmosphere for the finest dining experience in Rome. La Pergola offers alfresco dining on its adjacent terrace during the summer.
