Best food in Rome

Italian cuisine is known as one of the best in the world. The dishes are made with pure and fresh ingredients and are packed with flavour. No wonder Italian cuisine is a source of inspiration for many.

In addition to the nationally known dishes, there are also many regional specialities. Dishes typical of Rome include pasta alla carbonara and pasta all’amatriciana. But for us, the best dish was cacio e pepe: spaghetti with pecorino cheese and black pepper. Only a few ingredients but packed with flavour.

In Rome, we really enjoyed all the good food and drinks. Beforehand I had a list of restaurants where I wanted to eat. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do them all, but maybe next time.

Restaurants

Trattoria da Enzo al 29

This small restaurant in the Trastevere neighbourhood is extremely popular. For lunch, we had to queue for about half an hour (reservations are not possible). There is not a lot of space inside, but luckily there is also a spacious terrace. The service is very fast: you don’t come here to dine quietly. I had read beforehand that the burrata, cacio e pepe and the polpette were worth it. And that was certainly not a lie: the burrata was deliciously creamy and, together with fresh tomatoes and delicious olive oil, a perfect start to the lunch. The cacio e pepe and the polpette were both extremely flavorful. The cacio e pepe was the best thing I ate during our stay in Rome. Really a must when you are here.

 

Ai Tre Scalini

We had something to celebrate in Rome: my boyfriend turned 40. I reserved a table at Ai Tre Scalini, a restaurant that mainly serves typical Roman dishes. And they also have an extensive wine list. As a starter, we took the buffalo ricotta with truffle honey and a plate of smoked meat. As the main course, it was the spicy fried pork belly and parmigiano di melanzane. And this together with a good glass of red wine. I was really surprised by the ricotta: firm yet creamy. The truffle honey was an ideal addition. The parmigiano di melanzane was not the largest portion but very tasty.

While it was so busy at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29, it was so cosy at Ai Tre Scalini. This is really a restaurant where you like to sit and enjoy a nice glass of wine. Also a must during your stay in Rome.

 

Osteria da Fortunata

Osteria da Fortunata is best known because you can see how the fresh pasta is made and rolled. There are 2 locations close to each other and if you go immediately upon opening, chances are you won’t have to queue. Because this is also a very popular restaurant. I went for the fettuccine Ragu and my friend for tagliolini cacio e pepe. Personally, I found the portions rather small for the price (€16) but the ragu was packed with flavour. The Cacio e pepe was also very tasty but not as tasty as this one at Trattoria da Enzo.

 

Pizzeria Marcantonio

This pizzeria is perfect for lunch while visiting Vatican City. As always my friend had a quattro formaggi and I had a pizza with vegetables. Friendly and fast service, cheap and tasty pizzas: definitely try if you are in the area.

 

Bar Pompi

Bar Pompi can be found in different places all over Rome. They are known for their delicious tiramisu that you can also take with you. We bought the classic tiramisu and one with pistachio and enjoyed it with a view of the Pantheon. All tiramisu are individually packed in cardboard boxes and are finished with fresh pistachio and fresh cocoa powder when you buy them. They were quite hearty portions and very tasty.

 

Gelataria santa maria maggiore

Ice creams should not be missed during a trip to Italy. I only ate an ice cream once but it was worth it. This gelataria is located outside the center proper and near the beautiful Santa Maria Maggiore. As in many gelataria, the portions here are also very generous. I only took 1 scoop of stracciatella, my new favorite flavor. Do you also have a favorite flavor for ice cream?

 

Drinks

Astemio wine

We stumbled upon this enecoteca on our way home. It was packed with Italians (always a good sign) but we managed to get a seat at the bar. They have a very extensive wine list here where you can drink wines by the glass. And they let you taste the wine or prosecco first. Very friendly service and beautiful location. By the way, you can also eat here!

 

Bar La Licata

We visited this bar 2 times to enjoy a nice glass of prosecco and Aperol spritz. They have several varieties here on the latter. And the prices are also very good, especially if you know that this bar is close to the Colosseum.

 

Salotto 42

This slightly more exclusive cocktail bar is located on the beautiful Piazza di Pietra. Here you can enjoy more special cocktails made with surprising ingredients. Small terrace in front of the door but inside it is really beautiful.

 

Looking for more restaurants tips in Belgium or Europe? Check out my foodie guide of Mechelen or other locations in Belgium or Europe. 

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