What are some of the must try restaurants in Rome?
Jul 23rd, 2012, 02:28 PM
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What are some of the must try restaurants in Rome?
Hi everyone,
Itinerary almost finalized, thanks to all of your help.
Now, on to more important stuff, food
I know this has been asked a million times here before But I couldn't find many threads when I searched on this topic.
I started making my google map with the restaurant recos I found on the guide books.
But are there some of the must visit restaurants (fine dining, local fav, pizza, gelato etc) ??
We are a family of 2 adults and 2 kids ages 10 and 7.
We are foodies, but DH is vegetarian and the rest eat chicken and some selective seafood.
We will be staying at Albergo Del Senato..
Appreciate your suggestions.
Shubha
Itinerary almost finalized, thanks to all of your help.
Now, on to more important stuff, food
I know this has been asked a million times here before But I couldn't find many threads when I searched on this topic.I started making my google map with the restaurant recos I found on the guide books.
But are there some of the must visit restaurants (fine dining, local fav, pizza, gelato etc) ??
We are a family of 2 adults and 2 kids ages 10 and 7.
We are foodies, but DH is vegetarian and the rest eat chicken and some selective seafood.
We will be staying at Albergo Del Senato..
Appreciate your suggestions.
Shubha
Jul 23rd, 2012, 03:25 PM
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This is from Frommers.
"Best Emilia-Romagna Cuisine: The area around Bologna has long been celebrated for serving the finest cuisine in Italy, and the little trattoria Colline Emiliane, Via Avignonesi 22 (tel. 06-4817538), maintains that stellar reputation among Romans. The pastas here are among the best in Rome, especially the handmade tortellini alla panna (with cream sauce) with truffles. The prosciutto comes from a small town near Parma and is considered by many the best in the world."
They are sure to have squash ravioli. It is to die for.
"Best Emilia-Romagna Cuisine: The area around Bologna has long been celebrated for serving the finest cuisine in Italy, and the little trattoria Colline Emiliane, Via Avignonesi 22 (tel. 06-4817538), maintains that stellar reputation among Romans. The pastas here are among the best in Rome, especially the handmade tortellini alla panna (with cream sauce) with truffles. The prosciutto comes from a small town near Parma and is considered by many the best in the world."
They are sure to have squash ravioli. It is to die for.
Jul 23rd, 2012, 05:54 PM
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Here is a trip report from our time in Rome when our kids were 9 and 12. It also lists all the restaurants with brief reviews. http://www.fromhometoroam.com/2012/05/rome-2005/.
Jul 23rd, 2012, 06:04 PM
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My brother and I really enjoyed dining outside at Maccheroni, very centrally located, but this was some years ago. Open daily.
www.ristorantemaccheroni.com
www.ristorantemaccheroni.com
Jul 23rd, 2012, 06:23 PM
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Gelato is not at restaurants. IMHO neither is pizza.
It would help to know your budget.
We typically have a casuale lunch wherever we are (but a real sit down meal, not a picnic). For dinners we usually do one special one in each city - allowing about 300 euros per couple including a decent wine, and the others someplace pleasant (meaning real sit down, linen tablecloths and 2 to 2.5 hours for dinner - from about 75 euros per couple up).
Is that what you are looking for?
Are you kids up for a 2 hour dinner at 8 pm - sorry have never traveled with kids that young - ours were several years older and used to real dinners.
It would help to know your budget.
We typically have a casuale lunch wherever we are (but a real sit down meal, not a picnic). For dinners we usually do one special one in each city - allowing about 300 euros per couple including a decent wine, and the others someplace pleasant (meaning real sit down, linen tablecloths and 2 to 2.5 hours for dinner - from about 75 euros per couple up).
Is that what you are looking for?
Are you kids up for a 2 hour dinner at 8 pm - sorry have never traveled with kids that young - ours were several years older and used to real dinners.
Jul 23rd, 2012, 06:33 PM
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I would recommend searching on this forum for "Rome restaurants" and cross checking with, for example, Chowhound and some of the great food blogs such as http://www.parlafood.com/my-rome/.
Everyone has their own personal favorites. I myself love pasta, so of course I do "pasta research." I stay near Piazza Navona, and I go to this gelateria many nights and it is fantastic!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ome_Lazio.html
Enjoy every minute.
Everyone has their own personal favorites. I myself love pasta, so of course I do "pasta research." I stay near Piazza Navona, and I go to this gelateria many nights and it is fantastic!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ome_Lazio.html
Enjoy every minute.
Jul 23rd, 2012, 07:18 PM
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Literally about a 30 second walk from ALBERGO DEL SENATO is ARMANDO AL PANTHEON, which has wonderful, traditional-style food prepared by two brothers and their families in a tiny restaurant. The only problem is that it's extremely popular, so make sure you reserve ahead, and make sure you bring a printout of your reservation with you. We loved it so much that we tried to go twice, but couldn't get in the second time. Strangely, it seems to be closed Saturday night, or maybe that is just in the summer months?
Jul 23rd, 2012, 07:35 PM
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I second Armando. We were there last October and I believe they were closed on Sunday. Definitely need reservations. We also stayed at del Senato and they also recommended Casa Copelle nearby which was open on Sunday. Also very good. It was very close to Maccheroni mentioned above.
You can email the del Senato and ask them to make restaurant reservations for you. They will confirm by email. Very easy.
You can email the del Senato and ask them to make restaurant reservations for you. They will confirm by email. Very easy.
Jul 23rd, 2012, 08:29 PM
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My favorite that will fit your family needs is one that has become a Fodors favorite designation(given by Fodors two years ago);is very high on Tripadvisor recommendations and is highly recommended by an airline person who is in Rome at least twice a month! It is reasonable,fabulous food and you will want to make a return trip back before you leave Rome-read the reviews.
It is called ALLE FRATTE DI TRASTEVERE on Via Delle Fratte Di Trastevere.It is open on Mondays/closed Wednesdays and dinner starts at 6pm for those who want to eat early.
The restaurant is owned by a woman and her Italian family who lived in NYC for awhile. She took the kids when she divorced her husband and bought this restaurant in Rome. I know,TMI? But wanted you to know that Rick her son, the manager is wonderful,speaks English and is most helpful on menu suggestions.
My suggestions would be to start with the mushroom bruschetta(2.50€) followed with their grilled calamari(11 €) or grilled seafood platter. If you just want pizza or pasta,you must try the ravoli(9€) stuffed with ricotta and spinach with sprinkled sausage and mushrooms in a fabulous white sauce on top.They have numerous options;everything is homemade and my vegetarian son loves this place as there are many options for him.A bottle of the red house wine is 10€ and is very good! The prices are really decent,there are interesting handpainted murals inside with a smaller outside seating(and they do have A/C) so make reservations(tel.39-06-58-35-775). Finish your dinner with the homemade Tiramisu-OMG!
It is in Trastevere so just go to the cat sanctuary by Largo Argentina (where the big book store is)about a block an a half from your hotel and hop onto the TRAM that goes over to Trastevere. Get off at the second stop,walk backwards a street and a half(you will see Pharmacy on corner) and take a left on that street Fratte Trastevere and you will see it on the right.
Seriously, in all my many years of flying to Rome both as a real person on vacation and as an airline flight attendant, this is the best! I have gone to many places that people have recommended on this site and other travel sites and have been so disappointed with either the food, atmosphere or ridiculous prices. This is one of those "finds" that you remember with a smile when you return home from your trip and one that you will be planning your return.
Their website is:www.allefratteditrastevere.com to see their menu.
Have fun!
It is called ALLE FRATTE DI TRASTEVERE on Via Delle Fratte Di Trastevere.It is open on Mondays/closed Wednesdays and dinner starts at 6pm for those who want to eat early.
The restaurant is owned by a woman and her Italian family who lived in NYC for awhile. She took the kids when she divorced her husband and bought this restaurant in Rome. I know,TMI? But wanted you to know that Rick her son, the manager is wonderful,speaks English and is most helpful on menu suggestions.
My suggestions would be to start with the mushroom bruschetta(2.50€) followed with their grilled calamari(11 €) or grilled seafood platter. If you just want pizza or pasta,you must try the ravoli(9€) stuffed with ricotta and spinach with sprinkled sausage and mushrooms in a fabulous white sauce on top.They have numerous options;everything is homemade and my vegetarian son loves this place as there are many options for him.A bottle of the red house wine is 10€ and is very good! The prices are really decent,there are interesting handpainted murals inside with a smaller outside seating(and they do have A/C) so make reservations(tel.39-06-58-35-775). Finish your dinner with the homemade Tiramisu-OMG!
It is in Trastevere so just go to the cat sanctuary by Largo Argentina (where the big book store is)about a block an a half from your hotel and hop onto the TRAM that goes over to Trastevere. Get off at the second stop,walk backwards a street and a half(you will see Pharmacy on corner) and take a left on that street Fratte Trastevere and you will see it on the right.
Seriously, in all my many years of flying to Rome both as a real person on vacation and as an airline flight attendant, this is the best! I have gone to many places that people have recommended on this site and other travel sites and have been so disappointed with either the food, atmosphere or ridiculous prices. This is one of those "finds" that you remember with a smile when you return home from your trip and one that you will be planning your return.
Their website is:www.allefratteditrastevere.com to see their menu.
Have fun!
Jul 24th, 2012, 04:06 AM
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The restaurant above sound wonderful! Keeping that on my list for next time, so thanks!
I just wanted to add that ARMANDO AL PANTHEON is not a fancy restaurant. The pricing is quite reasonable and the food is very simple, but so good. The night we visited, there were a couple of Italian families dining there. Lovely place!
I just wanted to add that ARMANDO AL PANTHEON is not a fancy restaurant. The pricing is quite reasonable and the food is very simple, but so good. The night we visited, there were a couple of Italian families dining there. Lovely place!
Jul 24th, 2012, 04:44 AM
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Thanks so much you'all
Nytraveler, yep, you precisely described our family dining needs. My kids can generally sit through 2hr dinners, we have trained them I was looking for separate recco for gelato and Pizza , not all in one
Duty free, your reply is so thorough, loved it. Def will try. TRAMs sound really fun to get around in, hopefully we can use that to many of our short trips if kids are not upto walking.
I have also heard about Pietro Al Pantheon and some great reviews.
I will look for the app and download it, Denisea. Thanks
Nytraveler, yep, you precisely described our family dining needs. My kids can generally sit through 2hr dinners, we have trained them
I was looking for separate recco for gelato and Pizza , not all in one Duty free, your reply is so thorough, loved it. Def will try. TRAMs sound really fun to get around in, hopefully we can use that to many of our short trips if kids are not upto walking.
I have also heard about Pietro Al Pantheon and some great reviews.
I will look for the app and download it, Denisea. Thanks
Jul 24th, 2012, 07:08 AM
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I very much enjoyed Alfredo e Ada near the Piazza Navona.
Via dei Banchi Nuovi 14
It is a shop run by the son and granddaughter of the founders and has an incredibly homey feel. There is no menu, but the proprietor will tell you what is for dinner that night, both times we went the food was excellent (and cheap). Don't forget to save some of your red wine for dipping biscotti at the end of the meal. But if you chose white for your meal, you will be brought some red for dipping!
Via dei Banchi Nuovi 14
It is a shop run by the son and granddaughter of the founders and has an incredibly homey feel. There is no menu, but the proprietor will tell you what is for dinner that night, both times we went the food was excellent (and cheap). Don't forget to save some of your red wine for dipping biscotti at the end of the meal. But if you chose white for your meal, you will be brought some red for dipping!
Jul 24th, 2012, 07:28 AM
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I agree with denise and johnnyomalley above about Elizabeth Minchilli's EatRome App. It was my food-related "bible" when I was in Rome in March, every place we dined was great and I used the app for everyone of them.
If you are really willing to make an excursion for pizza, IMHO, Pizzarium is the best pizza a taglio (basically "by the slice") I have ever had. However, the location is in the Prati neighborhood, in the shadows of St. Peter's BUT, if you take the #492 bus from Largo Argentina (direction Cipro) to the very last stop which is the Cipro metro station, walk down the street less than 1 block, around the corner and up the street about 1 block you will be at Pizzarium. Now, this is NOT a sit down place, this is strictly take out, but the pizza are definitely gourmet. They do have a small shelf area inside where you can stand and eat or there are a couple benches outside where you can sit and eat. The owner, Garbrielle Bonci is a celebrity in the Italian pizza world and his creations warrant that title, again, that's just in my opinion.
If you are interested in reading my trip report from March, which was a very food-centered trip, here is a link:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rome-italy.cfm
Hope this helps!
If you are really willing to make an excursion for pizza, IMHO, Pizzarium is the best pizza a taglio (basically "by the slice") I have ever had. However, the location is in the Prati neighborhood, in the shadows of St. Peter's BUT, if you take the #492 bus from Largo Argentina (direction Cipro) to the very last stop which is the Cipro metro station, walk down the street less than 1 block, around the corner and up the street about 1 block you will be at Pizzarium. Now, this is NOT a sit down place, this is strictly take out, but the pizza are definitely gourmet. They do have a small shelf area inside where you can stand and eat or there are a couple benches outside where you can sit and eat. The owner, Garbrielle Bonci is a celebrity in the Italian pizza world and his creations warrant that title, again, that's just in my opinion.
If you are interested in reading my trip report from March, which was a very food-centered trip, here is a link:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rome-italy.cfm
Hope this helps!
Jul 24th, 2012, 07:42 AM
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"TRAMs sound really fun to get around in, hopefully we can use that to many of our short trips if kids are not up to walking."
The Trams are limited but pick-up a 'Roma Metro-Bus' map, the small fold-out map lists the major bus routes and is *very easy* to follow.
Regards, Walter
The Trams are limited but pick-up a 'Roma Metro-Bus' map, the small fold-out map lists the major bus routes and is *very easy* to follow.
Regards, Walter
Jul 24th, 2012, 07:48 AM
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The trams run every 5-10 minutes out of Largo Argentina and the views over the Tiber River are amazing.If you get off the tram and go to my fav restaurant you can keep walking to get to the main square in Trastevere with the beautiful church and shopping!
You can also take the trams to Trastevere to the big flea market on Sundays over there which is quite interesting-some goodies,some junk and great people watching. Just keep an eye on your purse as places where there are alot of people always attract those types!
You can also take the trams to Trastevere to the big flea market on Sundays over there which is quite interesting-some goodies,some junk and great people watching. Just keep an eye on your purse as places where there are alot of people always attract those types!
