Favorite Rome restaurants
 

We are visiting Rome in April with our three children (ages 9, 12 & 16). We go out to restaurants often and our kids are pretty good eaters and will often try new things. Trying to decide which restaurants to book for a few dinners/lunches. Would love your input on the following:

Osteria Barberini
Il Gabriello
Trattoria Da Cesare
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
Ristorante le Mani in Pasta
Armando al Panthenon
Colline Emiliane
Da Enzo
Trattoria Monti
Hostaria Romana
Danilo

Thanks in advance!

Mario's near the forum is our favorite for lunch or dinner. other places we liked include: Great dinners at La Fortunato, Tempo Bacco, Tempo Perso, Ristorante Toscano, La Buschetta, Pizza at San Marco and Pommodorino (which also does take out); good lunches at Angeli Borgo, Pizzeria Luzzi and Marios. We also found a couple of places that did 'take away' coffee in the mornings along with pastries; there was a little place with just the name 'bar' on it along via sardegna off via veneto that had really good pastries and a deli. One evening, we bought a bottle of wine there and the darling lady who helped us in the morning assembled a variety of antipasti for us to take back to the hotel. Great stuff!
BEWARE of Babington Tea House near the spanish steps. We wanted a short break before a Christmas Walk/tour and the prices were ridiculous with poor service....as in 29e for two cups of tea, one latte and a bottle of water - no food, no snacks. the tea as 12e!!
Budget and where you are staying will also dictate what works for you and your family.

Our usual approach is to ask the concierge where he'd take family who are visiting....or where tourists don't go! We heard about Mario's from a friend here in the states; when we inquired about it at the Westin our first time in Rome, the concierge was amazed we knew about it - tiny place, great food, great service and just up the street from the colosseum and across the street from the opera.

I love Armando Del Pantheon, and have been many times with my family. It's a very small trattoria, and extremely popular, so if you're interested book ASAP and make sure you carry your reservation with you!

Keith and I loved Trattoria Monti, but we haven't been there since 2009.

We also liked La Matricianella and Buca di Ripetta.

My sister's famous food magazine editor friend always talks about Colline Emiliane.

If one wants afternoon tea, one goes to Hotel de Russie not the dreadful Babbington tea rooms.

Taverna dei Fori Imperiali is a lovely family run spot which I highly recommend for a casual family meal.

Marija- We ate at Taverna dei Fori Imperiali when we were in Rome about 5 years ago and loved everything about it- food, vibe, atmosphere. We definitely want to go back again this trip. Any others on this list (or your own) that you'd recommend as well? Thanks!

We like La Amatriciana on Via dei Viminale across the street from the Roma Opera House and have never been dissatisfied.

La Carbonara dal 1906 on Via Panisperna is another great spot. We've eaten there several times and always enjoyed our dinners.

The gelato at the Gelatoria S. M. Maggiore at Via Cavour, 95 and the corner of Via Panisperna is OUTSTANDING. They have a bunch of trophies behind the counter from all of the competitions they've won.

Mangia bene,

Buon viaggio,

You list Osteria Barberini first, and so do I. Nice people, excellent food and a good value at that. And they have a truffle menu. Reservations needed.

AJPeabody- We have a reservation there for our first night. Looks like our kind of place. Where else would you recommend?

annicinquanta, for pizza, very reasonable prices, good quality. Family/local place within walking distance from the Borghese museum.

Thank you AJPeabody! Adding that to my list!