Dear Friends,

I have finally made it and am settled into my teeny studio near Campo di Fiori. I would now love some suggestions on where to get gelato, fresh pasta for me to cook, and a good trattoria or two off the beaten path. (I will mainly be cooking for myself) And I really need to find a wine store!

ALL other suggestions gratefully accepted as well.

Grazie mille!

Why not go to a food & wine oriented website, like Chowhound? But be sure to spell your new neighborhood correctly: Campo de' Fiori

We had lovely gelatos at the Frigidarium, its on one of the side streets off Piazza Navona, not too far from where you'll be staying. And the bitter chocolate gelato at Tre Scalini on Piazza Navona is to die for, enjoy

oh geetika thanks so much! I almost made it to the PN today but I made a right instead of a left.... Now I have a great reason to go another day! Dark chocolate is a favorite...

I posted here because I know the people here have great taste and will give some great answers!

Vice is good gelato. So is Gelateria del Teatro. And I think there's a Carapina in Rome now.

http://www.gelateriadelteatro.it/

http://www.viceitalia.it/

Whether a trattoria, vs. osteria or ristorante, I'm not certain. However, we have had memorably good meals at Ristorante Ar Galletto in Piazza Farnese, and Hostaria La Botticella in Trastevere.


http://www.ristoranteargallettoroma.com/en/

http://www.ristorantelabotticella.com/

There are several 'Blue Ice' stores in Rome, one near where you're at. Best darn Gelato around!

Carapina has closed. Blue ice is industrial mixes. If you want good all natural ingredient gelato, the closest to you are vice on vittorio emanuele at the corner of largo argentino; and gelateria del teatro on lungotevere.
Closest good wine store is Roscioli (the deli&bistrot part)
For fresh pasta try the small store on vicolo del gallo.
For trattorie, both ditirambo and grappolo d'oro are closest fine enough places. If you'd like to go a bit further, try armando al pantheon.

Oh! Armando! Are the other places you recommended in the same price range? Because he's not in mine, nor am I sure he's worth it actually. A lot of food yes, but, last time at least, nothing to rave about. I will have a splure or two mind you, but that will require a lot of thinking.

In the meantime I must have walked right past your vice yesterday and the gelateria the day before! I will go hunting for them tomorrow. Today I have pledged to try the one right next door to me, one must be fair after all no?

And I will definitely try one of these restuarnants domani sera! Grazie bene!

TF

VinoRoma,

You seem to know my neighborhood very well. I am looking for a traditional cafe where I can go in the mornings for a real Roman cappuccino, which I haven't had yet in Italy. Can you suggest one near me? The direction doesn't matter, I am exploring all directions. I am very close to the Rosciola, on via dei pettinari. I feel very "uncentered" and "not home" without such a place especially as I have also not found a paneteria that is not for tourists yet.

Thank you!

Best caffe and cappuccino in rome at the moment is at rocioli cafe, two doors down from roscioli the deli. At the back you can sit, in the front part you stand at the counter. Best coffee and lots of delicious sweet little things (esp the maritozzi).

Consider doing what we do: Stop at every gelateria to test their flavors!

VInoRoma -- WONDERFUL! I am on my way! Almost literally! Now all I have to find is one where I can people watch!

Bibiotecaria -- LOL! Oh if only! The first time I was in Rome I could have physically, but didn't have the money. Now I could spring for several a day, but my body would shoot me lol.

But I think it all depends on how far one has walked don't you? Today I hope to walk across town to find this Ikea "pop-up" for some desperately needed necessities, and that certainly should earn me some gelato no? But first to buy food for three days as everything, and around here I mean EVERYthing closes for Sunday and Monday... sigh.

Then Saturday night I will choose one of these wonderful sounding spots for a lovely dinner!

Geetika, I didn't find a Fridg on any side streets I'm afraid, but am eyeing Tres Scalini for a treat one of these days. How is the food? Or should I go for an afternoon drink?

Thanks again to all!

TF

nonna vincenza on your street has nice sicilian sweets, btw. on your street is also a supermarket that is open on sunday and monday (every day). Roscioli forno (for some of the best breads in town - get the lariano or the kamut) closes only sundays. Beppe in the Ghetto has excellent cheeses and is closed only sundays. the forno del ghetto is closed today but open sunday. you don't have to hamster-shop!