Looking for recommendations (recent) on Rome restaurants. Prefer non-touristy, smaller places--budget not as important as great food and genuine Rome experience. Many thanks

I listed many restaurants that we tried on our trip to Rome at the end of April in the thread "Rome with Kids".

Best bet in our opinion is Mario's near the forum (not to be confused with other Mario's). Our concierge was surprised that we knew about it; its quiet, has outdoor or indoor seating, great staff and the head waiter will "make for you a special dinner". Don't assume what's on the menu will be available as they shift depending on what is fresh. If you're really nice, he'll sit down and have a grappe with you at the end of the evening. We went twice in 6 nights. Loved it!

Perfect lead-in, as I'd recommend the "other" Mario's, in Trastevere (on via del Moro). We loved the food and the atmosphere.

P.S. For lunch, we loved the Tavola Calda del Corso (I'm pretty sure that's the name) on the west side of Via del Corso, a few blocks north of Piazza Venezia.

At the north end of Via Veneto, just inside the old city walls, you turn eastward and go about a long block to Girrarosto Toscano. Great authentic Italian cooking, few tourists but lots of local well-heeled Italian business people. The endless antipasto selections are enough without ever getting to the main course. Good luck.

Funny thing, I gave someone info on Mario's in Trastevere and somehow they ended it at Mario's near the forum. In any case they were pleased. I guess any restaurant called Mario's is a good bet!

I always recommend La Bucca di Ripetta at 36 via di Ripetta near Piazza di Popolo. With only about 12 tables, it is small, and is closed on Mondays, and only open on Sundays from noon until 3pm, with dinner served all the other nights of the week. Great, homey atmosphere, wonderful food, and good prices.

Buon Viaggio & Buon Appetito,
BC