Rome Recommendations

Addie & Ron enjoying lunch at La Scaletta

People often ask us where they should eat and / or sleep in Rome.  Here are a few of our favorites. NOTE: Be sure to check about hours; not all of these places are open every day or all day.

Here’s a Google map showing these recommendations.

SNACKS & DRINKS

  • Forno Campo de’ Fiori (corner of CdF) — We *always* snag a panini here, and given the location you should definitely give it a whirl. It’s take out only.
    Address: Campo de’ Fiori, 22
    Phone: +39 06 6880 6662
    Website: www.fornocampodefiori.com
  • L’Antica Salumeria (near the Pantheon) — More than just cured meats! The cookies are delicious (try the pistachio, if there are any left) as are the savory snacks. A bit pricey, but given the location and the fact that you’re on vacation… live a little.
    Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 4
    Phone: +39 06 0190 6857
    Website: unknown
  • Tempio Bar (near the Pantheon) — This is our go-to spot for watching people watch other people as they mingle around the Pantheon. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink (aperitivo). Again, a bit pricey but that’s Rome… and hey, there’s the Pantheon!
    Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 16
    Phone: +39 06 686 1007
    Website: unknown
  • Plebiscito (a stone’s throw from the “Wedding Cake”) — I had a gin martini, she had a negroni, and we split a classic bruschette. Everything was delicious, served with attention in a beautiful setting. Well worth a stop!
    Address: Via del Plebiscito 104, 00186 Roma Italia
    Phone: +39 06 678 5440
    Website: http://plebiscito.net/

LUNCH / DINNER

NOTE that some of the following are only open for dinner, so best to check ahead to make sure.

  • Taverna Dei Fori Imperiali (near the Forum) — Good food, great location, the staff is friendly and speak English.  Very busy so reservations are needed (often can make them the same day if you’re willing to eat a little early or late).
    Address: via Madonna dei Monti, 9
    Phone: +39 06 6798643
    Website: http://www.latavernadeiforiimperiali.com/
  • Trattoria Monti (near Santa Maria Maggiore) — Mama runs the kitchen, and the sons handle the front of this small restaurant.  They specialize in food from Marche (our area) and everything is great.  Very popular and small, so be sure to make reservations.
    Address: Via di San Vito, 13/a
    Phone: +39 06 446 6573
    Website: none
  • Ponte e Parione (near Piazza Navona) — We’ve only been once, and we only had a Roman artichoke, but it was really delicious and the staff was lovely. This one also comes well-recommended on TripAdvisor, so we are pretty confident including it here.
    Address: Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 62
    Phone: +39 06 6819 2278
    Website: http://www.ponteeparione.it/
  • Ristorante La Tavernaccia da Bruno (Trastevere) — Gina and I made our way to this lovely restaurant the night before we left for a trip to the US. This is a beautiful space filled with genuinely warm people serving absolutely delicious food. We had the burrata appetizer, eggplant parmigiana, slow-roasted veal brisket with potatoes, a side of roasted purple cauliflower, and a half liter of house white — all delicious. But just as rewarding was the warmth of the staff… a genuine warmth that is offered as freely to first-time visitors as it is locals and regulars. Highly recommended.
    Address: Via Giovanni da Castelbolognese, 63
    Phone: +39 06 5812792
    Website: https://www.latavernacciaroma.com
  • Tonnarello (Trastevere) — This is a cool part of Rome, on the “other” side of the Tiber but not too far away. We’ve been to Tonnarello a couple of times, and we really enjoy it. The food is hearty and good, the staff is friendly and energetic, and the prices are surprisingly affordable. The specialty is tonnarello, a type of hefty noodle that they make by hand. We’ve only eaten outside. Strongly recommended.
    Address: Via della Paglia, 1
    Phone: +39 06 580 6404
    Website: https://tonnarello.it/en/homepage-2/
  • Nannarella (Trastevere) — This is the “little sister” of Tonnarello (see above). We haven’t been, but the menu is identical to that of Tonnarello. It is aimed more toward the Roman locals, and might be a little less “rambunctious.” We are looking forward to trying it!
    Address: Piazza di S. Calisto, 5
    Phone: +39 06 581 5378
    Website: https://nannarellaroma.it/en/home-english/

ACCOMMODATIONS

  • MyNavona — This is a lovely, small hotel very close to Piazza Navona. They serve a lovely breakfast delivered to your room (because there’s no dining room). The hotel isn’t staffed round the clock, but the folks who work there are super nice and will walk you through the process.
  • Artimede Hotel – Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Very nice rooms and common areas. Note that many of the bathrooms have enclosed tubs rather than walk-in showers. On Via Nazionale. (Note: we have not stayed here in many years, so research is advised!)
  • Opera Hotel – Good, solid hotel. Very nice rooftop bar and lounge. We wound up with a walk-in shower when we stayed there; check ahead if this is important to you. (NOTE: The Opera Hotel is on Via Nazionale, and is completely different! Also, we have not stayed here in many years, so research is advised!)