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Trattoria
Trattoria di Roma’s star-studded clientele includes Scarlett Johansson and John Travolta, so right away you know this is one hip restaurant. The décor is thrillingly unique – the walls are covered with woven iron, copper, steel and rope to represent the traditional cooking utensils at the heart of the slow food movement. Yes, this magnificently modern destination eaterie is one of the hotspots of the retro slow food brigade. Its chef, Filippo La Mantia started out as a photojournalist in his native Sicily, recording the doings of the Mafia, but is now a celebrity chef throughout Italy. Diners study him at his stove through the huge tilted glass curtain, the only separation between diners and the heat of the kitchen. La Mantia has earned loads of attention creating Sicilian and Mediterranean dishes infused with details from his tours of the Far East, like cous cous with squid in citrus pesto, sweet and sour tuna, lobster with potatoes in Malvasia glaze, cassata and cannoli. Trattoria enjoys a great location near Rome’s Pantheon. Terrific wine list.
Address: 25 Via del Pozzo Delle Cornacchie
Price range: £35 - £44 / €50
Cuisines: Other
Trattoria di Roma’s star-studded clientele includes Scarlett Johansson and John Travolta, so right away you know this is one hip restaurant. The décor is thrillingly unique – the walls are covered with woven iron, copper, steel and rope to represent the traditional cooking utensils at the heart of the slow food movement. Yes, this magnificently modern destination eaterie is one of the hotspots of the retro slow food brigade. Its chef, Filippo La Mantia started out as a photojournalist in his native Sicily, recording the doings of the Mafia, but is now a celebrity chef throughout Italy. Diners study him at his stove through the huge tilted glass curtain, the only separation between diners and the heat of the kitchen. La Mantia has earned loads of attention creating Sicilian and Mediterranean dishes infused with details from his tours of the Far East, like cous cous with squid in citrus pesto, sweet and sour tuna, lobster with potatoes in Malvasia glaze, cassata and cannoli. Trattoria enjoys a great location near Rome’s Pantheon. Terrific wine list.
Address: 25 Via del Pozzo Delle Cornacchie
Price range: £35 - £44 / €50
Cuisines: Other
Hostaria dell' Orso
A molto trendy destination restaurant – claimed to be the city’s oldest hostelry -- that can give you a fine meal and a terrific evening out. Set in a beautifully restored medieval building with views of the Tiber, Hostaria dell’Orso has been a bar and hotel at various stages and hosted such historical luminaries as Rabelais, Goethe, Onassis, Clark Gable. Now you’ll find a three-level establishment with piano bar on the ground level, ristorante in the middle, and lively disco/nightclub on the top, with the ancient details cheekily offset by modern ones, like orange leather chairs . The menu is under the direction of starry masterchef Gualtiero Marchesi, the Michel Roux of Italy, and features both antique dishes and newer interpretations of Roman cuisine. Dishes include seared scallop salad with ginger and pink pepper, homemade tortelli stuffed with pumpkin, butter and marjoram sauce, caramelized suckling pig with honey and spices and apples and celery tart. The waiters wear dinner jackets. The sommelier is widely acclaimed too.
Address: 25c Via dei Soldati
Price range: £45 / €64 and ove
Cuisines: Italian
A molto trendy destination restaurant – claimed to be the city’s oldest hostelry -- that can give you a fine meal and a terrific evening out. Set in a beautifully restored medieval building with views of the Tiber, Hostaria dell’Orso has been a bar and hotel at various stages and hosted such historical luminaries as Rabelais, Goethe, Onassis, Clark Gable. Now you’ll find a three-level establishment with piano bar on the ground level, ristorante in the middle, and lively disco/nightclub on the top, with the ancient details cheekily offset by modern ones, like orange leather chairs . The menu is under the direction of starry masterchef Gualtiero Marchesi, the Michel Roux of Italy, and features both antique dishes and newer interpretations of Roman cuisine. Dishes include seared scallop salad with ginger and pink pepper, homemade tortelli stuffed with pumpkin, butter and marjoram sauce, caramelized suckling pig with honey and spices and apples and celery tart. The waiters wear dinner jackets. The sommelier is widely acclaimed too.
Address: 25c Via dei Soldati
Price range: £45 / €64 and ove
Cuisines: Italian
Ulpia
Since 1880, Taberna Ulpia restaurant in Rome has been serving traditional Roman food to the great and the good, ordinary Romans, and even the not-so-good – Mussolini was a customer. Oldest restaurant in town? We’d bet our euros on it. It overlooks the Trajan Market, a magnificent archeological site, the Capitol, and the monument to Emmanuel Victor II. Taberna Ulpia itself is set in a 17th century palazzo right on the ruins of a basilica built to honour the goddess Ulpia in the second century. The mezzanine level rooms have a terrific view, especially from the terrace. This is why you came to Rome, isn’t it? A great favourite for corporate entertaining, Taberna Ulpia specializes in formal service in an informal setting. The rooms are traditionally decorated and connect to the basilica below, where archeological treasures are displayed. The menu features all the traditional Roman favourites, with fine service. This is a huge, popular place and a national monument.
Address: 2 Foro Traiano
Price range: £25-£34 / €35-â‚
Cuisines: Other
Since 1880, Taberna Ulpia restaurant in Rome has been serving traditional Roman food to the great and the good, ordinary Romans, and even the not-so-good – Mussolini was a customer. Oldest restaurant in town? We’d bet our euros on it. It overlooks the Trajan Market, a magnificent archeological site, the Capitol, and the monument to Emmanuel Victor II. Taberna Ulpia itself is set in a 17th century palazzo right on the ruins of a basilica built to honour the goddess Ulpia in the second century. The mezzanine level rooms have a terrific view, especially from the terrace. This is why you came to Rome, isn’t it? A great favourite for corporate entertaining, Taberna Ulpia specializes in formal service in an informal setting. The rooms are traditionally decorated and connect to the basilica below, where archeological treasures are displayed. The menu features all the traditional Roman favourites, with fine service. This is a huge, popular place and a national monument.
Address: 2 Foro Traiano
Price range: £25-£34 / €35-â‚
Cuisines: Other
Al Vantaggio
Just off the heaving via del Corso you will find an outpost of civility and authentic Roman feeling in Al Vantaggio. Founded in 1920, this traditional eaterie was originally a tavern for carriage drivers, but now has a much more comfortable ambience – half-paneled walls, 17th century style frescoes, white tablecloths, artfully folded napkins, air conditioning. Run by a pair of brothers who grew up with this restaurant and are dedicated to it, Al Vantaggio is a relaxing and elegant place to enjoy a true Roman kitchen with a few Calabrian twists. Dishes include a rather spectacular spaghetti con frutti di mare, rich oxtail stew, and home made tiramisù. Italian wines complete the picture.
Address: 35 Via del Vantaggio
Price range: £25-£34 / €35-â‚
Cuisines: Other
Just off the heaving via del Corso you will find an outpost of civility and authentic Roman feeling in Al Vantaggio. Founded in 1920, this traditional eaterie was originally a tavern for carriage drivers, but now has a much more comfortable ambience – half-paneled walls, 17th century style frescoes, white tablecloths, artfully folded napkins, air conditioning. Run by a pair of brothers who grew up with this restaurant and are dedicated to it, Al Vantaggio is a relaxing and elegant place to enjoy a true Roman kitchen with a few Calabrian twists. Dishes include a rather spectacular spaghetti con frutti di mare, rich oxtail stew, and home made tiramisù. Italian wines complete the picture.
Address: 35 Via del Vantaggio
Price range: £25-£34 / €35-â‚
Cuisines: Other
Il Pagliaccio - Rome
Il Pagliaccio, named for the weeping clown, is a winning balance of elegance, even formality, and casual warmth. The area, between the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and the Tiber, is charmingly characteristic of the not-so-heavily touristed areas of Rome. The two dining rooms joined by an arched doorway featured checkered tiled floors, traditional wooden ceiling, one with stone paneling the other with a blood-red brocade wall, indirect lighting, white table linens, leather chairs, restrained original artwork. The two chefs, for whom Il Pagliaccio is a labour of passionate attachment to this great city and its culinary tradition, have worked all over the globe and bring a sense of discovery to their creations. Even so, the Mediterranean is the main inspiration here, and the things that swim in it. Starters include starter of brandade of salt code with potato rolls and crisp spring vegetable salad, pasta course of cuttlefish cannelloni filled with artichokes and Granny Smith apple salad, main of lightly-smoked roast duck in asian broth with shitake and tapioca, and dessert of mango beignet in yoghurt and rose water soup. Nearly 150 wines populate the list. Sampling menu available.
Address: 129 Via dei Banchi Vecchi
Price range: £45 - 54 / €65-â‚
Cuisines: Italian
Il Pagliaccio, named for the weeping clown, is a winning balance of elegance, even formality, and casual warmth. The area, between the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and the Tiber, is charmingly characteristic of the not-so-heavily touristed areas of Rome. The two dining rooms joined by an arched doorway featured checkered tiled floors, traditional wooden ceiling, one with stone paneling the other with a blood-red brocade wall, indirect lighting, white table linens, leather chairs, restrained original artwork. The two chefs, for whom Il Pagliaccio is a labour of passionate attachment to this great city and its culinary tradition, have worked all over the globe and bring a sense of discovery to their creations. Even so, the Mediterranean is the main inspiration here, and the things that swim in it. Starters include starter of brandade of salt code with potato rolls and crisp spring vegetable salad, pasta course of cuttlefish cannelloni filled with artichokes and Granny Smith apple salad, main of lightly-smoked roast duck in asian broth with shitake and tapioca, and dessert of mango beignet in yoghurt and rose water soup. Nearly 150 wines populate the list. Sampling menu available.
Address: 129 Via dei Banchi Vecchi
Price range: £45 - 54 / €65-â‚
Cuisines: Italian
Hard Rock Cafe - Rome
On the Via Veneto and just by the American Embassy – how fitting – the Hard Rock Café has set out its stall of down home American cooking, international rock god and goddess memorabilia, and snazzy souvenirs. Madonna togs feature here, as does Elvis’s jogging suit, Dave Gilmour’s guitar, and some other highlights. One day when the archeologists of the future unearth this cache of treasures, we’d love to know how they explain it. The décor is fun and modern, with a painted rotunda ceiling depicting rock n roll heaven, and a great glassed-in patio for people-watching. Thumping music keeps the buzz going, as do the Hurricanes and frozen alco-drinks – all good fun. Dishes are reliably the same as other HRCs: chicken wings with three different sauces, mountainous nachos, burgers (difficult to find in Rome), pulled-pork sandwiches, various steaks and BBQs, and hot fudge brownie sundae to make the meal complete.
Address: 62a Via Vittorio Veneto
Price range: £24 / €35 and und
Cuisines: World
On the Via Veneto and just by the American Embassy – how fitting – the Hard Rock Café has set out its stall of down home American cooking, international rock god and goddess memorabilia, and snazzy souvenirs. Madonna togs feature here, as does Elvis’s jogging suit, Dave Gilmour’s guitar, and some other highlights. One day when the archeologists of the future unearth this cache of treasures, we’d love to know how they explain it. The décor is fun and modern, with a painted rotunda ceiling depicting rock n roll heaven, and a great glassed-in patio for people-watching. Thumping music keeps the buzz going, as do the Hurricanes and frozen alco-drinks – all good fun. Dishes are reliably the same as other HRCs: chicken wings with three different sauces, mountainous nachos, burgers (difficult to find in Rome), pulled-pork sandwiches, various steaks and BBQs, and hot fudge brownie sundae to make the meal complete.
Address: 62a Via Vittorio Veneto
Price range: £24 / €35 and und
Cuisines: World
Il Convivio Troiani
Il Convivio is a family affair, as is so often true in Rome. It is the love child of three brothers who have emigrated from the provinces – in this case, the Marche – to show the big city their dedication to the riches of the kitchen and of the table. But here Il Convivio sets itself apart from the pack. The three brothers Troiani have established themselves as leaders in offering truly modern cuisine – unusual in this antique city – and it has earned them stars and awards and lots of press. The three rooms of the restaurant are simple in décor, but elegant and modern too, with pale palette, simple friezes, wooden floors, and classic table settings. Service is of the unobtrusive, professional variety. Dishes include zucchini flower stuffed with buffalo mozzarella and anchovies with hot and sour pepper sorbet, homemade strozzapreti pasta with quail ragout, porcini mushrooms and thyme, roasted salt cod fillet with sweet onion flan and hunter sauce, and fried bonbon stuffed with cream and caramelized tangerine sauce. Wine list is a connoisseur’s delight. This is one of Rome’s gastronomic destinations.
Address: 31 Vicolo dei Soldati
Price range: £85-£100 / €110-
Cuisines: Other
Il Convivio is a family affair, as is so often true in Rome. It is the love child of three brothers who have emigrated from the provinces – in this case, the Marche – to show the big city their dedication to the riches of the kitchen and of the table. But here Il Convivio sets itself apart from the pack. The three brothers Troiani have established themselves as leaders in offering truly modern cuisine – unusual in this antique city – and it has earned them stars and awards and lots of press. The three rooms of the restaurant are simple in décor, but elegant and modern too, with pale palette, simple friezes, wooden floors, and classic table settings. Service is of the unobtrusive, professional variety. Dishes include zucchini flower stuffed with buffalo mozzarella and anchovies with hot and sour pepper sorbet, homemade strozzapreti pasta with quail ragout, porcini mushrooms and thyme, roasted salt cod fillet with sweet onion flan and hunter sauce, and fried bonbon stuffed with cream and caramelized tangerine sauce. Wine list is a connoisseur’s delight. This is one of Rome’s gastronomic destinations.
Address: 31 Vicolo dei Soldati
Price range: £85-£100 / €110-
Cuisines: Other
Acquolina Hostaria
Red alert. The gastronomes of Rome are stampeding to Acquolina Hostaria, the newest venture of the brothers Troiani. For years Il Convivio Troiani has been a peak of Roman dining, and now the energetic brothers Troiani have opened this small, exclusive new place. Acquolina Hostaria is modern and elegant with some al fresco seating for typical Roman weather. The menu relies heavily on the catch of the day, featuring oysters, clams and anything that swims prepared in a mixture of classic and modern styles, including raw and sushi-style preparations. The wine list, as at Il Convivio, is absolutely huge and, at eighty percent white, very well matched to the fish dishes. Dinner only, with a tasting menu that will have you hooked.
Address: 60 Via Antonio Serra
Price range: £35 - £44 / €50
Cuisines: Seafood
Red alert. The gastronomes of Rome are stampeding to Acquolina Hostaria, the newest venture of the brothers Troiani. For years Il Convivio Troiani has been a peak of Roman dining, and now the energetic brothers Troiani have opened this small, exclusive new place. Acquolina Hostaria is modern and elegant with some al fresco seating for typical Roman weather. The menu relies heavily on the catch of the day, featuring oysters, clams and anything that swims prepared in a mixture of classic and modern styles, including raw and sushi-style preparations. The wine list, as at Il Convivio, is absolutely huge and, at eighty percent white, very well matched to the fish dishes. Dinner only, with a tasting menu that will have you hooked.
Address: 60 Via Antonio Serra
Price range: £35 - £44 / €50
Cuisines: Seafood
Ristorante La Rosetta
La Rosetta restaurant – one of the few things on which Romans agree. La Rosetta is widely known as the best fish restaurant in Rome, and therefore one of the best anywhere. Chef-owner Massimo Riccioli took the helm twenty years ago, twenty years after his parents founded La Rosetta as the first all-fish restaurant in the city. On the doorstep of the Pantheon, the small, white, luxurious dining rooms attract high-rollers who adore the innovative Eastern-inflected new dishes as much as the traditional Sicilian ones that the restaurant was founded on. Fish are bought quayside daily so the menu is at the mercy of the catch, and all the stronger for it. Dishes include carpaccio of fresh fish drizzled with olive oil, tagliatelle of Mediterranean tuna with greens, chocolate mousse with candied orange. Tasting menu available.
Address: 8/9 Via Della Rosetta
Price range: £64-£71 / €95-â‚
Cuisines: Italian
La Rosetta restaurant – one of the few things on which Romans agree. La Rosetta is widely known as the best fish restaurant in Rome, and therefore one of the best anywhere. Chef-owner Massimo Riccioli took the helm twenty years ago, twenty years after his parents founded La Rosetta as the first all-fish restaurant in the city. On the doorstep of the Pantheon, the small, white, luxurious dining rooms attract high-rollers who adore the innovative Eastern-inflected new dishes as much as the traditional Sicilian ones that the restaurant was founded on. Fish are bought quayside daily so the menu is at the mercy of the catch, and all the stronger for it. Dishes include carpaccio of fresh fish drizzled with olive oil, tagliatelle of Mediterranean tuna with greens, chocolate mousse with candied orange. Tasting menu available.
Address: 8/9 Via Della Rosetta
Price range: £64-£71 / €95-â‚
Cuisines: Italian
Quinzi & Gabrieli
Quinzi & Gabrieli restaurant in the heart of Rome’s centro storico, is celebrated for the freshness and quality of its fish menu. The dining rooms, set in a 16th century building near the Pantheon, are small, with vaulted ceilings, open kitchen, and tables that spill onto the terrace in warm weather overlooking a typical Roman square. Trompe l’oeil murals of seaside scenes set the tone, as do the VIP diners and starry big names who show up regularly. The fish is the freshest from Italian waters, cooked as little as possible so the flavours shine through. Wines are French and Italian and the service is renowned.
Address: 5/6 Via delle Coppelle
Price range: £65- £74 / €95-â
Cuisines: Italian
Quinzi & Gabrieli restaurant in the heart of Rome’s centro storico, is celebrated for the freshness and quality of its fish menu. The dining rooms, set in a 16th century building near the Pantheon, are small, with vaulted ceilings, open kitchen, and tables that spill onto the terrace in warm weather overlooking a typical Roman square. Trompe l’oeil murals of seaside scenes set the tone, as do the VIP diners and starry big names who show up regularly. The fish is the freshest from Italian waters, cooked as little as possible so the flavours shine through. Wines are French and Italian and the service is renowned.
Address: 5/6 Via delle Coppelle
Price range: £65- £74 / €95-â
Cuisines: Italian
