Tips for the best places to eat in Rome

When you’re in Rome, it’s not enough to admire the ancient monuments – getting to know the city also includes its smells, tastes and that unique atmosphere that’s best absorbed over a coffee or a glass of wine. And that’s why it pays to know a few places that are not just ordinary food stops, but places where you can really enjoy Rome.

Sweet start of the day: tiramisu and pistachio dreams

We start the day with a lovely wake-up call at Two Sizes, a charming establishment a few steps from the beautiful Piazza Navona. This place is a tiramisu lover’s paradise, and when you taste it, you’ll understand why. They offer four flavours, but the pistachio is truly irresistible – creamy and smooth. Best to take it with you and head to Piazza Navona, where you can enjoy it overlooking two beautiful fountains.

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Another stop not to be missed on your visit to Rome is right by the iconic Trevi Fountain. Just a few steps away, you’ll discover L’Antico Forno di Fontana di Trevi, a bakery that will enchant you with its irresistible pistachio cornetto. The bakery is famous for this particular delicacy, and it would be a shame not to try it. I recommend buying it and enjoying it outside overlooking the fountain – you’ll immediately understand what true Roman dolce far niente (sweet doing nothing) means Just be aware that there are a lot of tourists around the fountain, so you definitely won’t be alone.

Coffee as an experience

Having explored the dessert places, we can’t forget the authentic Italian coffee. For something more elegant, head to Gran Caffè La Caffettiera, where Neapolitan temperament meets Viennese refinement. And if you’re in the mood for something that smacks of true Roman tradition, be sure to stop by La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro, just steps from the Pantheon. This café offers not only excellent espresso, but also the chance to take home a little souvenir in the form of a packet of coffee to bring a “little piece of Rome” home.

And what if you crave peace and a slower pace? Then head to Caffè Novecento – a quiet café in the centre where you can have breakfast or dessert in complete peace and quiet. A place that turns an ordinary morning into a beautiful start to the day.

For chocolate lovers

A slightly less traditional establishment is SAID, a café hidden away from the main tourist routes that is every cocoa lover’s dream. The smell of chocolate hits your nose right at the door, and once you see the display case of handmade pralines, thick hot chocolate and divine cupcakes, you’ll be lost. The atmosphere of this place is like something out of the movie Chocolat.

Savoury quickies for the road

If you get hungry but don’t want to spend time in a restaurant and would rather continue exploring, head to All’Antico Vinaio – a famous panini bistro, renowned throughout Italy. Located a short walk from the Pantheon, it offers a wide range of paninis to satisfy even the most demanding palates.

When the sun goes down: where to go in the evening in Rome

Well, tonight? That belongs to Trastevere. This neighbourhood has it all – narrow streets, ancient houses, the lights of lamps hanging overhead and the smell of dinner wafting from every restaurant. You just can’t go wrong here. Whether you have pasta, pizza or just a glass of wine, you’ll leave satisfied.

But if you’re looking for something livelier and more modern, yet more affordable, try Pigneto – Rome’s hipster corner where the evening is just getting started. The streets are filled with bars, laughter, street art, and all around you is the music and sounds of long conversations over a glass of wine. Pigneto is a neighbourhood that lives mainly student life.

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