“The food wasn’t as good as I thought it would be…”
Wait a sec. did my heart just stop?
Scores of tourists return from Italian vacations disappointed with the food and I’m not surprised. Imagine going to New York City and only eating in Times Square! Restaurants near tourists attractions with menus in English are convenient but they won’t give you the flavor you’re looking for.
To get the best food tips you’ve got to talk to the locals but not everyone likes to spend their vacation begging restaurant recommendations from big-bellied old timers, like I do, so I’ve compiled a list of five of my favorite places to eat in Rome. This list is a result of tons of delicious research, so print it out, and put in your suitcase reassured that you won’t return home on an empty stomach.
Pompi
Nicknamed the king of tiramisu, this place lives up to its reputation. Strawberry tiramisu is made with fresh strawberries, whipped cream and light mascarpone . Living in that neighborhood for a few months, Pompei’s fresh, cornetti got me out of bed every morning. These Italian cousins of the croissant filled with chocolate or cream are best before 10am when they’re still hot from the oven.
Pompi
via Albalonga 7b/9/11
+39 06 58 0099
Hours 6:30 am -1:30 am Closed Mondays
Metro Stop: Rei di Roma
Nuova Cittá
Need a break from pizza and pasta? Try some Italian style Chinese food. The neighborhood isn’t much to look at, but a trip to Nuova Cittá means a break from the crowds and a tasty inexpensive meal. Be sure to try the involtini primavera (spring rolls) ravioli al vapore (steamed dumplings).
Nuova Cittá
via Furio Camillo, 70/72
+39 06 7803578
Hours: 11:00am-3:00pm 6:00pm-12:00pm
Metro Stop: Furio Camillo
Boccione
A trip to the Jewish ghetto isn’t complete without a visit to Boccione. Famous for their light macaroons, the ancient oven was on the fritz on my most recent visit. With hundreds of years in business, one bad day can’t tarnish their reputation. Try the ricotta cake and marzipan.
Boccione
via del Portico d’ Ottavia 1 Ghetto
+39 06 6878637
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8:00am-7:30pm Friday 8:00am-3:30pm
Tram Stop: Piazza B. Cairoli
Captain Cono
After braving the lines at Saint Peter’s Basilica, treat yourself to one of the best gelatos in Rome. Just two blocks over and one block up from the obelisk, Captain Cono stands just outside the tourist trap zone. Be sure to try cookies, pronounced koo-kees, and kinder, named after the famous German chocolate.
Captain Cono
via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 117
Hours: Sunday- Saturday 10:00am-9:00pm
Near: Saint Peter’s
Pizzeria Marmi
For a real taste of Roman style cooking, you’ve got to visit the morgue. Large marble slab tables give this pizzeria its morbid nickname. Deep fried zucchini flowers and deep fried meat covered olives are top sellers. Maybe it’s called the morgue for another reason. This place is perfect for late night dining serving pizza and bruschetta well after midnight.
Pizzeria Marmi
viale Trastevere 53/59
+39 06 5800919
Closed: Wednesdays
No Credit Cards
For more restaurant recommendations, take a look t this website www.foodinrome.com .
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