Embark on a culinary journey through time! Forget the ordinary tourist experience, and savor the flavors of ancient Rome while dining in restaurants nestled within the city’s historic landmarks.
Ancient Flavors in Ancient Walls
Imagine dining within the actual tomb of Caesar Augustus’ freed slaves! Hostaria Antica Roma, located within a columbarium, offers a unique menu based on ancient Roman recipes. Forget tomatoes, chocolate, or any post-Columbian additions, as these ingredients weren’t available to the Romans. Instead, indulge in dishes inspired by a Latin cookbook attributed to Marcus Gavius Apicius, a 1st-century foodie.
Dish to try: Patina cotidiana, a Latin term for “daily dish,” resembling a combination of an omelet and a tomato-free lasagna.
Where History Meets Gastronomy
For a more opulent experience, consider Archaeologia on Via Appia, built into a grand Roman tomb. Picture yourself enjoying a creamy pasta dish with prawns, Ravioli di scampi, while surrounded by the remnants of a majestic burial structure.
Remember to take a taxi for these restaurants near the Via Appia, as the pedestrian crossings can be tricky.
Dining Where Caesar Met His Fate
Relive the dramatic events of 44 B.C. at Ristorante da Pancrazio, situated within the courtyard of the Theater of Pompey. This is where Julius Caesar was famously assassinated! Dine amidst the ancient arches and walls, and marvel at the “opus reticulatum” brick pattern that distinguishes modern construction from the Roman era.
Dish to try: Bucatini all’Amatriciana, a hearty pasta dish featuring a red sauce and bacon.
A Culinary Journey Through Time
Flavio al Velavevodetto offers delicious meat dishes in a setting brimming with history. The restaurant sits upon the slopes of Monte Testaccio, a man-made mountain formed from ancient Roman trash dumps.
See layers of broken amphorae, vessels once used to transport olive oil across the empire, through the glass walls of the restaurant. The sheer volume of olive oil consumed by the Romans, used as lamplight, moisturizer, and flavoring, created this unique monument.
Dish to try: Ossobucco con piselli, a flavorful veal dish with peas.
History Beneath Your Feet
Trastevere, a neighborhood once home to the Jewish population of ancient Rome, offers a unique dining experience at a restaurant whose cellar dates back to 80 B.C. Explore the wine cellar, where several famous sculptures were found before being housed in the Vatican Museums. This space has been a synagogue, a convent, and now a restaurant, each era leaving its mark.
Dish to try: Crème brûlée, a popular choice among diners.
A Culinary Adventure Through Roman Baths
The Baths of Diocletian, completed in 306 A.D., remain an impressive testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture. Within this vast complex, you’ll find a circular chamber transformed into a restaurant. Enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the stunning ruins, and appreciate the restaurant’s warm hospitality, particularly toward families with children.
Dish to try: Tiramisù, a classic Italian dessert beloved by locals and tourists alike.
History at Every Turn
While McDonalds may not be the first place you think of for historical dining, even this fast-food chain offers a unique glimpse into Rome’s past. The city’s main train station, Termini, derives its name from the Latin word thermi, meaning “heat,” and its proximity to the Baths of Diocletian.
Just outside the station, and even within the McDonalds dining area, you’ll find massive blocks of tufa stone, remnants of an ancient city wall built over 600 years ago. These stones are a reminder of the long and rich history of Rome.
Dish to try: Potato slices with herbal topping.
So, next time you find yourself in Rome, be sure to explore these unique dining spots! You’ll savor delicious food and discover the fascinating history hidden beneath your feet.
