Rome, the Eternal City, is a haven for food lovers. Its restaurants, trattorias, and wine bars are constantly raising the bar, offering a delectable tapestry of flavors. This makes compiling a “best of” list a challenging task, but we’ve compiled a list of six favorites, showcasing the city’s culinary diversity. From modern to traditional, wine-focused to pasta-centric, you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds.
Let’s embark on a culinary journey through some of Rome’s most celebrated eateries.
The New Wave of Roman Dining: Retrobottega
Retrobottega, located in the heart of Rome, represents a new wave of Roman fine dining. Every week, the culinary team embarks on a foraging adventure in the surrounding countryside, bringing back fresh herbs, wild fruits, and seasonal ingredients to inspire their inventive menu. Their dishes are rooted in tradition but elevated with clever twists.
The eight-course tasting menu is a culinary symphony, featuring appetizing snacks, handmade pasta, flavorful main dishes, and delectable desserts. The pasta is a true highlight, with perfectly formed tortellini filled with ossobuco being a particular favorite.
The wine list is equally impressive, boasting an exceptional selection of Champagne and wines from across Italy and the world.
Roscioli: Where Food and Wine Converge
Roscioli is a unique gem, seamlessly blending a deli, restaurant, and wine shop. One wall is adorned with an impressive collection of 3,000 bottles of wine, while the other is a treasure trove of Italian delicacies. In the heart of this culinary haven are restaurant tables, offering an unforgettable dining experience.
The restaurant is renowned for its carbonara, considered one of the best in Rome. Rome is famous for its four distinct pasta styles, and carbonara is a classic example. This simple yet delicious dish is made with eggs, guanciale (cured pig cheek), and pecorino or parmesan cheese paired with perfectly cooked, al dente pasta.
Roscioli’s wine list is equally impressive, featuring an eclectic selection of renowned wines.
La Barrique: Parisian Charm Meets Italian Flavors
La Barrique is a charming, Parisian-inspired restaurant near the Colosseum. While French influences are evident, Italian culinary excellence shines through in their seasonal menu. Dishes like mozzarella with homemade pesto and hand-pulled pasta with slow-cooked beef ragu are culinary delights.
The cozy interior, with intimate corners and walls lined with famous wine bottles, creates a welcoming ambiance. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive and well-curated wine list.
Armando al Pantheon: A Legacy of Traditional Roman Cuisine
Armando al Pantheon is a family-run restaurant, with three generations having cooked there since its opening in 1961. Claudio Gargioli currently heads the kitchen, with Fabiana, the fourth generation, in training. The restaurant’s location is ideal, situated near the Pantheon, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
Armando al Pantheon embraces traditional Roman cooking at its finest. Expect handmade pasta, slow-cooked meats, and simple cold cut platters. The pasta dishes are the stars of the show, with the cacio e pepe being a must-try. This distinctly Roman dish is made with only four ingredients: pasta, pasta water, parmesan cheese, and black pepper. The result is a simple yet utterly delicious dish.
Pizzeria Emma: Where Rome’s Famous Pizzas Shine
Pizzeria Emma, conveniently located near the Campo de’ Fiori, is a spacious, modern trattoria with high glass ceilings and simple décor. The focus here is squarely on the food, and Rome’s famous pizzas are the stars of the show.
Unlike the gooey and soft Neapolitan pizza, Rome’s pizzas are thin crust and crispy. Pizzeria Emma offers classic flavors with an emphasis on quality. You can customize your pizza, choosing from a variety of mozzarella types and a wide range of toppings. Wine and beer enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive selection of small production wines and craft beers.
Flavio al Velavevodetto: A Traditional Gem in Trastevere
Flavio al Velavevodetto is nestled in the trendy Trastevere neighborhood. This restaurant embraces tradition, with its vaulted stone ceilings, set on an ancient Roman archaeological site, and a spacious outdoor terrace for warmer months.
The restaurant prides itself on farm-to-table practices, sourcing their meat from their own herds and flocks and growing their own vegetables. The dishes are beautifully executed, showcasing the best of Roman cuisine. Rome’s famous pasta dishes, including rigatoni alla carbonara, pasta alla gricia, and caccio e pepe, are all available here.
Conclusion: Rome’s Culinary Magic
Rome’s dedication to quality is evident in its restaurants. They have an unparalleled ability to transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Whether you’re seeking a modern dining experience or a traditional Roman feast, Rome offers a wide array of culinary delights. So, plan your next trip to Rome, explore its vibrant culinary scene, and discover the magic of Roman cuisine.
