The best places to eat & drink in Rome this summer
Sunset cocktails at The Court
Seriously…so much cacio e pepe…
In no particular order and with rambling, not-very-curated descriptions (this is how my brain works y’all) - here are some of the best places I’ve tried so far this year in Rome -
The Court at Palazzo Manfredi - this is a gorgeous cocktail bar that overlooks the gladiator's barracks at the Colosseum and has the most amazing sunset views! Recommendations can only be made 5 days prior to the day you want to go. Cocktails are about 30 euro each, but they include heavy appetizers and the views are to die for!
Roma Sparita - a famous restaurant in the Trastevere neighborhood. It is considered by many to make the best cacio e pepe pasta in the whole city and was Anthony Bourdain's favorite place in Rome! It's casual, but gets very busy at lunch and dinner so I'd make a reservation. The Basilica of Santa Cecilia next door is worth a visit if you show up without a reservation and have to wait.
(As a side note, I have tried cacio e pepe at easily 15+ places in Rome, and my very favorite version is at the unassuming Jewish restaurant Taverna al Ghetto near Campo dei Fiori…the service is mediocre, the A/C is usually out, but the food is divine!)
Eggs - a new, trendy restaurant, also in Trastevere...it just opened last year but has a very talented young chef. Lots of interesting appetizers and pasta dishes.
Trapazzino - a small chain in Italy but one of my favorite places! They specialize in fried foods like suppli, and these little sandwich pockets that are filled with different fillings, stews, etc. You can get one or two as a snack, or four to make a meal. Really casual, quick place.
Antico Forno Roscioli - Very casual place, just point at what you want and they'll give you a ticket for it. Take all your tickets to the cashier and then come back for your food. I think they have the best Roman-style pizza I've ever had! It gets really busy between 11:30-1:30 but if you go in the middle of the afternoon it's not busy.
Fatamorgana Gelato - this is right next door to Antico Forno Roscioli - artisan gelato made from only natural flavors. They have all the classic gelato flavors plus some interesting flavors like pecorino cheese, grape skin, croissants...very creative! Lines get long but they go quick!
Luciano Cucina Italiana - I don't recommend the restaurant itself (very overpriced!), but if you go inside and go down to the second floor there is a very cool cocktail bar called Veleno. They just opened this summer. They make their cocktails using ingredients from the restaurant upstairs, and have unique things like Parmesan-infused cocktails. The owner/bartender is one of the best in the city and great to talk to if you're interested in things like sustainability, reducing food waste, etc.
Wisdomless - one of my new favorite bars in the city! The story goes that it's actually owned by a rich baron, and he uses it to store all of his art and antiques. I think it's just a myth… but the decor is beautiful and they make excellent classic cocktails. You can sit outside in their private courtyard if the weather is nice. You can also get a tattoo here. Really.
Freni e Frizioni - a really unique bar in Trastevere - it's got a local, dive bar feeling but with an excellent craft cocktail menu. You can take your drinks outside to the square and people watch. Tends to attract a younger, hip crowd (which I am not part of)
