Italy is certainly a gastronomic destination par excellence and is internationally recognized for the quality and variety of its cuisine .
With a population of approximately 2.8 million , Rome is a true historical , cultural and religious relic . It is like an open-air museum ! In every direction , there are monuments that are over a century old , full of memory. In addition , the city offers excellent cuisine, after all, we are talking about Italy ! So, let’s explore this side of the city that is as enriching as its history.
POMEGRANATE
There is a wide variety of restaurants in Rome, from the finest to the most authentic cantinas. The good news is that the food is always of high quality practically everywhere you go . Starting in the historic center , the highlight is Colline Emiliane , open since 1931. This traditional restaurant offers typical dishes from the Bologna region and is an authentic family business , without many luxuries, but which rarely fails with its dishes. What ‘s more, the pasta is produced in the factory itself and rolled by hand, with selected high-quality ingredients. Highlights include the tortelli di zuca and the tagliatelle al pomodoro: simply perfect!
We know it’s a cliché, but it’s still worth visiting the Alfredo alla Scrofa restaurant , a traditional restaurant since 1908, where the real Fettuccine al Alfredo was created. Over the years, the restaurant has attracted famous people from all over the world, such as Frank Sinatra and even Pele . It ‘s a tourist spot , but with a nostalgic flavor. Meanwhile, across from Alfredo is Gusto, a modern and charming restaurant frequented by locals. The menu is quite varied, with bruschetta, pizzas, pasta, and to top it all off, it has a beautiful terrace, weather permitting.
Still in the old town, Roscioli Salumeria e Vineria is highly recommended. Although the restaurant looks like a store from the outside, it is actually a mix of cantina, wine shop, grocery store and bakery that sells top quality products. There are also tables available to enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience in Rome, in fact, the foie gras carpaccio is a must. However, be sure to make a reservation in advance, as tables are very popular.
For those looking for a more casual experience, Signorvino is the place to be ! With a few locations across Italy, including three in Rome, this wine bar offers an incredible selection of wines and excellent food in a pleasant, wine-cellar-like setting. The atmosphere is relaxed and charming, making it the perfect place for a relaxing meal.
Not far away, 3 km away, is the famous Da Enzo al 29, a traditional trattoria opened in 1929 in the bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere and currently in the third generation of the family. The friendly Roberto, a member of Enzo’s family, took me to see the kitchen and the entire team. Although it is small and a bit confusing, it was a lot of fun! But be careful: they don’t take reservations and there are always lines of customers — so it is recommended to arrive early! The classic dishes are the highlights of the menu, such as the authentic cacio e pepe, which was magnificent. It is really worth waiting for this unmissable experience in Rome!
Along the same lines, Imago is considered one of the best restaurants in Rome, located inside the Hassler Hotel and with a Michelin star! Run by chef Francesco Apreda, it offers contemporary Italian cuisine and has the advantage of having Rome at its feet . Elegant decor , soft music and a romantic atmosphere complete the ambiance! Its competitor, La Terraza, also with a star, is located on the rooftop of the luxurious Eden, run by chef Fabio Ciervo who uses abundant fresh produce and herbs in his bold cuisine that is native to Rome. On the same floor with a similar stunning view, is the more relaxed Il Giardino, which offers classic Italian cuisine with healthy options. Try the artichoke soup and have a signature drink at the impressive bar .
Another award-winning restaurant with a beautiful view of Rome, facing the Colosseum, is Aroma, on the terrace of the elegant Hotel Pallazzo Manfredi. The signature menu by chef Giuseppe Di Iorio focuses on local ingredients, while the highlight is also the wine cellar, with more than 600 labels!
Maccheroni Restaurant is located in the heart of Rome, between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. With an intimate atmosphere, it has an open kitchen and outdoor seating during the summer. The menu focuses on traditional Roman cuisine, with specialties such as Amatriciana and Saltimbocca alla Romana, using fresh, quality produce that changes according to the seasons. With so many options , it’s hard to go wrong with your order!
I also recommend Porto Fluviale, a place where you won’t find many tourists. Located in a former warehouse and measuring 900 square meters, this establishment includes a trattoria, a pizzeria, a bar, a lounge and a street kitchen. It’s a great place to have a pre-dinner drink or a full meal. The atmosphere is very charming and a popular meeting point for locals. In addition to offering good food, the place has a special vibe .
However, the big gastronomic surprise was the Retrobottega , a modern restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide, which only serves a tasting menu. With a sophisticated atmosphere, the tables are communal and the service is exemplary! The restaurant stands out for its creativity and contemporary style, offering a fantastic gastronomic experience with delicate and well-presented dishes. In addition , Retrobottega is a conscious restaurant, with a commitment to zero waste , making it even more special. It is worth a visit to try something different in the historic and tourist center of Rome that escapes all stereotypes.
FLORENCE
An hour and a half by train takes us to romantic Florence, which offers wonderful dining experiences, including Antico Ristoro di Cambi, known for serving typical Tuscan cuisine since 1950. The atmosphere is cozy and frequented by tourists and locals alike. The display case displays cold cuts, seasonal fruits, vegetables and high-quality meats, and the wine cellar offers over 100 labels of Tuscan wines that pair perfectly with the dishes. The classic menu offers a variety of pasta and meat options, including the famous Florentine steak.
If you ’re looking for a well-kept secret in Florence, Cantinetta Antinori is a great option, located in the historic center on the ground floor of Palazzo Antinori – a mid-15th century Florentine building . This sophisticated winery is owned by the Antinori family, who have been producing wine for over 600 years. With an elegant ambiance and a menu featuring seasonal and local ingredients, especially from Tuscany, the vegetables come from the gardens of the Florentine hills, while the olive oils are produced on the Antinori estates in Tuscany. I tried the tagliolini with fish ragu and it was divine! The winery also offers an excellent selection of wines.
Osteria delle Tre Panche is another great option, located on the terrace of the Hotel Hermitage, overlooking the Ponte Vecchio and the rooftops of Florence’s historic center . With an elegant and relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant favors local producers and combines traditional Italian cuisine with innovation. The dishes with truffles, a typical delicacy from some regions of Italy, are a highlight .
Meanwhile, lovers of fine dining should visit the Michelin-starred Il Palagio , located inside the Four Seasons Firenze , which offers an elegant and sophisticated dining experience amidst beautiful gardens. Led by chef Paolo Lavezzini — who lived in Brazil for 10 years — the restaurant serves international cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality Tuscan products. In addition to the à la carte menu , there are also two tasting menu options , with five and eight courses. A highlight is the agnolotti with cheese and truffles, one of the chef’s specialties in Florence . If you ‘re looking for a memorable dining experience in a stunning setting, the restaurant at the Four Seasons Firenze is an excellent choice.
Along the same lines, book in advance at Osteria Gucci and visit the entire complex of the Italian luxury brand. In addition to the Michelin star, it offers a refined atmosphere and modern cuisine . Under the supervision of award-winning chef Massimo Botura, Mexican chef Karime Lopez brings her innovative cuisine and Asian and Mexican influences to the seven or nine-course tasting menu. The dishes are delicately presented with beautiful tableware, and the highlights are the spaghetti with artichoke ceviche and the steamed bread with pork belly. If you are looking for a sophisticated gastronomic experience in a luxurious environment, Osteria Gucci is an excellent option .
Italy is undoubtedly a gastronomic destination par excellence , internationally recognized for the quality and variety of its cuisine. From artisanal pastas and regional cheeses to renowned wines and rare truffles, Italian cuisine is an unmissable experience for lovers of good food and local culture, in addition to the strong tradition of local food production, which means that dishes are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, directly from the producer to the restaurant table. Therefore, it is well worth exploring Italian gastronomy on your next trip to the country of the boot.