Dining in Rome

Rome caters to all tastes. There are American steakhouses, Lebanese meze restaurants, Vietnamese eateries, and a number of haute cuisine establishments celebrated in the Guide Michelin. But "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" and choose the less extravagant restaurants and trattorias for a memorable dining experience.

The Italian word for dinner, cena, comes from the Latin convivum. A word which means "live together" and that is precisely what you do. Eating is a social get-together which lasts at least three courses - often even at lunchtime.

The Romans do not eat dinner until 9 in the evening.

The traditional Roman pasta is called Carbonara and is made from pork, and whipped egg yolk with lots of parmesan and black pepper, or all'Amatriciana with bacon, tomato and onion. Vegetables are ordered as a side-dish, contorno, accompanying the main dish, e.g. tossed spinach or chicory with garlic and pepperoncino (Spanish peppers).

Da Franco
Da Franco is an airy and sparsely decorated seafood restaurant located in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood, home to many of the city's students. The menu offers good value for money. A six course weekend lunch with deep-fried vegetables, steamed mussels and a half bottle of wine is only €16.
Address: Via del Falisci 2
Phone: +39-06-49 57 675

Da Marcello
A proper un buco, or hole-in-the wall type of place, close to Da Franco, always packed with people, and with a surprisingly extensive menu. Closed on Sundays.
Address: Via dei Campani 12
Phone: +39-06-446 33 11

Gino
A simple trattoria popular amongst politicians and journalists. It proofs that when it comes to food, the Romans are no snobs. The speciality of the house is coniglio al vino bianco (rabbit in white vine) and an exquisite tiramisu.
Address: Vicolo Rossini 4, near the Spanish Steps.
Phone: +39-06-687 3434

Betto E Mary
Bustling, loud and with large portions is the best way of describing Betto e Mary. The restaurant makes its own egg pasta, gramiccia, and serves it with a range of sauces. Try the saltimbocca alla romana, veal, Parma ham and sage.
Address: Via dei Savorgnan 99
Phone: +39-06-243 053 39

Cesare
A popular local restaurant in Prati, close to the Vatican. The menu is full of classic Italian dishes and, as always in Rome, gnocchi is served on Thursdays. Cesare also has a selection of deli cold cuts like prosciutto di cervo, made with deer.
Address: Via Crescenzio 13
Phone: +39-06-686 1227

Il Desiderio Preso Per La Coda
This restaurant is tucked away behind Piazza Navona and its tourist traps. The menu is Tuscan and has several rustic dishes including pappa al pomodoro (bread and tomato soup), fig risotto, and polpettone (meatloaf).