Dining with history and other Rome, Italy Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Ristorante La Carbonara

There are several places to eat on the Campo di Fiori, but this is probably the best known. Home of carbonara sauce, Ristorante La Carbonara is a lovely, old-fashioned Roman restaurant. Attentive but unobtrusive service, classic dishes, white tablecloths, and an outdoor dining area on the Campo.

Keep in mind that, like all Italian outdoor dining, patrons can (and do) smoke at the outdoor tables. I can't eat while smelling smoke, so we had to eat inside. The inside dining is elegant but not overly decorated, but another benefit is that the indoor tables are not as in demand, so you can get a table inside more easily.

Favorite Dish: My gnocchi with truffle sauce was excellent!

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: Campo di Fiori
Website: http://www.lacarbonara.it/

Restaurant Name: Ristorante alla Rampa

On a busy Saturday evening in Rome (it was the countrywide festival night, La Notte Bianca, though we didn't know it until then!), we were very lucky to get a table here. The trick is getting there early enough--by 8 PM every table was full, but at about 7 PM we were able to walk in. The atmosphere is friendly and casual, and many families with children were there. The plentiful wall decorations are country Italian.

Favorite Dish: The main attraction here is the antipasto buffet. The enthusiastic server made sure (in English) we knew the best items on the buffet, and there were plenty of vegetarian options. You get one trip to the table, but if you choose well, it's more than enough for a full meal, and an excellent value.

We also had the tiramisu, which was very good, but NOT a traditional variety at all.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: Piazza Mignanelli, 18
Directions: Just a little south of the Spanish Steps, in a small recessed square off a very busy area.
Website: http://www.restaurantsomh.com/r30.htm

Restaurant Name: Caffe Sant'Eustachio

Coffee shops aren't unusual in Rome, but two are noted to be a class above the rest. One is the Tazza d'Oro, but it was closed the day we stopped by, so I can't make a comparison. However, I don't think it could have been any better than Sant' Eustachio...the best--absolute best--espresso I've ever had. No bitterness, rich flavor, and a foamy top (no cream, they claim!) that is their secret trademark.

Favorite Dish: The frozen espresso with whipped cream is spectacular--shaved ice, espresso, and whipped cream layered together. Nothing here is cheap, but it's worth it! They also sell espresso cups and other items with their trademark logo on it.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Piazza Sant'Eustachio n. 82
Directions: About 5 minutes from the Pantheon on foot, but use a good map, because it's on a recessed sidestreet.
Website: http://www.santeustachioilcaffe.it/

Restaurant Name: Gelateria della Palma

I've had gelato all over America, including Boston's Little Italy, and then in several different cities in Italy. This is my favorite! Best flavor, best selection (over 100 flavors), and best texture. I heard this reviewed as a bit of a tourist trap, but I honestly thought it was better than some of the much smaller operations around the country.

Favorite Dish: Their "Mousse" variety, whipped gelato, was my favorite. You could always get a four-scoop and try four different varieties. ;)

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Theme: Dessert
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Via della Maddalena 20
Directions: About 5 minute walk from the Pantheon
Website: http://www.10best.com/Rome,Italy/Restaurants/Caf%7Cs/?businessID=22232