Trendy yet Traditional and other Rome, Italy Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Molto Ristorante

Molto Ristorante is a fairly new restaurant, located in the exclusive residential neighbourhood of Parioli, north of Villa Borghese in Rome. The restaurant's décor is internationally trendy and scores rather high on design, yet the exquisite food is mostly traditional Italian with a few more innovative dishes. There is a large bar for cocktails & wine, and an outdoor terrace for warmer evenings. Due to its location away from the centre of Rome, Molto is free of tourists, but its clientele is made up of beautiful and elegant, mostly local, bourgeoisie. It is somewhat expensive, but definitely worth the trip.


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Theme: Italian
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: +39-06-808-2900
Address: Viale Parioli, 122 - Parioli, Roma
Directions: North of Villa Borghese
Website: http://www.moltoitaliano.it/

Restaurant Name: Roscioli Vineria

This elegant multiple purpose wine bar is conveniently located near Campo de' Fiori. It is great for simply a glass of wine perhaps combined with a plate of cheese, or for a full meal at the dining room in the back. If neither works, you could purchase some cheese and meats from the salumeria at the front, and supplement them with olive oil or other gourmet food products from the stacks on the walls. Places like Roscioli epitomise beautiful dining in Rome.


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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: Via dei Giubbonari 21
Directions: Near Campo de' Fiori

Restaurant Name: Ristorante Piperno

Hidden in a tiny piazza in Rome near the river in the old Jewish Ghetto, Piperno is one of the city's culinary gems. It is considered one of the best restaurants in Rome offering traditional Roman and Roman Jewish cuisine. Remember to dress smartly.

Favorite Dish: Piperno's signature dishes include carciofi alla giudea (fried Jerusalem artichokes) and fiori di zucca (zucchini flowers).... And try the sweetbreads too!

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: +39 06 68 80 66 29
Address: Monte de' Cenci, 9 - Roma
Directions: Near Minestero Giustizia and Sinagoga di Roma
Website: www.ristorantepiperno.com

Restaurant Name: Trattoria del Pallaro

A unique experience as this restaurant has no menu. You will be served whatever is currently being cooked and you have no choice in the matter (except in the colour of wine, i.e. rosso o bianco?). The cuisine is typically Roman and everything I've had has been delicious with a home cooking feel to it. You will pay a fixed price (~20 EUR). But don't expect this to be a fancy restaurant.

Favorite Dish: Hard to tell... there is no set menu!

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 06.68 80 1488
Address: Largo del Pallaro, 15
Directions: Behind Piazza del Fiori - walk to the end of the Piazza so that Bruno's back is what you see - cut directly through the small archway to Lago del Pallaro

Restaurant Name: Caffè Giolitti

This renowned 1900 Belle Epoque café is known for its gelato in many flavours. Stop by one afternoon if you are visiting the Pantheon area. I was back here again in April 2007 and it was as delicious as ever.

Favorite Dish: Gelato (Italian ice cream) in all flavours.

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Theme: Dessert
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Via degli Uffici del Vicario 40
Directions: Near il Panteone

Restaurant Name: Café de Paris

Made famous in the '60s by la Dolce Vita, Café de Paris continues to be a chic meeting spot for high society in Rome. When taking a stroll up Via Veneto, take a break here for a delicious coffee and some people watching, and experience la dolce vita.


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Theme: Local
Comparison: more expensive than average

Address: Via V. Veneto 90

Restaurant Name: Antico Arco

Great trendy restaurant with a wine bar at the front. The food is excellent and could be described as innovative Italian. The restaurant is located about 10 minutes on foot from the concentration of bars in the Trastevere area.


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Theme: Italian
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: +39 06 581 5274
Address: Piazzale Aurelio 7
Directions: Trastevere
Other Contact: anticoarco@tiscali.it

Restaurant Name: Shaki Wine Bar

Located a block away from both Piazza di Spagna and Via Condotti, Shaki Wine Bar is a perfect place to end a day after shopping in Rome's luxury shopping district. The small wine bar offers great Italian wines, supplemented by a plate of cheese and meats, as well as full pasta dishes. No regrets here!


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Theme: Wine Bar/Wine Tasting
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: Via Mario de' Fiori 29/a
Directions: At the intersection with Via delle Carrozze

Restaurant Name: L'EnotecAntica

Decorated with beautiful Roman frescoes, arches, and wooden ceilings, this elegant wine bar is another delicious Roman experience. L'EnotecAntica is located steps from the main shopping streets in Rome and is frequented by locals. It offers a great selection of Italian wines and antipasti, and also has a dining room in the back for seated dining.


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Theme: Wine Bar/Wine Tasting
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: +39 06 67 90 896
Address: Via della Croce, 76b
Directions: Not too far from Piazza di Spagna and Via Condotti
Website: www.anticaenoteca.com

Restaurant Name: Felice a Testaccio

I was led to Felice a Testaccio by a recent NY Times travel article (dated 22 March 2009) which named it as the best trattoria in Rome. It also happened to be in Testaccio, away from the city centre, but a mere 10 minute walk from Aventino where I was staying in Rome, so how could I resist? Expectations ran high with the vote of confidence from the reputable publication as I entered the busy trattoria and asked for a table for lunch. The restaurant has been run by the same family since it opened in 1936, and they knew what they were doing as the food was exquisite. They have a different menu of Roman specialties for each day of the week, with a slight overlap. I ordered fettuccine ai carciofi (artichoke) and lamb, and was very, very satisfied. Although I have not tried the other trattorie mentioned in the article, this place would still get my vote!


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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: +39 06 574 6800
Address: Via Mastro Giorgio, 29 - Testaccio, Roma
Directions: In Testaccio, a residential neighbourhood south of the centre of Rome, near the Pyramid of Caius Cestius
Website: www.feliceatestaccio.com