One of the most romantic Rome restaurants and other Rome, Italy Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Zodiac

We go there most often for their superb apertivo and to sit at the outside tables and enjoy the spectacular panoramic Rome vista. There is an ice cream, desert and pastry shop handy there also.
They really go out of their way to give you the most romantic atmosphere - candlelight, with live music and cabaret. A special treat on Valentine's Day is their “cocktail cupido” and decorated with a “heart of dark chocolate”. Hope you recognize Italian celebrities who frequent this famous eatery such as our famous Italian singer Claudio Baglioni, Lucio Dalla, Pino Daniele.
Photo 1 - Entrance to interior
Photos 2, 3, 4 - Panoramic vista
Photo 5 - Via Inamoratta - Zodiac "Lover's Lane"

Favorite Dish: Apertivo of Pernod and water on a hot summer evening in Roma but a dazzling choice of fancy cocktails.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Directions: Above Piazzale Clodio - best to go by car

Restaurant Name: Groups coming to Rome??

We live in Rome and know a few good restaurants (not listed here) who will welcome your group - either for a set menu/price or for full menu choices. These are NOT the typical "tourist" restaurants. These are where local Italian people go for good food at excellent prices, with welcoming ambiance, and service that says they hope to see you again.

E-mail us with your dates and the number in your group. We'll be happy to give you some ideas - we've assisted others who have enjoyed excellent lunch and dinner gatherings at very fair prices in bella Roma.


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Theme: Italian

Directions: Rome Center

Restaurant Name: Mirabelle Restaurant - Hotel Splendide Royal

We found this spot quite by accident as I pass it every day going the few blocks from home to Villa Borghese - we took VT'rs Robin and Derek here for drinks at sunset when they stayed with us and they were enchanted.
Superb and one of Rome's ultimate romantic experiences - the rooftop terraces is on the top floor of this recently renovated luxury hotel, which overlooks the Borghese Gardens. The Mirabelle Restaurant is elegant but expensive.
You can opt instead for a cocktail in the American Bar, which also has terrace seating. Either way, you'll way you'll be able to drink in the view across the Pinciana hill to the Palazzo Medici and on to the cupola of St. Peter's Basilica. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The American bar is open from noon till 1 am.
Via di Porta Pinciana, 14 tel. 06.421 689 (near Via Veneto)

Favorite Dish: Mimosas!

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Theme: Other
Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 06.421 689
Address: Via di Porta Pinciana, 14
Directions: Around the corner from Harry's Bar at the top of Via Veneto - just below the entrance to Villa Borghese

Restaurant Name: Hotel Forum Terrace

Although not quite as romantic as the Mirabelle, as the international crowd here can be a little rowdy. The Forum Terrace - American Bar - offers you a spectacular view of the ancient Imperial Forum, the roof garden of this four-star hotel offers some of the most stunning views of Rome.
From the terrace you can look down into the Forum itself, which is magically lit at night, and across the rooftops to the Piazza Venezia. The restaurant, which offers a more than respectable Italian cuisine, is a great place for a celebratory dinner.
The American bar is open for cocktails and light snacks - it is a rather small terrace and the service is exemplory - they see that your snacks are plentiful and glasses filled.
Via Tor de' Conti, 25-30 tel. 39 06 6792446 (Fori Imperiali)

Favorite Dish: Summer - pernod and water - so refreshing!

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 39 06 6792446
Address: Via Tor de' Conti, 25-30
Directions: Fori Imperiali

Restaurant Name: Vecchia Roma

She's always there - either cooking or supervising. You'll see rooms filled with roaming Romans in Vecchia Roma - it was one of our regular favorites where we lived in this neighborhood and we still make the trek back for her specialities. No nonsense Roma cuisine served every day except Sunday. The house red wine is good and prices so reasonable they will always just amaze you. At least one English speaking waiter. You'll often see large parties of locals celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms. Three great rooms with frescos - long bar with tables for groups.

Favorite Dish: Mussels because the broth is incredible and they keep bringing more bread for dipping.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 06/4467143
Address: Via Ferruccio, 12c
Directions: Off Merulana between Santa Maria Maggiore and Labicana - near Colsium and Termini areas

Restaurant Name: Casa del Cine Cafe

Sit within the serene grounds of Villa Bortghese on the outdoor patio for drinks - enjoy the minimalist ambiance of the inside restaurant for dining - no reservations required. This is a "find" for anyone in Roma - no need to be associated with the film industry here - all are welcome. Don't miss an opportunity to see the Casa Cinema facilities while you're there. When I wrote this tip, the buffet was 8 Euro - it is now 15 and moved into the main downstairs dining room - still a bargain!

Favorite Dish: I always enjoy the brunch and especially on Sundays because I love spending a Sunday afternoon there in Villa Borghese. The buffet is only 15 € for one plate Mon-Fri -- Sat/Sun all-you-can-eat is higher but still a treat!

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Theme: Buffet
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: Lago Marcello Mastroianni 1
Directions: Villa Borghese at Via Veneto entrance
Website: www.casadelcinema.it

Restaurant Name: RISTORANTE DER PALLARO

This is the most unique restaurant I have found in all of Rome! Not only is the food just great - but these people have fun serving you. Be seated and before you can even arrange your belongings, the antipasto of the day arrives along with the day's wine - a steady stream of courses follow. All the while, they might be poking fun at customers - sitting down at your table - telling people they have no choices but they'll eat when they have time to serve them. First-time customers here may look shocked - the regular Roman clientele will be laughing. You will receive the specialites of the day - each one typical Roman cusine - home cooked flavor - and all delicious.

We were here on Sunday (Aug 6, 2006) and the clientele was decidely local Roman - lots of families - and this poor single guy across from us (photo 2) who took such a razzing all through his dinner.

We paid 42 Euro for complete dinner for 2 with many courses - wine of the day - desert - and expresso capper!

Closed Monday

Favorite Dish: Whatever they are serving that day!

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: less expensive than average
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: Antico Cafe Greco

One of the three most ancient coffee houses in the world - first is in Iraq (if, indeed, it has survived the onslaught). Antico Cafe Greco was a famous stop for Italian and foreign artists. Founded in 1760 by Nicola della Maddalena, a Greek, the cafe achieved fame later when it began to serve a better coffee, served in small cups. Amongst some of its famous clientele were Liszt, Gounod, Stendhal, Heine, Wagner, Twain, Gogol, and D'Annunzio. The rear parlor has a piano - is usually closed to the public - but do ask if you can just view the room. With the minimum imagination you can envision Rossini writing his opera there - Goethe making poetry notes.........

Favorite Dish: I love their cioccolato caldo served with the whipped cream on the side - the real deal - great pastries as well here.

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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: Via Condotti 86
Directions: Close by the Spanish Steps

Restaurant Name: Valadier

The Casina Valadier reopened to the public on June 19th 2004. After many alternating periods of great splendour and long silences, thanks to a group of entrepreneurs and professionals, the jewel of Villa Borghese has been given back to the city and the Romans in all its old magnificence. Restored according to the original project by Valadier and given all the advantages of technology of the third millennium, the Casina offers today to its guests, in an elegant 18th century setting, a wide range of high quality services that make the Casina unique in its genre. As well as the restaurant on the upper floors and the terraces that have made it famous, the pearl of the Pincio is enriched by a cafe in the garden, an elegant wine cellar in the Sala Romana and a refined bar on the first floor, ideal for aperitif and after dinner drinks with an extraordinary view of Rome. The restoration works have also uncovered the ancient Roman Cistern, the important archeological site over which the building was built. Looking out over Rome, immersed in greenery and rich in history, the Casina Valadier, today more than yesterday, is one of the most evocative places in the city. If a bit more expensive than the usual - a great experience well worth the price.

Photo and reference text by permission Robert Piperno for non-commercial purpose only


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Theme: Italian
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 06 69922090
Address: Villa Borghese - Piazza Bucarest - il Pincio
Directions: Borghese Park - on the highest point of Pincio overlooking near Trinit? dei Monti - above Piazza Popolo

Restaurant Name: Tempio di Mecenate

There is much distinction in the food of Sardegna - the pizza crust is very thin and crisp - much to my liking. I've entered this restaurant to find the whole roasted pig laid with all the garnish on the buffet table. You'll enjoy a very good red house wine here.
Lovely patio tables overlook the small Lago Leopardi and ruins there that are currently being restored.
This Merulana area is our old neighborhood and boasts many very good, inexpensive restaurants - very worthwhile to take a walk along Merulana with a good appetite.

Favorite Dish: Quatro formaggio pizza with red/yellow/green grilled peppers - the best! Seafood salad from the buffet - always available.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 06 4872653
Address: Lago Leopardi 14-18
Directions: On Merulana between Santa Maria Maggiore and Labicana - across from the Museum of Oriental Art - right next to the elaborate bakery, Panne d 'Arte (one of our bakery tips).