Rome for the Food & Wine Lover

Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill: The Colosseum is a must-see when in Rome! But the pro-tip is to take a tour that includes all three of these important historic sites, which are all conveniently located adjacent to one another and fascinating to learn about from a good guide.

Monti: One of Rome’s many gorgeous neighborhoods, Monti is a very artistic neighborhood. Monti houses artists in their studios, tiny boutique shops selling handmade goods, excellent restaurants and bars, and a lively crowd with a youthful attitude. A long evening spent shopping, meandering, and having a spritz in a piazza here is one of the best ways to spend an evening in Rome.

Testaccio Market: Located in the neighborhood of the same name, Testaccio, this market is situated quietly away from the Centro Storico. Think more apartments and local Romans running errands and less Trevi Fountain and Colosseum crowds. An off-the-beaten path market often has better prices and more authentic wares. Mercato Testaccio has many beautiful food stalls, restaurants, and artisans. It’s perfect for souvenir shopping and lunch!

Trastevere: One of the most photogenic neighborhoods of Rome is also home to some amazing restaurants. At night, the famously delicious restaurants and bars spill out onto the cobblestones, tables taking over the streets, and they’re all packed full of people deep in animated conversations. In fact, the whole neighborhood feels like one big sidewalk café at night. Any time of day, the shops are worthwhile here if you’re into thrifting or perusing bookshops.

Villa Borghese: A historic villa-turned-park provides a massive green space enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. If you’re in the mood to visit a stellar museum, you can find it here. Or if you’re in the mood to wander beautiful gardens, Villa Borghese also provides those. It’s the perfect respite from the crowded, winding streets of the city center.

Wander Aimlessly: Walking in Rome is like walking nowhere else. Anywhere you wander in Rome, you’re certain to be near good food, ancient ruins, and lively squares perfect for sitting and sipping spritzes. Leave time to wander the ancient streets with no particular destination.

Antico Bar Pasticceria Mariani: When in Rome, embrace the art of aperitivo! Antico Bar Pasticceria Mariani is the perfect place to do so: they serve a classic aperitivo of an array of salty snacks that come complementary with your spritz.

L’Angolo Divino: Tucked just behind Campo de’ Fiori, in the city center, this cozy wine bar screams a local haunt. It’s not touristy whatsoever, and as soon as you step across the threshold you know you’re in a space that respects Italian food and wine. Wines are sourced from small farms all over Italy, and the food harkens back to the trattorias of old with a modern twist. Traditional regional dishes, like carbonara, are offered alongside dishes from other parts of the country that boast fun flavors, like beef tartare from Piedmont with capers, Maldon salt, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Latteria Trastevere: The perfect spot to have dinner in Trastevere, this trattoria is cozy, welcoming, and packs a punch with its menu and wine list. Latteria Trastevere is a natural wine bar with a food menu that is a fresh take on classic dishes from Rome and the surrounding countryside. It’s comfort food and wine: historical, yet new.

Supplì Roma: No trip to Rome is complete without sampling Rome’s signature street food, supplì. Similar to arancini, it’s cheesy, warm, and filled with comfort food flavors. Hidden inside the breading on these deep friend croquettes, you’ll find homemade ragù, rice, and mozzarella.

Tiramisú Merisù (Trastevere): At Merisù, they’ve perfected the art of making tiramisi to order, which means it’s super fresh and not sitting in a fridge pre-prepared. It’s life-changing.