A Guide to Eating and Drinking in Rome
- Rome Information
- Eating & drinking in Rome
- Night life in Rome
- Getting around in Rome
- Things to do in Rome
- Where to stay in Rome
- Rome street map
As with most Mediterranean countries, you really get the feeling that eating and drinking in Italy are not just for the wealthy or sophisticated. Good food, and the routines that go with it, are a central part of daily life for everyone - from the very poorest to the super-rich.
First and foremost, the areas around the Colosseum should all be steered well clear of when looking for places to eat and drink. While they may look enticing and ‘typical’ from the outside, the complete absence of any locals is generally explained by the size of the bill.
Elsewhere in the centro storico, things definitely begin to improve: the network of narrow streets around Via del Governo Vecchio have a range of less polished, but infinitely more charming and appealingly priced options.
Trastevere is another area for those who want to eat out in a classic Roman neighborhood over a glass or two of frascati without it costing the earth. Here, numerous trattorie offer travelers the opportunity to indulge in some traditional Italian cuisine.
The ‘pizza romana’ (a focaccia-type pizza infused with oil and rosemary), the classic ’spaghetti alla carbonara’ and all manner of other gastronomic delights can easily be found in this district. They usually come at a relatively good price and almost always in decent helpings.
On summer days, excellent ice cream parlors can be a welcome refuge from the sweltering city outside. Hordes of old ladies huddle over their gelato and make the most of the cool from the refrigeration units until evening when the mercury starts to drop.
After an evening ‘passeggiata’ (stroll), a really good way to get a feel for the city is to visit one of the many cafés. With the shadows stretching languidly across the city’s piazzas, the streets come alive with the chatter of locals and the angry buzzing of Vespas.
Life in Italy is, ultimately, broken down into a series of rituals revolving around eating and drinking. And as you’d expect in a city renowned for its fine dining, the best way to really get to know Rome is through your stomach.