A Guide to Dinner, the Roman Way
It goes without saying, but Italians are very proud of their food and drink culture. Italy is not only home to some of the best food and wine on earth, but their whole philosophy to dining is a unique experience unlike anywhere else. Dinners are extensive and lengthy affairs, involving several sections, each with their own purpose. Nowhere is this more true, and more deserved than Rome, the heart of Italy’s south, a nation unto itself in many ways. Romans have an individualistic spirit that separates them from the rest of the country, and their food embodies their desire to stand out. Roman Pizza is square and served by weight, Cacio e pepe the famous Roman pasta dish stands out for its simplicity and ingredients. While traveling through the ancient city, we were constantly surprised by the innovation in Roman food, especially in a country that is often concerned with sticking to tradition. We wanted to highlight the best of Roman Gastronomy so you enjoy every bite in the Eternal City.
The first thing to understand are the parts that make up an traditional Roman dinner.
Aperitivo: A pre-meal drink, and sometimes a light snack such as olives.
Antipasto: The appetizer, usually of platter of meats and cheese accompanied by another drink.
Primo and Secondo: Your first and second courses, traditonally a pasta dish and a meat dish, often shared amongs a group.
Dolce: Something sweet to end the meal.
Digestivo: A drink to settle your stomach and send you off to bed, or just prepare you for the rest of the night.
The ideal way to enjoy all of these is at different restaurants, with a bit of a walk in between. Imagine bar-hopping with culinary excellence at every stop.
For North Americans this is an extensive list. How often do we find ourselves rushing to and from a meal, grabbing the bill as soon as we are done? This traditional way of eating will force you to enjoy, be present, and not worry about what else you could be doing. In Italy, when you reserve a table, it’s your table for the entire night. Here are some spots for each stop on your Roman food journey, which mostly revolves around our favourite neighbourhoods of Monti and Trastevere
The feel of a speakeasy, with a sophisticated menu, Blackmarket Hall is a perfect place to start. This is their third location, which shows how popular it is with Romans and you will see why. Secret rooms, seats in the garden, and live music add to the ambiance. The cocktails are world class and the perfect start to a magical evening.
After your Aperitivo you should get something more substantial in your stomach, as well as another drink. Zia Rosetta is a warm and inviting place, with only a few tables and stools and a neighbourhood feel. The menu here is all sandwiches, with a variety of inventive flavours. You can try a variety of small bites, and make sure to order one of the great cocktails in Italy, the Hugo. An elderflower spritz with Prosecco — it is refreshing, floral and delicious.
Primo and Secondo: Trattoria Settimio
Next you’ll take a leisurely walk to the Tiber river and stop for the main meal at this classic Roman institution. Most notably visited by Anthony Bourdain in Parts Unknown the location remained a secret, as Bourdain did not reveal the name of the place, hoping to keep it for himself. Nonetheless some intrepid Romans figured out the location, and now you can experience it for yourself! Our recommendation? try the Fettucine Ragu.
Dolce is an optional course, as you may well be full after everything you’ve eaten. Nonetheless, gelato in Italy is world renowned, and Gelateria La Romana goes above and beyond the tradition to incorporate high quality ingredients. Try to find some room for the blackberry, elderberry, and lemon flavoured gelato!
Digestivo: Libreria Cafe Bohemien
While we were there, we almost always finished our nights at Libreria. It is one of the great cocktail bars in Rome, as it has the feeling of being in an old secret Library. The bartenders here are experts at making all sorts of cocktails from around the world, and some Roman classics. Grab a drink, a table outside, and watch Rome in all its glory.
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Some other gems that you should visit during your time in Rome:
Nestled in the popular Trastevere district, this spot is a gastronomic delight with their innovative take on traditional Roman street food. Their infamous trapizzino is a little bit like a samosa with your choice of various italian stuffing and flavours inside.
Jewish-Roman cuisine goes back millenium, but Santo Palato is introducing it into the modern lexicon. Sarah Cicolini leads this forward-thinking, tradition rooted restaurant, with dishes both new and familiar. The wine cellar boasts 840 labels, and for those looking for something outside the mainstream, this will satisfy your palate.
When you come to Italy you expect Pizza. What you may find is that outside of Rome, Pizza can tend to stick to tradition, especially in the south. Roman’s have always been more willing to experiment and Seu Pizza Illuminati is emblematic of that sprit. The dough is airy, the ingredients are fresh and local, and the environment is welcoming and sophisticated.
If you are planning your trip to Rome and want to stay in a neighbourhood full of restaurants and night-life we suggest either Monti or Trastevere. You can use our link below to book your stay and help support Roamantics so we can keep bringing you guides to even more amazing places.
If you like these travel tips for Rome, get access to our full Italy guide, including:
🛵 the quaint cobblestone streets of Florence,
🌄 the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast,
🏛️ the historic ruins of Rome,
🇮🇹 and the medieval villages of Tuscany
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