Eat and drink like a local: the best bars and cafés in Rome

To truly experience any city, it’s best done like a local. It’s not always possible to find the best places to eat and drink in a guidebook so word of mouth and tip-offs from those who know is key. Like any capital city, Rome can be a bit of a tourist trap and without knowing about the best spots, eating and drinking out can be quite a costly expense and in the worst case, a disappointment. The best bars and cafes in Rome aren’t often that far off the beaten track, but sometimes it takes a little to know them. From where to find the best espresso, to the best pizza you can’t fail with our best places to eat and drink your way around Rome. Antica Birreria Peroni Via di San Marcello, 19 If you want to expand your satisfy your Peroni cravings then this bar is the one for you. Antica Birreria Peroni has been the watering whole of Roman locals for over 100 years, so it’s safe to say there’s a reason why it’s been going so long. A simple bar-come-restaurant it's tucked away just off the busy Via del Corso shopping street, down a cobbled alley, so think authentic and traditional. Try their specialities that fill the bar; Peroni Gran Riserva, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Crystall Red - or even Fuller’s London Pride in case you get homesick. Il Goccetto Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14 Dubbed Rome’s best wine bar, this unassuming nook is where you want to go for a taste of Italy’s fine wines. Literally, a hole in the wall, it’s housed in one of Rome’s oldest buildings which dates back to 1527. Selling over 800 different wines, it’s impossible to try them all but you can have a good go at it! With walls stacked with bottles – much like a library with its books – it’s the perfect place to go and rest your feet after a day of sightseeing. You can choose from a selection of cold meats and cheeses to accompany your wine; a great aperitivo before dinner. Caffé Greco Via dei Condotti, 86 Italians don’t do things in halves when it comes to the hard stuff. Famous for their strong coffees, tasting a true Roman espresso is top of the list. Head to the Antico Caffé Greco on the prestigious shopping street Via dei Condotti, and experience a real Roman coffee. In one of the oldest coffee shops in Rome it’s considered a historic landmark as it opened in 1760. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities as it’s a hot spot for those in the know. Dar Poeta Vicolo del Bologna, 45/46 You might be sick of the sight of Pizza when leave Rome but you can’t go without having a seat at Dar Poeta first. Loved by locals, this Trastevere based pizzeria will whip up some of the most authentic flavours and serve up simple combinations that will leave you wanting more! From traditional tomato and mozzarella to Nutella calzone, there’s a range of options from sweet to savoury. Make sure you’ve got a big appetite because you’ll want to try it all. Gelateria Fatamorgana Via Roma Libera, 11 The USP of this ice-cream shop is that it’s all about the all-natural and no-additives. In a city that’s bursting with ice cream shops you want to get a good scoop. This chain of gelaterias can be found all around the city from near the Vatican to the Coliseum. Indulge in their hand-made combinations such as blueberry cheesecake, or even basil and black olives if you’re feeling adventurous. Ice-cream’s a great palate cleanser and with creamy options to light sorbets you’re bound to find something to suit your mood.

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Best Bars for Aperitivo in Rome

Forget your regular happy hours, here's where to enjoy aperitivo in Rome Aperitivo in Rome is a cultural pastime, with people all over the capital spilling out of offices and into trendy bars and restaurants. With affordably priced drinks and lush buffets piled high with Roman dishes, there's no end of places that put their own distinctive spin on aperitivo from jazzing things up with an extensive cocktail list or stepping up their recipe game. If you're travelling to the city, it's worth joining in the tradition at some of the best places for aperitivo in Rome below. Image via Freni e Frizoni Freni e Frizoni Converted from an old mechanic's garage, this effortlessly trendy aperitivo bar in the heart of the hip and happening Trastevere Neighbourhood. With a young eclectic crowd that spills out onto the piazza outside, it derives its name 'brakes and clutches' from its past life. Its team of mixologists make a mean cocktail and it has a large buffet serving up couscous, pizzas, bruschetta and vegetarian dishes. I wish mondays could always be like this.. #roma #rome #italy #italia #italygram #monday #mondays #drink #drinks #delicious #travelgram #travel #explore #traveler #travelingram #ig_daily #igtravel #ig_shotz #ig_europe #ig_italia #instapic A post shared by Irina Bykovskaya (@laitalianka) on Apr 3, 2017 at 10:11am PDT Salotto42 Specialising in aperitivo, Salotto42 is a great bar within throwing distance of the Piazza di Pietra. Founded by a Swedish supermodel, the entire space is filled with Swedish design touches and its shelves are stacked with curated art magazines and indie books, making it an Instagram goldmine for those looking for their next great shot. Curl up on one of its cosy couches with a sophisticated cocktail and blend in with its stylish clientele as the bar comes to life during aperitivo hour. While it's a little strapped for room, as the night draws on people spill onto the piazza with wine glasses and bar snacks in hand. Friday night. #photooftheday A post shared by Simone Bottaro (@simonebottaro) on Mar 24, 2017 at 4:43pm PDT Doppio Zeroo This welcoming bar and restaurant has a killer aperitivo offer for those on a budget - for just €10-12 you can snag yourself an alcoholic drink and pile your plate high at their all you can eat buffet. Think couscous, pasta, grilled vegetables and even a cheeky nutella pizza for dessert. Converted from an old bakery, it's a popular choice for locals and packs up quick so it's worth making a reservation if you don't want to hang around for half an hour. Image via Momart facebook Momart It's impossible not to fall in love with Momart's romantic design, from its moody dark flooring to its sprawling veranda, but particularly its aperitivo offering that starts from 6pm. People from all over Rome come here for its buffet which includes pizzas served fresh out of their wood fire ovens, pasta, salads and naturally its selection of alcoholic offerings. Popular with students from nearby universities, it generally caters to a younger crowd. I weekend sotto al portico di Piazza Augusto Imperatore sono i migliori della città. ____________________________________ #gustopizzeria #gustoristorante #gusto #piazzaaugustoimperatore #bestplacetogo #brunch #eatanddrink #rome #brunchinrome #romanity #italianrestaurant #italianfod #romefood #mangiarearoma #mangiareitaliano #loverome #centrostoricoroma #architecture #bestrestaurantinrome A post shared by Follow GUSTO_ROMA (@gusto_roma) on Feb 25, 2017 at 1:43am PST Gusto Gusto is all things to all people: a wine bar, a restaurant, a pizzeria, a bookshop and an awesome place for aperitivo. This trendy joint with its exposed brick walls and industrial details is always filled with customers and its unlimited aperitivo buffet is particularly high in demand, serving up pizzette, arancini and more. Affordably priced, there's also a great selection of cocktails and an extensive wine list to enjoy.
Megan Hills
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City Break: Long Weekend in Rome

Spending a long weekend in Rome? Make the most of your time with this quick guide to the Italian capital. Rome is a city that overflows with culture, with religious landmarks and artistic masterpieces on every corner. While this all sounds fantastic and is the stuff a culture vulture's dream vacation is made of, identifying the city's highlights and planning an itinerary for a long weekend in Rome is no small task. To make things easier, we've done the legwork for you below. Tonnarelli cacio e pepe #homemade #cacioepepe #cucinaitaliana #italianfood #primoitaliano #cucinaresano #sundaydinner #sundaymood #cooking #primiromani #pecorinoromano #tonnarelli #tonnarellicacioepepe #romefood #italianfood #italianstyle #foodporn #foodblogger #yummyfood #delicious #ciboitaliano A post shared by @lacucinaconamore on Mar 19, 2017 at 1:59pm PDT What to Eat When in Rome, do as the Romans do and indulge yourself in carbs. Unsurprisingly, homemade pastas are the name of the game in the Italian capital and carbonara is a must in the birthplace of the recipe. For simple comforts, try Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (a peppery cheesy pasta) or Bucatini all’Amatriciana, a meaty, tomato-based dish using hollow pasta strings called bucatini. Fried appetizers such as artichokes, suppli and zucchini flowers are a great way to kick off a meal and if you're feeling adventurous, try a quinto quarto dish comprised of offal. Don't forget to bookmark our guide to Top 10 Rome Foods you must try when visiting the capital! Where to Go The Vatican City Regardless of your religious background, the Rome's holy city within a city never fails to amaze with its stunning architecture and range of Renaissance art. Filled with churches and museums, it's worth braving the hordes of tourists to see Michelangelo's breathtaking frescos across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and find Botticelli's masterpieces scattered across the Vatican Museums. After that, venture to St Peter's Basilica and climb its intricate spire for a view over the city and see the papal throne at the Basilica of St John Lateran. For a glimpse of the Pope on Sunday, arrive early at St Peter's Square to see him read the Angelus prayer from his window. Things to See Colosseum Named for the gigantic statue of Emperor Nero that once stood nearby, this gigantic Roman stadium is a legacy of the capital's ancient past. Where gladiators and bloodthirsty spectators once roamed within its walls, tourists can now discover the history of its entertainment and see the remains of its glorious architecture. ☀️🇮🇹 #Rome #pretty #trevifountain A post shared by Fran Howes☀️ (@frannhowes) on Mar 22, 2017 at 12:12am PDT Trevi Fountain Sometimes the best tourist sites in life are free and the grand Trevi Fountain is one of them, with images of its pristine white marble sculptures and coin-filled waters featuring in every guide book. Participate in a Roman tradition by turning your back to the fountain and tossing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand - it's said that this will ensure you'll return to Rome in the future. Roman Forum Featured in blockbuster movies such as The Talented Mr. Ripley, the once great Roman Forum now stands in ruins and serves as a popular tourist highlight. Located in Capitoline Hills, once you've basked in the remains of its tall columns and massive expanse, it's worth heading over to the Capitoline Museums to see the legacy of ancient Roman art. Vittorio Emanuele II National Museum Rome, Italy #rome #museum #italy #backpacker #backpacking #travel #traveller #travelling A post shared by TK (@tk085) on Nov 26, 2015 at 10:45am PST National Museum of Rome Spread across four separate buildings, the National Museum of Rome encompasses the history of Rome's architectural contributions, artistic past and evolution of culture. While the widespread nature of the collection makes seeing all of it a frustrating task, those short on time should prioritise seeing the darling of the museum, the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, which boasts a superb range of ancient Roman art.
Megan Hills
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Top Five Places to Picnic in Rome

Now that it’s hotting up, Rome is one of the most picture-perfect places to have a picnic and to indulge in the food the country’s famous for. From stone-baked pizzas, fresh buffalo mozzarella, to deep red tomatoes and arancini rice balls, Rome is the best place for finger food! To make the most of the weather and to see some of the best cityscapes Rome has to offer, we put our heads together to come up with our five favorite picnic spots from the lush and verdant parks, to the banks of the River Tiber. 1. Isola Tiberina 2. Villa Borghese 3. Monte Gianicolo 4. Gardens around the Catacombs of San Callisto Slightly outside Rome are the ancient Catacombs of San Callisto, which are worth a visit regardless with your Roma Pass. These Ancient Roman are the largest in Rome with over 20km of tunnels underground and are a fascinating insight into Rome’s important archaeology. But above ground is the Appia Antica which now considered is a large heritage park along Rome’s oldest roads – so there are plenty of ruins to marvel at. Take shelter and unroll your picnic mat under the natural Cyprus and palm trees – you'll completely forget that you’re in Rome! 5. Campo di Fiori As one of the original food and flower markets in Rome, Campo di Fiori is a chaotic and sometimes overwhelming experience, but worth it to see local vendors in action, true Roman dialect and of course to sample fresh produce. For anyone who wants supplies for an all-authentic Roman picnic, start at Campo di Fiori and you won’t regret it. With a range of stalls selling olives, cheeses, and fruit and vegetables stock up while you can and stop off at one of the local wine shops for something to wash it down with. Buon appetito! Consider picking up an Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass, and make the most of your very own Roman Holiday with all the best sights of the in one package. It even includes a travelcard so you can move around Rome with ease.
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