Dining and Drinking

There is a wide, varied selection as far as gastronomy is concerned in Rome; choices range from exclusive high-level cuisine, developed by some of the most famous chefs on the international scene to traditional, hearty Romanesca fare in all its manifold variations; from Jewish cuisine and testaccina recipes to the specialties of Lazio and ethnic dishes, which can be sampled in the plethora of restaurants that offer delights from all over the world.

The only way to really understand the heart and soul of Rome is by tasting its culinary splendors in a popular restaurant, this allows you to steep yourself in Roman culture while you discover the tastes and flavors of traditional cooking through the ages.

Delicious Roman cuisine stems from a time when people were unable to afford a meal made with meat, and therefore had to use offal, which at that time was considered less "prestigious" but definitely more affordable. Over the centuries, traditional dishes like coda alla vaccinara (oxtail cooked with wine, tomatoes and peppers), la pajata, (veal's offal cooked in a tomato sauce), l'abbacchio alla scottadito and la trippa alla romana (tripe), have come to be considered as delicacies and are eaten by even the most refined palates.

Centro Storico (Historic Center)

If in search of high-class food, Rome offers a great choice of quality restaurants. There are elegant places in the more exclusive hotels, such as La Pergola dell'Hotel Hilton, the Terrazza dell'Hotel Eden or La Veranda dell'Hotel Majestic. You can also try the delights of creative haute cuisine at restaurants such as Quinzi & Gabrieli, Alberto Ciarla, and Le Sans Souci. Tucked away down a small alley, the exclusive Il Convivio Troiani can be hard to fine, but if you are looking for Italian alta cucina this is your place. Agata e Romeo have offered family run fine dining for three generations. Romeo is an expert sommelier and the restaurant has over 1500 labels in its cellar. Romolo nel Giardino della Fornarina in Trastevere is the perfect setting for a romantic evening; dine outside in the low-lit courtyard where Raphael is said to have courted his lady La Fornarina. Nino is a cozy option, offering classic Roman and Tuscan cuisine in a warm environment. Or, if you are looking for pizza in the center, try Da Baffetto, which has been serving up some of best around since the 1960s.

Inspired by the popular film Babette's Feast, Ristorante Babette has the feel of a 1920s French bistro. Gusto 28 also has a chic early 20th-century feel, and is especially known for its seafood dishes and variety of vegetarian plates. Ancient meets modern at L'Acino Brillo, where creative cuisine and contemporary decor blend delightfully in this hip restaurant and wine bar.

Rosati is also in the center and offers great views with their coffee. A celebrity hot spot during the 1960s and 1970s, they also have a dining room if your espresso leaves you wanting more. Obika off Piazza Navona offers something unique yet still veramente italiano - a fresh mozzarella bar. A number of varieties of one of Italy's most famous cheeses are served here, accompanied by a nice selection of meats, vegetables and sauces.

A relaxing way to enjoy a snack or evening coffee is at one of Rome's many cafés, usually serving coffee, gelato, panini and snacks. The elegant Ciampini is located atop the Spanish Steps, and offers amazing views of the city. The famed Antico Caffè Greco is one of Rome's oldest (open since the 1760), and is definitely one of its most exclusive.

Trastevere

Pizzerias and trattorie are definitely the most popular places to dine in Rome: informal, economical and with speedy service, they are home to pizza alla romana, pizzas with a thin crust and a crispy edge, as opposed to the soft raised crusts of the Neapolitan pizza; however, if you are craving a taste of bella Napoli, you can't do any better than Da Vittorio. You will find pizzerias in every corner of the city, but Trastevere offers an especially wide choice of pizza restaurants with wood fueled ovens (these give the pizza a more intense flavor). Panattoni, Ivo, Dar Poeta, Roma Sparita, Arco di San Calisto, are just some of the places from a wide selection of high quality pizza parlors. Remo, in the heart of Testaccio, offers outdoor seating and hip younger crowd. In addition to pizza, don't miss other delicious Roman offerings found at pizzerie and trattorie, such as Supplì al telefono, fried rice balls filled with mozzarella, potato croquettes, fried cod fillets, fried pumpkin flowers, and bruschette, (slices of toasted bread with tomato or oil and garlic).

Termini

Est! Est!! Est!!! has been around since the early 1900s, and serves thick-crusted pan pizzas as opposed to traditional Roman thin crusted pies. This is a great option if you are in the center of the city and don't feel like heading over to the many pizzerie over in the Trastevere.

Vaticano

For gelato, Gelateria Pellacchia in the historical center offers some of Rome's best, as well as coffees and panini.

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