Rome-ing Around Italy
Rome-Ing Around Italy
Hi, Friends!
Courtney, here. Yes, I am still alive, and contrary to what my Instagram account may depict, I have not traded in my day job to become a world traveler….yet! It has been too long since we’ve had a chance to catch up. Between work ( yes, that day job pays the bills!) and my travel schedule, I haven’t had much time to share what’s been going on. Just in the last couple of months, I’ve attained a new airline status with my travels to Italy, Switzerland, and Singapore, and I was interviewed by Robb Report about luxury in Nashville (you can read the article HERE.) While I may not be as active on my blog or social media as I’m used to, don’t worry, I’m still scouting out some of the best places for you to visit!
As the holidays creep closer and our thoughts turn to 2023, it’s the perfect time to start thinking ahead to the adventures that await. One place that I find is often on a “must-visit” list is Italy. Don’t let the fact that Rome is one of the most popular places to visit in Italy deter you from visiting. Aside from the mix of ancient ruins, incredible museums, and mouthwatering food and wine, Italy is like any other place. Joking aside, I spent seven days exploring Rome. Those days were filled with eating Roman cuisine, marveling at Michelangelo’s artwork, indulging in afternoon cappuccinos, and wandering through the cobblestone streets, and there are still things that I didn’t have a chance to see.
In this post, I will share with you all the places I fell in love with in Rome. Trust me, after you read this, you will check flights and ask for PTO.
Travel Accommodations
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel
P.za della Repubblica, 48, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Website and Instagram
I’ve never been a person that feels like a hotel will make or break my trip. It’s a place to rest my head after I’ve spent the day exploring. I prefer to spend my money on experiences, shopping, or dining. However, I may change my mind after staying at the Anantara Pallazzo Naiadi Hotel in Rome. What an absolute dream. Facing the Piazza della Repubblica, the Anantara offers guests a unique experience. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your hotel to see ancient Roman ruins as the hotel is suspended over the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian. Guests can walk downstairs, peer through the glass, and take a trip back in time.
Let’s talk amenities. Centrally located, guests have Fori Imperiali, Via Veneto, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps, all within walking distance. The hotel offers a fantastic breakfast spread if you are looking for a bit of fuel before you start exploring. If cocktails are more your thing, never fear; the hotel bar is quite dreamy, and they make a hell of a Hugo Spritz. Even though the spa is undergoing renovations, it didn’t stop me from having an incredible massage during my stay.
If you’re looking for a hotel, I’d highly recommend adding the Anantara to your Rome itinerary.
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi | Soaking Up The Views From Our Balcony
Restaurants
Tonnarello
Via della Paglia, 1/2/3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Website and Instagram
After my flight landed, the first thing I wanted to do was ditch my luggage, grab a Campari Soda and feed my face with all the pasta. And that's exactly what I did. We headed to the Trastevere, stopped by Bar San Calisto for a quick drink, and then meandered over to the one and only Tonnarello. This restaurant was highly recommended by several of my friends, and it did not disappoint. If there was anything I learned on this trip, it's that all good restaurants come in a queue. And the length of the line definitely indicates how great the food is. By Italian standards, we arrived for dinner rather on the early side, maybe 7:00 PM? There was already a queue of hungry patrons, roughly 20 deep, waiting for a table. Even though I was starving and craving all the pasta, it didn't deter me. After chatting with a few fellow patrons, we realized we were at the front of the line. So, don't let the queue length deter you from enjoying delicious cuisine!
The energy inside the restaurant was contagious. Guests were laughing while twirling their pasta while the staff was bustling around, tending to each table as if it was the only table they had that evening. At the recommendation of the table beside us and our server, we ordered both the Cacio e Pepe and the Carbonara, which they are known for. You can see below how generous the amounts are. We barely made a dent!
If you find yourself in the Trastevere neighborhood, Tonnarello is a wonderful option for dinner. Their prices are incredibly affordable, they have a great wine list, and their staff is very attentive. I'd recommend this restaurant for solo travelers, groups, and even families, as it reminds me of having dinner at a family or friend's home.
Tonnarello | Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara
Osteria Barberini
Via della Purificazione, 21, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Website and Instagram
Just steps away from Piazza Barberini, you will find one of the most incredible restaurants in Rome. It’s not Michelin star rated, and you won’t find it on the World’s 50 Best Restaurant list, but the food served is unparalleled to anything else I enjoyed in Rome. Welcome to Osteria Barberini. I stumbled upon this restaurant back in 2016 during my first trip to Rome. I think I googled “best truffle restaurants in Rome,” and Osteria Barberini was at the top of the search. After an extraordinary dining experience in 2016, it was at the top of my list for this trip. Simply put, this restaurant is like heaven for a truffle enthusiast. By now, you all know that I never like to repeat a restaurant and have only made a few exceptions ( ahem, Kasama). In fact, our meal was so phenomenal ( the truffle risotto truly needs a moment) that we popped back by for lunch a few days later.
Osteria Barberini is a quaint neighborhood restaurant and if you don’t have reservations for dinner, forget about it. I emailed roughly two months in advance seeking a reservation, and even then, only a few time slots were available.
Pro-Tip: As soon as you know you are going to Rome, send the restaurant an email and find out what tables are available. While tables outside are lovely, weather permitting, I’d recommend sitting inside so you can truly immerse yourself and enjoy all the aromas from the kitchen. Here are a few can’t miss dishes that need to be on your radar: Carnaroli Risotto with White Truffle Cream and Fresh Truffle, Ravioli stuffed with Ricotta Cheese and Truffle, topped with Truffle Cream and Fresh Truffle, Foccacia topped with Cheese and Fresh Truffle and for dessert Black Chocolate Cake with Ricotta Cheese and Pears.
Osteria Barberini | Carnaroli Risotto with White Truffle Cream and Fresh Truffle
Osteria Barberini | One Happy Truffle Lover!
Osteria Barberini | Foccacia topped with Cheese and Fresh Truffle
Osteria Barberini | Ravioli stuffed with Ricotta Cheese and Truffle, topped with Truffle Cream and Fresh Truffle
Regoli Pasticceria
Via dello Statuto, 60, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Website
What can I say? I’ve never met a pastry that I didn’t like. Founded in 1916, Regoli Pasticceria is the quintessential Roman pastry shop managed by the Regoli family. While it is modest in size (it has been around for over a century), it’s here where tradition meets passion, and guests can find some of the most classic Italian desserts around. If you are looking for Maritozzi, which was why I went, make sure you arrive early. The family prepares a limited number of these daily, and they sell out quite quickly. However, don’t be disappointed if you miss out. There are so many other incredible options available. <Scroll down> Clearly, I didn’t have an issue finding an alternative.
As with any great establishment, be prepared to wait in a queue, although it moved quickly. Whatever you do, get your hands dirty and enjoy those messy, delicious pastries!
Regoli Pasticceria | Assorted Pasteries
Pizzeria da Baffetto
Via del Governo Vecchio, 114, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Website
Located near Piazza Navona, Pizzeria da Baffetto is where locals and tourists alike line up for authentic thin-crust Roman-style pizza. I can safely say that I’ve never had anything like this. It arrived uncut, but that did not stop me from devouring this deliciousness and topped with an egg. Typically, when pizza is topped with an egg, the yolk is runny and spread atop the pizza. However, I found it interesting that this yolk was almost completely cooked. No yolk porn here! While this may be an unpopular opinion, I much preferred this over Bonci Pizzarium. (Don’t get me wrong, both have wonderful pizza, but I am more of a thin-crust kind of gal). I felt like one of the locals enjoying a carafe of wine and indulging in some fantastic pizza—a great addition to your Rome itinerary.
Pizzeria de Baffetto | Pizza Capricciosa- Tomato + Mozzarella + Mushrooms + Egg+ Sausage + Artichoke
The Court Rooftop Bar. Palazzo Manfredi
Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Website and Instagram
Let’s be honest; it’s hard not to have a good time in Rome. After all, it’s ROME! Reflecting on my trip, one of my most incredible experiences was during my visit to the Court Rooftop Bar. One of the bloggers I follow, Blonde Atlas, shared this during her travels, and I immediately added it to my itinerary. First things first, MAKE A RESERVATION. There are only so many seats with this incredible view of the Colosseum, so many sure you have one of them! You can stare at a bar anytime in your hometown, don’t do that here!
Make a reservation early in the evening to watch the sunset. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Our reservation was at 6:00 pm, and the restaurant allowed guests to occupy the table for two hours.
Let’s talk cocktails. This isn’t the time to order a basic glass of wine or champagne. Trust me; there’s nothing wrong with that. However, the mixologists here have constructed some magical cocktails. My favorite was the Truffold Frashioned. An imaginative twist on an Old Fashioned, this cocktail included brandy, truffle honey, dark chocolate bitters, and even had a slice of truffle on top. One sip and I absolutely died… and then sent a video to all of my bourbon friends. This is also an incredible place for aperitivo as they are pretty generous with their snacks, including hummus and focaccia bread topped with truffles, chips, and olives. You don’t need dinner afterward unless you need a snack.
View From The Court Rooftop Bar. Palazzo Manfredi
The Court Rooftop Bar. Palazzo Manfredi
The Court Rooftop Bar. Palazzo Manfredi
Cielo Terrace
Via Sistina, 69, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Website and Instagram
Who doesn’t love a good rooftop bar? Add sweeping city views and incredible cocktails, and you’ve got yourself a hit! Cielo Terrace is located on top of the Hotel de la Ville, not far from the Trevi Fountain. Don’t worry, though; it’s not filled with tourists.
Cielo Terrace is the perfect place for relaxing and partaking in the Italian tradition of aperitivo. Choose your favorite cocktail or wine, enjoy the music ( they have a DJ spinning from time to time) and soak up the views of the Eternal City’s historic skyline.
Pro-Tip: This is one of the hottest rooftops in Rome. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Cielo Terrace | Thinking To Myself, Do I Have To Go Back To Work?
Sant' Eustachio Il Caffè
Piazza di S. Eustachio, 82, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Website and Instagram
If you are going to walk miles and miles through the cobblestones streets of Italy, there's one critical thing you need to make it through the day… caffeine! There's no better place to get caffeinated than Sant' Eustachio Il Caffè, located near the Pantheon. Talk about a powerful cappuccino… I enjoyed one inside the restaurant with one of their flaky pastries and then grabbed one to go. It was perfect!
Pro-Tip: If you plan on stopping by when they open, allow plenty of time. Even though the sign states that they open at 7:30 AM, they operate on their own time. We arrived a few minutes before they opened, hoping to grab a drink before our train to Florence. We waited until 7:45 AM, and they were still putting tables and chairs outside and not allowing guests indoors.
Sant' Eustachio Il Caffè | Cappuccino + Espresso
Bonci Pizzarium
Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
Website and Instagram
Netflix made me do it.
When I saw Chef's Table Pizza come out, and one of the chefs featured, Gabriele Bonci, was located in Rome, I made it my mission to try his famous Roman-style pizza. Knowing that tourists and food enthusiasts would likely be flocking to the restaurant, I tried to plan my visit strategically. Here are a few key things you need to know before you go.
Location, Location, Location! Bonci Pizzarium is located approximately 2 km from the Vatican. If you have a tour planned, this would be an excellent place to stop for a bite.
Take a number! Once you arrive at the restaurant, make your way through the sea of people and grab a number. This is the key to successfully entering the restaurant and ordering. No number, no pizza for you!
Sneak a Peek! The menu changes quite often at Bonci Pizzarium. Wiggle your way through the crowd and get a peek at what pies are behind the glass. There were so many options I needed to figure out where to start.
Seating: Here's the kicker… there's no indoor seating at the restaurant. There are roughly 5-10 high-top tables outside where guests can stand and enjoy their pizza. So don't linger too long! Since there aren't many restaurant amenities, I'd recommend grabbing plenty of napkins( no, I didn't find any plastic cutlery) and having some hand sanitizer available. You'll be all set.
I brought my a-game appetitive and genuinely enjoyed all the pizza you see below.
Bonci Pizzarium | Assorted Slices
Are you ready to book your flights? I told you!
There’s no shortage of things to fill your time in Rome. Maybe you are there to learn more about the history and visit museums, churches, and monuments, or perhaps you’re there as a food enthusiast taking a gastronomic tour of Rome. Regardless of what brings you to the city, soak up as much as possible and enjoy absolutely every single moment.
Until Next Time!