10 places in Roma
by Masha Ledina
Roma, Italy
founder of cooking school
Roma, Italy
founder of cooking school
1. Il Bar della Musa, a bar
The perfect spot for aperitivo, certo! Especially after a walk through Rome’s historic center (just next to the Spanish Steps!).
An elegant cocktail bar located in Palazzo Talìa, @palazzo.talia, lovingly restored to reflect the elegance of 16th-century Rome and transformed into a boutique hotel with modern charm. Still, the main stars here are every sip of the cocktails!
The bar is named after Thalia, the muse of comedy in ancient Greek mythology, and it’s to her that the signature cocktail menu is dedicated: 8 original creations, each referencing a Greek muse, plus the classics. For example, my favorite — Melpomene — is dramatic and refined, just like the muse of tragedy herself 🤌🏻: based on tequila and mezcal, with sage and lemon leaf powder.
Before 8:30 PM, you’ll also be served a set of Italian oysters (from Puglia, Sardinia, or Veneto), accompanied by a glass of Champagne, a gin and tonic, or a Martini.
So, whether you want to start or end your evening with a drop of Roman elegance — this is the perfect choice.
2. Girrarosto Fiorentino, a restaurant
Girarrosto Fiorentino is one of the oldest Tuscan restaurants in Rome, founded back in the 1930s. It was the first spot in the capital to showcase Tuscan cuisine in all its simple, meaty, aromatic glory. People came here for Florentine steak long before it became trendy!
On the menu, you’ll find the classics: bistecca alla fiorentina, beans with sage, pecorino with honey, pappardelle with game, and traditional Tuscan wines.
Girarrosto Fiorentino isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a piece of Tuscany in the heart of Rome, where time has truly stood still. Just look at the waiters: silver-haired gentlemen in crisp white jackets who still remember regular guests from the 1970s.
You might even meet the owner and soul of the place — Gianni, who opened Girarrosto back in 1961. In his three-piece suit and with a glass of Vin Santo in hand, he’s welcomed actors, ministers, poets, and gourmets alike.
3. Regoli Pasticceria, a bakery
A historic Roman pastry shop!
In the early 19th century, the Regoli family traded coal in Rome. Later, in the late 1800s, they opened their first bakery — which eventually became Pasticceria Regoli.
Here, century-old recipes meet uncompromising quality! Try the classic Roman maritozzo con la panna — a soft brioche filled with freshly whipped cream (possibly the best in Rome!); or the crostata di visciole — a Jewish tart with ricotta and sour cherries that gives it a truly unique flavor; or the bignè alla crema di zabaione — choux pastries filled with zabaglione cream.
And let yourself taste the true sweetness of Rome!
4. La Differenza, a gourmet shop (@ladifferenza.roma)
A gourmet shop founded by the Stramacconi family in 1958. It started as a simple grocery store but gradually transformed into a place where you can find unique delicacies from all over Italy!
Cheeses, salumi, pasta, olive oil, sott’oli (vegetables preserved in olive oil), and other specialties from small Italian producers.
At the bistro, during lunch and dinner, try the grilled artichoke with sheep’s cheese and licorice powder, or the roast beef with tonnato sauce and mustard. The beef tartare with Gorgonzola — I adore it!
The wine list features around 200 labels, including natural wines (!) from small producers across Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and Croatia. They pay special attention to vermouths, particularly the Italian Controcorrente!
5. SantoPalato, a trattoria (@santopalato.roma)
A modern Roman trattoria with soul and character. Founded in 2017 by chef Sarah Cicolini, who hails from Abruzzo — which is why many of the ingredients, especially the meat, come directly from her home region.
The menu changes daily, handwritten on a blackboard, and offers a mix of traditional dishes (like Carbonara — made with double egg yolk!, Amatriciana, Gricia) and creative twists — like the arancini with oxtail — absolutely fantastic!
6. Domenico dal 1968, a trattoria
A classic Roman trattoria that has been delighting guests for over half a century with traditional cuisine served in a warm, homey atmosphere. It’s located in Rome’s tranquil Appio Latino district — far from the tourist crowds!
The menu is a celebration of Roman culinary tradition, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Start with some antipasti: fried calamari and anchovies, or a vegetable frittata.
Ready for more? For your primo: spaghetti all’Amatriciana, tonnarelli with cheese, or homemade ravioli.
Feeling indulgent? For secondo: Roman-style tripe, the legendary coratella (sautéed lamb offal), or roast lamb with potatoes.
Dolce, and only after that, espresso and a digestivo — both absolutely essential.
A perfect spot for those who want to feast in the authentic atmosphere of a real Roman trattoria!
7. Zia Restaurant, a restaurant (@ziarestaurant)
Zia — a place for special occasions (and in Rome, that’s every day!) — proudly holds a Michelin star.
Still, the food here is anything but pretentious — it’s deeply sincere and soulful.
There’s a small à la carte menu featuring antipasti, various pastas, and main courses — or you can opt for the tasting menu with six or eight courses.
The menu changes with the seasons, but some of my all-time favorites (worth the trip from the Marche region to Rome!):
Sardinian fregola pasta with lobster and bergamot, lemon risotto with buffalo mozzarella, and a fantastic hare with juniper!
Booking ahead is recommended. No special dress code required — despite its Michelin star, Zia radiates warmth, honesty, and a genuine sense of care.
8. Da Etta, a restaurant (@etta.roma)
A new stylish and cozy restaurant right in the heart of Trastevere.
The name “Etta” is a typical Roman diminutive, giving the place a warm and welcoming, home-like feel. It’s also a nod to the legendary jazz singer Etta James, whose style inspired the interior design!
It’s a gastronomic journey from breakfast to dinner:
In the morning, you’ll be tempted by homemade cornetti (croissants) and maritozzi with cream and berries, made with sourdough under the guidance of pastry chef Selene Coppotelli.
At lunch, accompanied by a glass of wine (the wine list is impressive — over 2,200 labels!), enjoy a variety of panini, salads, cheeses, or charcuterie.
At dinner, indulge in modern Roman cuisine crafted by chef Flavio Amilcare: crispy, juicy carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style artichokes), oxtail in tomato sauce (my favorite!), or pasta with clams and bottarga (salted, cured mullet roe).
Be sure to book a table on the outdoor terrace!
9. La Gourmandise, an ice-cream shop
My favorite refined gelateria in the leafy Monteverde neighborhood — tucked away from the tourist crowds.
Owner and gelatiere Dario Benelli opened it back in 2010, and it quickly gained recognition: just a few years later, La Gourmandise was awarded three “waffle cones” — the highest honor! — by Gambero Rosso.
They use goat’s milk, which makes the gelato at La Gourmandise light but full of flavor!
The menu includes both classic and signature (even historical) creams: saffron with nuts, fior di latte with wild fennel, lemon with thyme, mint with lemon zest, and raspberry with rose water.
And of course, the philosophy: only cups, no cones — so nothing distracts you from the pure flavor of the gelato.
A perfect spot for true connoisseurs — a chance to savor authentic gelato in peace, far from the tourist noise
10. Mercato Trionfale
Mercato Trionfale is the largest covered market in Rome — and one of the biggest in all of Italy! Over 270 stalls are packed into a modern, spacious pavilion just a short walk from the Vatican. But behind its grand scale lies real
Roman life: nonnas from nearby streets (always with their grocery trolleys), local osteria chefs, neighborhood families — in other words, actual Romans come here to shop.
The market started out as a makeshift street setup back in the 1920s, and even though it’s moved indoors, it’s kept the spirit of old Rome — with shouting vendors, playful banter, and the smell of fresh coffee and just-baked pizza in the air. Everything here is fresh, lively, and authentic.
It’s the perfect spot to taste Rome like a local — not a tourist.
The perfect spot for aperitivo, certo! Especially after a walk through Rome’s historic center (just next to the Spanish Steps!).
An elegant cocktail bar located in Palazzo Talìa, @palazzo.talia, lovingly restored to reflect the elegance of 16th-century Rome and transformed into a boutique hotel with modern charm. Still, the main stars here are every sip of the cocktails!
The bar is named after Thalia, the muse of comedy in ancient Greek mythology, and it’s to her that the signature cocktail menu is dedicated: 8 original creations, each referencing a Greek muse, plus the classics. For example, my favorite — Melpomene — is dramatic and refined, just like the muse of tragedy herself 🤌🏻: based on tequila and mezcal, with sage and lemon leaf powder.
Before 8:30 PM, you’ll also be served a set of Italian oysters (from Puglia, Sardinia, or Veneto), accompanied by a glass of Champagne, a gin and tonic, or a Martini.
So, whether you want to start or end your evening with a drop of Roman elegance — this is the perfect choice.
2. Girrarosto Fiorentino, a restaurant
Girarrosto Fiorentino is one of the oldest Tuscan restaurants in Rome, founded back in the 1930s. It was the first spot in the capital to showcase Tuscan cuisine in all its simple, meaty, aromatic glory. People came here for Florentine steak long before it became trendy!
On the menu, you’ll find the classics: bistecca alla fiorentina, beans with sage, pecorino with honey, pappardelle with game, and traditional Tuscan wines.
Girarrosto Fiorentino isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a piece of Tuscany in the heart of Rome, where time has truly stood still. Just look at the waiters: silver-haired gentlemen in crisp white jackets who still remember regular guests from the 1970s.
You might even meet the owner and soul of the place — Gianni, who opened Girarrosto back in 1961. In his three-piece suit and with a glass of Vin Santo in hand, he’s welcomed actors, ministers, poets, and gourmets alike.
3. Regoli Pasticceria, a bakery
A historic Roman pastry shop!
In the early 19th century, the Regoli family traded coal in Rome. Later, in the late 1800s, they opened their first bakery — which eventually became Pasticceria Regoli.
Here, century-old recipes meet uncompromising quality! Try the classic Roman maritozzo con la panna — a soft brioche filled with freshly whipped cream (possibly the best in Rome!); or the crostata di visciole — a Jewish tart with ricotta and sour cherries that gives it a truly unique flavor; or the bignè alla crema di zabaione — choux pastries filled with zabaglione cream.
And let yourself taste the true sweetness of Rome!
4. La Differenza, a gourmet shop (@ladifferenza.roma)
A gourmet shop founded by the Stramacconi family in 1958. It started as a simple grocery store but gradually transformed into a place where you can find unique delicacies from all over Italy!
Cheeses, salumi, pasta, olive oil, sott’oli (vegetables preserved in olive oil), and other specialties from small Italian producers.
At the bistro, during lunch and dinner, try the grilled artichoke with sheep’s cheese and licorice powder, or the roast beef with tonnato sauce and mustard. The beef tartare with Gorgonzola — I adore it!
The wine list features around 200 labels, including natural wines (!) from small producers across Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and Croatia. They pay special attention to vermouths, particularly the Italian Controcorrente!
5. SantoPalato, a trattoria (@santopalato.roma)
A modern Roman trattoria with soul and character. Founded in 2017 by chef Sarah Cicolini, who hails from Abruzzo — which is why many of the ingredients, especially the meat, come directly from her home region.
The menu changes daily, handwritten on a blackboard, and offers a mix of traditional dishes (like Carbonara — made with double egg yolk!, Amatriciana, Gricia) and creative twists — like the arancini with oxtail — absolutely fantastic!
6. Domenico dal 1968, a trattoria
A classic Roman trattoria that has been delighting guests for over half a century with traditional cuisine served in a warm, homey atmosphere. It’s located in Rome’s tranquil Appio Latino district — far from the tourist crowds!
The menu is a celebration of Roman culinary tradition, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Start with some antipasti: fried calamari and anchovies, or a vegetable frittata.
Ready for more? For your primo: spaghetti all’Amatriciana, tonnarelli with cheese, or homemade ravioli.
Feeling indulgent? For secondo: Roman-style tripe, the legendary coratella (sautéed lamb offal), or roast lamb with potatoes.
Dolce, and only after that, espresso and a digestivo — both absolutely essential.
A perfect spot for those who want to feast in the authentic atmosphere of a real Roman trattoria!
7. Zia Restaurant, a restaurant (@ziarestaurant)
Zia — a place for special occasions (and in Rome, that’s every day!) — proudly holds a Michelin star.
Still, the food here is anything but pretentious — it’s deeply sincere and soulful.
There’s a small à la carte menu featuring antipasti, various pastas, and main courses — or you can opt for the tasting menu with six or eight courses.
The menu changes with the seasons, but some of my all-time favorites (worth the trip from the Marche region to Rome!):
Sardinian fregola pasta with lobster and bergamot, lemon risotto with buffalo mozzarella, and a fantastic hare with juniper!
Booking ahead is recommended. No special dress code required — despite its Michelin star, Zia radiates warmth, honesty, and a genuine sense of care.
8. Da Etta, a restaurant (@etta.roma)
A new stylish and cozy restaurant right in the heart of Trastevere.
The name “Etta” is a typical Roman diminutive, giving the place a warm and welcoming, home-like feel. It’s also a nod to the legendary jazz singer Etta James, whose style inspired the interior design!
It’s a gastronomic journey from breakfast to dinner:
In the morning, you’ll be tempted by homemade cornetti (croissants) and maritozzi with cream and berries, made with sourdough under the guidance of pastry chef Selene Coppotelli.
At lunch, accompanied by a glass of wine (the wine list is impressive — over 2,200 labels!), enjoy a variety of panini, salads, cheeses, or charcuterie.
At dinner, indulge in modern Roman cuisine crafted by chef Flavio Amilcare: crispy, juicy carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style artichokes), oxtail in tomato sauce (my favorite!), or pasta with clams and bottarga (salted, cured mullet roe).
Be sure to book a table on the outdoor terrace!
9. La Gourmandise, an ice-cream shop
My favorite refined gelateria in the leafy Monteverde neighborhood — tucked away from the tourist crowds.
Owner and gelatiere Dario Benelli opened it back in 2010, and it quickly gained recognition: just a few years later, La Gourmandise was awarded three “waffle cones” — the highest honor! — by Gambero Rosso.
They use goat’s milk, which makes the gelato at La Gourmandise light but full of flavor!
The menu includes both classic and signature (even historical) creams: saffron with nuts, fior di latte with wild fennel, lemon with thyme, mint with lemon zest, and raspberry with rose water.
And of course, the philosophy: only cups, no cones — so nothing distracts you from the pure flavor of the gelato.
A perfect spot for true connoisseurs — a chance to savor authentic gelato in peace, far from the tourist noise
10. Mercato Trionfale
Mercato Trionfale is the largest covered market in Rome — and one of the biggest in all of Italy! Over 270 stalls are packed into a modern, spacious pavilion just a short walk from the Vatican. But behind its grand scale lies real
Roman life: nonnas from nearby streets (always with their grocery trolleys), local osteria chefs, neighborhood families — in other words, actual Romans come here to shop.
The market started out as a makeshift street setup back in the 1920s, and even though it’s moved indoors, it’s kept the spirit of old Rome — with shouting vendors, playful banter, and the smell of fresh coffee and just-baked pizza in the air. Everything here is fresh, lively, and authentic.
It’s the perfect spot to taste Rome like a local — not a tourist.
YOU MIGHT LIKE