Eating, Drinking, and Sleeping in Rome

[Velimira Velikova]

The historical and imperial Rome unfolds around the Roman Forum and the world’s largest amphitheater, theColosseum, where gladiators sacrificed their lives for the emperor’s favor and the bloodthirsty spectators delight. The archaeological interest of Rome lies buried in the catacombs along the Via Appia Antica and the abundant life is hidden behind the villa-facades of Villa Borghese.

But where the modern, jazzy Rome with bohemian bars is hidden? Read our guide to Rome‘s buzzing life.

Accommodation in Rome

#1. A Beautiful Villa near Rome with a wonderful landscape, sleeps 5, 1 week for €400

Not too far from the Ancient Rome there is Marino, a town full of vineyards and famous in alla the world for his wine. In the center of town you can find the best restaurants and you can walk throughout the attractive road of it.

#2. Nice flat near Saint Peter, Vatican and Campo de Fiori, sleeps 4, 1 week for €600

The flat is wonderfully located in historical centre of Romevery near to S. Peter Square. From here you will easily reach Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican, Campo de ‘Fiori, the Pantheon, Navona Square, Spagna Steps and Piazza del Popolo and many other places of historic and artistic interest are easily accessible to walk, but for those who do not wish to visit the city on foot, excellent transport to the city centre.

#3. Trastevere – Cipresso, sleeps 2, 1 week for €603

Historical apartment block “Trastevere – Cipresso”, from the 18th century, renovated in 2009. In the district of Trastevere, in the centre of Rome, in a central, busy position, in the heart of the town.

#4. Trastevere romantico, sleeps 2, 1 week for €680

This studio flat mirrors the district of Trastevere in which it is located: charming, intimate and full of character. Part of a 16th century building overlooking a peaceful courtyard, it is a tranquil refuge in the heart of Rome. Its rich character is highlighted by original elements like handmade brickwork, a 7th century door, and the floor, which was once that of a 5th century Romanesque church.

The district is known for its old alleyways, buildings and squares, and many popular restaurants and cafés.Campo de’ Fiori and its famous flower market is within easy reach across the Tiber.

#5. 2 bedroom apartment in Roma, sleeps 4, 1 week for €779

“Il Villino” is a 3-room apartment with an exit to a lovely terrace, authentic terracotta flooring and marble mosaic. Situated on the outskirts of Rome, in peaceful residential area, well connected with the Vatican City andTrastevere.

In easy reach are also Cerveteri (Etrurian ruins), Montefiscone (wine), Calcata and the medieval hamlet with craftsman shops, Civita di bagnoreggio and Civita Castellana with its famous ceramics and Isola farnese. And you feel like real ‘Dolce Vita’ experience, a personal chef is available on request.

Best Trattorias in Rome

Carbonara at tables with red checkered tablecloths and veal casserole in noisy company of local Italians. Here are Rome’s five best trattorias. 

#1. Pecorino – Roman food like in the old days, Via Galvani 64, Rome 00...

‘Pecorino‘ owner and chef, Alfredo, is one of Rome’s most skilful cooks. At his trattoria you can enjoy cucina romana – authentic Roman food – just like in the old days. The items on the menu are priced above average, but affordable and really worth it. You can always get the best of the season – if visiting in the spring, the world’s best artichokes! And the clientele represent the finely Testaccio neighborhood’s colorful inhabitants. After dinner, take a walk around the area – Pecorino is literally in the middle of exciting Roman ruins. Enjoy a drink amongst old amphorae, in the basement of neighboring On-the-Rox bar.

#2. Matricianella – 400 different wines, Via del Leone 4, [phone]

Just behind the Parliament, on a small side street, is located Matricianella – a light in the tunnel of tourist traps and bars with overpriced sandwiches. They have traditional Italian dishes on the menu and not fewer than 400 different wines. The owner, Giacomo, has a great passion for wine and is a trained sommelier. Try the daily menu, which consists of a choice of three appetizers and three main courses, each combined with a suitable glass of local wine. Their porcini e chicory, fettuccine with mushrooms and chicory and abbacchio al forno, are top class.

#3. Augusto – Charming soup bar, Piazza de ‘Renzi 15, [phone]

If you are lucky enough to get a table at Piazza de ‘Renzi 15, you can expect to even set the table yourself. This charming trattoria is almost a soup bar, but a very good one – it is is always noisy and bustles with locals. The menu is always the same: soup of the day (try the Pasta e Lenticchie or Pasta e ceci soup) and three kinds of pasta. Main courses are mostly meat dishes, such as pollo alla cacciatora (chicken with rosemary) andspezzatino (veal casserole). Good pastries for dessert and reasonable prices.

#5. Since oio A Casa Mia – Little restaurant with huge menu, Via Galvan...

Small and colorful Italian restaurant with surprisingly pleasant prices and just a minute walk from Rome’s Testaccio food market. The menu ranges from the simple spaghetti alla carbonara to the the very distinctiveRigatoni with intestinal meat, to the delicate, rosemary chicken with white wine and stracetti – sautéed, paper-thin slices of meat served with wild rocket.

Bars in Rome

Drink cocktails with Rome’s jet set and culture of radical or enjoy it in a bar with pool parties and views of Rome. Here are Rome’s best bars.

#1. Enoteca Ferrara – The wine bar of the cultural radicals, Via del Mo...

Ristorante-enoteca-winebar with beautiful and stylish interior, which boasts over 1,000 different wines and a wonderful park. Enjoy a glass of wine together with the 30-50 year old fashionable academics, politicians, diplomats, people from the showbiz, journalists, writers and others, from the category ‘the radical chic’ are served big platters with small appetizers.

#2. Shari Vari – Where Rome’s jet set comes, Via di Torre Argentina 78,...

The two kings of nightlife in Rome, Gigi and Tony, took over an old club, called the Supper Club, changed its name to Shari Vari and turned it into a a great hit in the buzzing city. This is where Rome’s jet set arrive foraperitivo in the evening, eat dinner at 20.00 (traditional Italian cuisine with a twist) and take over the dance floor around 23.30.

#3. Fluid – Cocktails in Rome, Via del Governo Vecchio 46-47, + 39 06 6...

Streamline bar and club with guest DJs, plasma screens and an interior that demands that guests are inventive in front of the mirror at home. Cocktails shaken with a sure hand and served effectively.

#4. Zest bar – Pool Party in Rome, Via F Turati 171

The view of Rome’s Termini district from the 7th floor is simply dazzling. The minimalist designer hotel’s roof terrace with a pool bar, tempts real A-list celebrities, wannabees, sugar daddies and bambini. Make sure you don’t go there in slippers.