Matricianella
Old-school Roman trattoria near the Spanish Steps serving textbook cacio e pepe and carbonara. The waiters have been here for decades, and the vibe is delightfully stuck in time. Book ahead — it's deservedly popular.
È Passata la Moretta
A cozy wine bar in Trastevere with natural wines and simple, perfect snacks. The cheese and salumi boards are well-sourced, and the staff knows their bottles. An excellent start to any Roman evening.
Drink Kong
A futuristic cocktail bar from legendary bartender Patrick Pistolesi. The interior is Blade Runner-meets-Tokyo, and the drinks are some of Rome's most inventive. Expect theater, precision, and pure fun.
Capo Boi
A Sardinian seafood spot near Termini with fresh catches and island recipes. The bottarga pasta is intensely flavored, and the whole grilled fish is pristine. A taste of the islands without leaving the city.