By Mallory Ferland
The Roman Colosseum
Italy is one of the major culinary centers of the world, with each region boasting a unique set of flavors, techniques and ingredients. As the capital city of Italy, Rome is home to some of the best Roman, as well as outer regional-influenced restaurants. Though there undoubtedly are no "bad" places to eat in Rome, there are better and even best places to dine in virtually every category.
Roman Cuisine: Antica Pesa
The antique Roman-themed cuisine at Antica Pesa originated in the way all great cuisines originate, from the need to create something from little. The menu at Antica Pesa aims to keep the historical Roman culinary tradition alive while incorporating modern influences and trends. The pasta menu at Antica is among the best in Rome, including popular dishes such as Spaghetti cacio e pepe (spghetti with cheese and pepper), Cannolicchi al pomodoro con mozzarella fusa, melanzane fritte ed olio al basilico (razor clams, tomatoes, mozzarella, fried eggplant and basil oil), Lasagnette ai fiori di zucca con mozzarella ed acciughe (lasagne with zucchini flowers, mozzarella and anchovies), and Risotto al caciofiore con goccie di miele e fiori selvatici (risotto with caciofiore cheese, honey, and wildflowers).
L'Antica Pesa
Via Garibaldi 18
Rome
Italy
(011) +39 06 5809236
anticapesa.it
Gelato: San Crispino
Gelaterias (ice cream shops) are perhaps the most frequently occurring businesses on the streets of Rome. They come packed in two or even three per avenue and alley. How does one choose? The rule of thumb when eating gelato in Rome is to remember that if it is unnaturally colored, or piled up in a mound; stay away from it. Following such rules, your choices narrow significantly to but a few, and at the top is the internationally acclaimed Gelateria San Crispino which has been named best Gelateria in Rome by the New York Times and Gourmet Magazine. San Crispino now maintains four locations throughout Rome, serving gelato of the highest quality found in the city. San Crispino gelato contains no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors or emulsifiers. Only fresh seasonal ingredients are used to produce traditional as well as innovative flavors such as honey meringue, walnut and dried fig, zabaione, pear and honey, and soft ricotta.
Roma Appio-San Giovanni
Via Acaia 56
Roma Centro Storico-Fontana di Trevi
Via della Panetteria 42
Lunghezza -- C.C. RomaEst
Via Collatina
Roma Centro Storico-Pantheon
Piazza della Maddalena, 3
ilgelatodisancrispino.it
Pizza: Le Montecarlo
Pizza is among one of the most internationally loved dishes in the world; and Italy is the mother of origin of the world famous pie. Montcarlo is the place to go for traditional Roman pizza in a fun boisterous atmosphere. Roman pizzas come piled high with ingredients including mushrooms, anchovies, cipolla, pepperoni and prosciutto all melted together with mozzarella and Parmesan. Le Montecarlo offers plenty of local wines as well as live musical, theater and poetry entertainment. Vicolo Savelli, 13
Rome
Italy
(011) +39 06 6861877
sevoinapizzadillo.com
Fine Dining: La Pergola
As a capital city, there are many fine dining establishments situated in and around Rome. La Pergola, a three Michelin star restaurant is among the top leaders in the Roman haute cuisine with an international and famous clientele. The ambiance and décor of the restaurant parallels the menu with elegance. Courses include baked lobster, lamb with artichokes and sweetbread, venison in an almond and cocoa bean crust, lemon risotto with scampi and caviar, gourmet pasta dishes, a full dessert menu, and a stunning cocktail bar. The nine-course tasting menu runs at 198,00 euros per person.
La Pergola
Via A. Cadlolo, 101
Rome
Italy
(011) +39 06 3509 2152
heinzbeck.com
Resources
About the Author:
Mallory Ferland has been writing professionally since her start in 2009 as an editorial assistant for Idaho-based Premier Publishing. Her writing and photography have appeared in "Idaho Cuisine" magazine, "Spokane Sizzle" and various online publications. She graduated from Gonzaga University in 2009 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and French language and now writes, photographs and teaches English in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Photo Credits:
colosseum, rome image by maya from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
