When in Rome … do as the Romans do. Okay, so it’s a tired cliché. Truth be told, however, this sentiment lies at the heart of the discerning traveller’s approach to any city. It’s the recognition that in order to truly experience a place you have to enjoy your time in the places where locals spend theirs. And, by extension, avoid the traps bursting with your foreign cohorts. Anyone who’s been to a city as popular with tourists as Rome will know that such a plan is much easier conceived than carried out. Not least, for those of us who aren’t blessed with the local language. Luckily for you, we’ve uncovered five of Rome’s lesser-known treasures. By all means share these with your friends. But make sure they don’t tell anyone else.
Sforno for pizza
Snooty Italian pizza-aficionados may tell you that the only pizza worth eating is one found in Naples. Don’t listen. After all, any pizza that passes your lips in Rome will be, in more than one sense of the phrase, a world away from the frozen monstrosity you bought at the supermarket last week. Their advice is worth heeding however, when they tell you Sforno currently produces the best pizza in all of Rome. Book and get ahead of the stampede of local feet. Once you’ve made the effort to travel to the Tuscalona district, from where this gem of a restaurant hails, order the famous fritti to start and the legendary Cacio e Pepe pizza.
Freni e Frizioni for mojitos
If you’re looking to party with the young, beautiful and trend-setting crowd then you’ll need to head to the once gritty neighbourhood of Trastevere. Among the many cool bars and restaurants to be found here is Freni e Frizioni. Translated as Brakes and Clutches, the naming of this hip bar is a clear tribute to its former use as a garage. Rev up your night with some expertly mixed mojitos while keeping fuel in the tank with some of the excellent buffet offerings.
Fraschetteria Brunetti for lasagne
Authentic Roman cuisine? Check. No sign of tourists? Check. This charming place, equidistance from the Villa Borghese and the river Tiber is everything you could ask for in a local Roman restaurant. Sure, you’ll be cosying up with the table next to you in this compact, candle-lit space. But, rather than be put off, know that you’ll also be enjoying the sense of atmosphere generated from your proximity. Although you likely won’t be able to read them, rest assured the many notes that adorn the walls are handwritten thank you letters from satisfied customers of the past. The selection of traditional lasagnes will soon have you penning your own response too.
Red Restaurant for Italian red wine
When entering this extremely stylish restaurant and bar you’re immediately awestruck by its design. Its ultra-modern yet warm décor, suffused with reds, however, plays second fiddle to the real stars of the show – the famous who’ve dropped by after viewing a performance at the neighbouring Auditorium Parco della Musica. This place is perfect for dining or grabbing a cocktail. But you’ll want to make the trip here to try one or two of the rich reds brought from its all-Italian wine cellar – which you’ll probably enjoy while casting your eye over the wonderful characters that frequent this place.
Al Bric for wine and cheese
You’ll find this place up a small side street tucked behind the Campo de’ Fiori, and as you do so you’ll have the feeling you’ve made a secret discovery. Run by wine merchant Roberto Marchetti, whose family has been in the business for over four generations, Al Bric lives up to its status as a self-proclaimed temple of wine. Make no mistake, his highly refined expertise will ensure your experience is wholly orientated around wine. Marchetti, a warm and welcoming host who speaks excellent English, will first help you choose from a leather-bound book containing a 1,000-strong selection of wines. Afterwards, he will expertly pair your choice with a selection of cheeses or, if you’re feeling hungry, one of the dishes made famous for their fresh ingredients.
