24 hours in Rome

Aaah la bella Italia. Rome is one of the best cities for a culinary city trip. From artichokes to cacio è pepe and from carbonara to oxtail. This city has so many specialties that you really have to do your best to get through them all in 24 hours.

Breakfast

As you may know, Italians eat a modest breakfast. Preferably with a cappuccino and a cornetto (croissant). For this and more tempting sweet treats, head to Antico Forno Roscioli. You can also get a panino with toppings here, by the way. Still prefer something more substantial? Then walk to Pizza Forno Campo de Fiori. This place has been a household name in the city for years. Roman pizza is simple and thin, and is served folded in half so you can eat it while walking.

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Gelato

You can score an upscale ice cream at Venchi. The wall with chocolate flowing down it and the gold-marble interior are highly Instagrammable. But ultimately, it’s all about the ice cream, and it’s incredibly good here. The chocolate varieties in particular are memorably delicious. Looking for something more traditional? Then go to Giolitti for ice cream, pastries and good coffee.

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Lunch

If you’re in Rome, you have to eat cacio e pepe. The best place for this ultimately simple pasta is Felice a Testaccio. It’s all about the ingredients and they work with the best here. Note: reservations are a must. Want to try a bit of everything? Then you can indulge your foodie heart at Mercato Centrale. A market hall with stalls full of beautiful products and delicious dishes. Oh, and there’s also a large Eataly branch nearby.

Aperitivo

From around seven until nine, it’s time for aperitivo. You pay a little more for your drink, but you can fill your plate with treats from the buffet. A popular place is Freni e Frizioni in trendy Trastevere. The chef has South American roots, and you can taste that in his dishes. With guitars blaring in the background, you can enjoy a cocktail and a plate full of pasta, chickpeas and salads.

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Dinner

Rome is overflowing with mediocre tourist traps, especially in the city center. But there are exceptions. For example, take a seat at Da Gino for amazing carbonara, or go to the slightly more refined Osteria Barberini. The service is friendly, the food is good and the prices are reasonable. Especially when you consider that you can easily share a primi (pasta dish) and secondo (meat or fish), because the portions are very generous.

Cocktail

End your evening in a special way at a genuine speakeasy. You can recognize the door of the Jerry Thomas Project by the golden nameplate that opens when you ring the bell. Whether you know the password and whether you have a reservation. We had neither, but there was still a spot available. You imagine yourself in a vintage American bar, complete with Chesterfield sofas and curiosity cabinets. Note: smoking is permitted here, and you pay a €5 membership fee on your first visit (which allows you to enter for a whole year, should that be useful to you).

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