Travel - Rome

Italy is a tricky one. Particularly Rome because there are so many tourists. As much as you're going to want to lean on Google or Yelp reviews... I wouldn't lean too heavily into them. No offense to the thousands of english speaking reviews...but most of you can't be trusted lol (not to say my opinion is superior..but isn't it?) lol

I will add - Rome is one of those places that is heavily hit with socail media hype. This can be helpful in guiding your meals..but i do not recommend waiting in line for longer than 15-20 minutes. There is too much good food throughout the city for you to wait that long. And usually it's really not worth the extra time waiting around.

Best & MUST Bites:

rule of thumb, don't eat at places where there is someone trying to convince you to eat there lol and don't eat gelato that is piled up in a display case!

Italian street food: while in Rome - it is your duty to try the culinary contributions of that region. You can quote me on that.

• maritozzo: brioche stuffed with whipped cream - 10/10 recommend going to Regoli Pasticceria for one and grabbing a cappucino as well. I found this recommendation off a tiktok (slay) and it did in fact exceed all expectations!

• suppli: had a few and tbh they were all amazing! Make sure you try different flavors - the classic is great (!!) but cacio e pepe, carbonara...options are endless! One of my faves: Suppli Roma

• prochetta sandwich:

  • bobby flay rec: La Vita e Un Mozzico - honestly..wait in line if you want - but the place below this one I THOUGHT was better

  • Mizios Street Food: panchetta is great, but don't stop there! Try other combos!

  • Underrated: Sto Bene Roma

• gelato: Fatamorgana (a couple of locations, lots of unique and delicious flavors!) and Gelateria la Romana were faves! The trick is not to be pulled in by big piles of gelato with decoration. Good gelato isn't stable enough to be propped up like that.

Coffee/cappucino & pastry (bc in Italy, you must get both!): full disclosure - I don't think a bad option exists in Rome...or Italy in general. but here are a few of my favorite spots:

• Forno Conti & Co: great cappucino and more modern vibe - pastries are also amazing!

• Caffe Trastevere: stayed right down the street from this place and it became a daily occurance and favorite (though I wasn't the only one!) always packed but 10/10 cap & 10/10 for the small cookies too!!

• I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza: randomly walked in and was so impressed!! coffee, service, pastry knocked my socks off

Pizza: traditional roman pizza is a thin/crispy crust. if you're going to get roman style let it be from Ai marmi - as much as it is the food - it's the experience. Best staff and they cook everything right in front of the dining room and it simply could not be more press off the press. This was a recommendation from my cousin who lived in rome for 5 years - that's when you know its been vetted and approved!

• Dar Poeta: perfect blend between neopolitan and roman style pizza! and amazing prices!!

• My favorite ( i love a neopolitan style): Seu Pizza Illuminati - also a recommendation from my cousin who lived in rome for 5 years!

Pasta:

• Carbonara: Osteria de Fortunata low key this is a chain but hear me out - you have people making pasta right in front of you , service is impeccable and the food is divine!

• Cacio e pepe: Emma Restaurant

• Overall pasta/foodie experience: MUST MAKE RESERVATION Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

Where to stay? I have been to Rome a few times now and my favorite neightborhood is Trasevere - its so beautiful and full of all of my favorite things - food, vibes, and coffee! A little off the beaten path but that is part of why I love it so much.

3- DAY ITINERARY:

DAY 1: walk around and take it all in! I'd recommend doing a loop to all the hot spots:

Colosseum (definitely recommend getting tickets to go inside on the official website) --> the Trevi --> Spanish Steps and finishing up at the Pantheon.

DAY 2: start or end the day with a Vatican Tour! While youre in the area, grab a drink at Terrazza Les Etoiles Roma (photo below!) for a great view of the Vatican (also stunning at night when it's lit up!)

DAY 3: food food and more food - there are also some great vinatge shops in Rome - namely the Mercantile (multiple locations). Not to be missed: appertivo at a wine bar (II Goccetto is a wine lovers paradise *says my wine loving cousin who lived here for 5 years, the meat/cheese board is also incredible!).

How to get around? walk! We took taxis/uber (set rate from the airports so you don't have to worry about getting taken advantage of as a tourist) and once in Rome - walked!