Latest posts from our Rome expert:
Can You Keep a Secret?
Nestled between the ancient walls which once led into Rome, Secrets Cafè is seriously one of a kind. Where else can you wine and dine embraced by antiquity? Within the garden you'll find a restaurant serving typical Italian dishes with meat and fish. Don't forget to ask for the 'special appetizer' composed of red onion omelette, cauliflower pie, bruschettas with honey and rosemary, ham and robiola cheese rolls and pecorino cheese. Desserts will not disappoint: grilled pineapple with coconut, anyone? When you're done eating, take a short stroll to the lounge bar just across the garden and pick any of the cocktails skillfully prepared using only fresh fruit. The Cafè will be hosting live music shows, or dj sets on weekends, where the beach will come to the city with lush pillows to lie on...
Time to ...anything!
Perched on the top floor of one of Rome's oldest stores right behind the church of st. John in Lateran, lies Ore20. It's elegant and refined but don't be put off by the minimal design and decor. The staff is friendly and ready to serve at any hour. Don't be surprised if you see this place change during the day: it's a coffee shop in the morning, serving croissant or English breakfasts, and a buffet lunch spot when the clock striked one. It's also a little piece of heaven after an afternoon of shopping. Refresh your senses with herbal teas, iced coffees and delicious pastries. As dinner time approaches, stop by for a drink or two then lounge around for a nice Italian meal and all the wine you can drink. Don't feel like eating? Visit Ore20 late at night and dance the night away as you watch the world go by under your feet. Oh, I almost forgot: free wi-fi access for all!!
Via Magna Grecia 2
Wide Open Windows
Welcoming, elegant and casual. These are the best words to describe Le Finestre (The Windows), a darling pizzeria/restaurant in the Trieste area. The indoor scenery, which flows throughout the rooms, is reminiscent of a rural landscape. During the summer, tables are set up outside, all surrounded by the beautiful residential buildings on Via Chiana. The menu holds wonderful combinations of Mediterranean treats and a yearning for culinary innovations. The meat selection is endless and delicious with a choice of entrocotes, carpaccios and fillets. Specialities are prepared in their wood oven, from pizzas to daily specials. The desert menu is to die for with traditional home made sinful delights. There is no doubt that Le Finestre's combination of friendly service and good food will leave you going home in good spirits.
Believe in Fairy Tales
A well-renowned Irish pub in the Prati neighbourhood, Fairy Tales is an eclectic watering hole with definite Irish flair. Gabriele, who, together with Andrea, has recently become manager of this place tells us the best Guinesss is served right here. But there's no clan mentality here: Fairy Tales will accommodate anyone's tastes and desires. Open every night from 7pm to 2am, Fairy Tales also doubles as a pizzeria and steakhouse, with dishes to be adorned with fries, salads and much more. Once you step down to the spacious underground floor, you'll find an enviable large room (where the bar is) spawning smaller, more intimate alcoves painted in warm colors and suited with dim lighting. Wi-fi will soon be installed and free internet access will be provided in all rooms. Their weekly programming is yet to be defined, but there are some events that are not to be missed including all soccer and rugby matches shown on flat screens, Karaoke Thursdays, live music on Fridays and aperitifs on Saturdays. Mondays will be strictly cultural: readings, exhibitions and conferences. This friendly pub has something for everyone with its moderate prices and informal and welcoming setting. And you thought wishes only came true in fairy tales...
Old-school pubs
In the southern and western areas of Rome, Newport Cafè has become a household name. Chameleon in nature, it's a discobar, a pub&pizza place, a cabaret spot, live music joint, a cocktail bar and so much more. The most recent addition is a floor entirely dedicated for those of you who just can't quit, smoking that is.
The place is made entirely in wood and there's soft lighting throughout, making it a truly incredible place, a welcoming spot to call home. Different nights call for different events and with a place like this, how not to check them all out? Start the week by singing your lungs out with karaoke on Mondays. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays is for a little dancing, a little singing and ‘messaging' (have fun sending anonymous or signed messages to that hot person you just saw walking in the door!). On Fridays and Saturdays, start with karaoke then dance the night away with house, happy and dance selections. Watch soccer matches as you dine on perfectly grilled meat, or Neapolitan style pizzas, the variations are endless. The bar serves up the best cocktails and frozen drinks this side of town with original ingredients and fresh fruit, all served by true bar masters making this place a drinker's paradise.
Newport Café
via della magliana, 42
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Tick Tick Clok!
Recently renovated with a dashing new look, Clok is once again one of the most stylish restaurants in Rome where quality and fashion mesh. Located between the Tiber and piazza Cavour, this New-York style eatery welcomes a mixed crowd of cosmopolitan people who are always looking for the very best. This ultra-modern space offers delicious and quick lunched for those on the go and aperitifs for those post-work and highly needed drinks. For dinner, Clok serves traditional yet revised Italian food, pizzas and overn-baked goods. Their cellar is fully stocked and their desserts are strictly homemade. Reservations suggested.
A Little Fresh Air
A recent addition to the Roman culinary scene, Co2 offers a classic atmosphere combining modern architecture and sober designs. It’s a full-blown brasserie serving quick lunches and relaxed and elegant dinners, all the while serving quality products prepared by skilful hands. Anyone with a difficult appetite to satisfy would be crazy to skip this joint! Find all your favourite Italian classics, a little revised and very succulent, or skip the healthy stuff and dive into the homemade desserts. A few items to take into consideration: aubergine and mint meatballs, lasagne stuffed with pumpkin and buffalo mozzarella, ginger crèe,e brulée. They have an excellent wine list, and is a very good cocktail bar for pre-dinner drinks. Brunch is served on Sundays and daily specials for each day of the week.
Largo del Teatro Valle, 4,