Eat & Drink | Rome and Fregene
Restaurants & bars where insiders go
By Jorane Cuppen | Gastronomist and founder | Guts to Glory
Fernando Pane | Hotelier | Sina Villa Medici, Autograph Collection
& Alon Ben Joseph | Jeweller | ACE Jewelers
Osteria di Maccarese | Tip by Bearleader in Jewellery Alon Ben Joseph
“Lots of roads lead to Rome. And when I was there last time, I went on a serious food spree. I got inside info from family members living in Rome. I visited all of their recommendations and now, you get to be as lucky... I’d love to share them with you!”
With this food guide, find out the best-hidden restaurants where locals eat in Rome and the nearby beach city of Fregene, from small boutique delicacy shops to high-end restaurants and beach clubs.
From delicious ice cream bars to cafes and traditional Italian to Mexican cuisine, this guide has something for every food lover!
Be guided through the city by Gastronomist Jorane Cuppen and Hotelier Fernando Pane, whose food expertise and local connections make them the experts to guide you around the streets of Rome. And let Jeweller Alon Ben Joseph take you through Fregene, Rome’s beach getaway, a small drive from the city.
Where to eat and go for a drink in Rome
GIANO RESTAURANT
Inside the W Hotel, you’ll find this casual yet upscale restaurant, which offers an exciting fusion of Roman and Sicilian cuisine and design. It is colourful and delicious.
ROMA SPARITA
Roman cuisine cannot get much more traditional than Roma Sparita, a ‘real trattoria’, in the old-time sense. Here you can enjoy amazing pasta in many classic variations, but everyone comes for the Cacio e Pepe.
Even Anthony Bourdain visited this place for that specific dish… You also need to try their artichoke when it’s in season.
ROSCIOLI SALUMERIA CON CUCINA
Arguably Rome's most well-known trattoria, it was founded by the Roscioli family. Since then, they have opened a bakery, a deli, a coffee shop, and a patisserie.
They’re all amazing, but I especially recommend their bakery, ANTICO FORNO ROSCIOLI. Their pizza slices and sweet pastries are to die for!restaurant instagram & address | bakery instagram & address | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
GIOLITTI
This ice cream bar has been around since 1890. They have mastered the ‘art of gelato’ for over a century. They have numerous stores throughout the city, so it is a must-visit.
As many flavours as the eye can see... Do I need to say more?
LA PUNTA EXPENDIO DE AGAVE
This project comes from a collaboration between Roman cocktail hotspots: the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy and Freni e Frizioni.
If you are the travelling type and love reminiscing about your adventures over good food and cocktails, this one is for you.
It's great if you're done with Italian, and want to taste a selection of Mexican traditional spirits and authentic cuisine.
RETROBOTTEGA
This restaurant is the perfect example of modern Italian cuisine, located in the heart of Rome. Over the past three years, chefs Giuseppe and Alessandro have established a great formula with a regularly changing menu.
They focus on the craftsmanship of cooking, simplicity and taste… They also have a pasta bar and a wine bar around the corner.
SAN MARCO ROMA
If you want a modern and traditional restaurant where locals go to eat, San Marco has both. It is great for a romantic dinner with the family or a large birthday party with 20+ people.
RENATO AL GHETTO
Rome has one of the oldest Jewish Quarters in the world. Its cuisine features specific Roman Jewish dishes. Visit the Jewish Quarter for lunch or dinner, and try the two signature Artichoke dishes.
instagram | maps | favourite of Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
JERRY THOMAS PROJECT
Since its opening in 2010, this place has become a mainstay for residents and visitors looking for a novel space, a small crowd, and a stiff drink.
The roaring 20s and dirty 30s are executed to the finest detail. You’ll find me here, sipping a martini from a Chesterfield in the crowded bar area.
WISDOMLESS CLUB
Take a seat in one of the most beautiful bars in town!
Located in Rome’s historic centre, Wisdomless Club is known for serving up classic cocktails. But apart from being a cocktail bar, it’s actually also a tattoo parlour and an art gallery.
LITRO
Simple and tasty! This cosy wine bar prides itself on serving the best Italian natural and biodynamic wines. While best known for its wine, Litro is open all day for a light breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Where to eat and drink in Fregene, Rome
Just a small hour's drive from the centre of Rome, you’ll find the beach city of Fregene, a metropolitan oasis where the locals come to swim and relax. Great town to stay in if you want to spend time on the beach or if you are flying in or out of Rome.
PIKA PIKA
Good quality tapas and paella restaurant, in case you get fed up with every night Italian dishes.
maps | favourite of Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
LA CANTINA DEL PESCATORE
Lovely cantina with a family atmosphere serves excellent local fish dishes.
instagram | maps | favourite of Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
OSTERIA DEL MACCARESE
Top-notch Italian restaurant with local ingredients and dishes.
instagram | maps | favourite of Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
GILDA
A classic Italian beach club, with a beautiful covered terrace by the sea and a sumptuous swimming pool.
instagram | maps | favourite of Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
COH
A modern beach club with distinctively bohemian vibes. Relaxed yet upbeat and energetic.
LA BICCOCA
Located on Lido beach. Great changing rooms, a calm beach and large swimming pools make this the perfect spot to go with the family and kids.
maps | favourite of Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
BLU
Delicious fresh food right on the beach, a solid place for both lunch and dinner.
MACCARÈ
The best pizza can be found in the old fort of San Giorgio if you are at Rome Beach or flying in/out of Rome.
instagram | maps | favourite of Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
SANCHO PIZZA & TAGLIO
If you are looking for a delicious pizza on the go that is cut & weighed, Sancho is one of the best-rated in Italy. It is in the harbour in Fiumicino City Centre (very handy near the airport).
instagram | maps | favourite of Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
LA TRATTORIA DEI COMBATTENTI MACCARESE
A typical villa restaurant specialising in aged meat grilled on a wood fire. The restaurant also serves the best fish dishes prepared by chef Gianluca Nosari.
