We are visiting Rome for a long weekend, and are looking for some decent
places to eat. We like the idea of finding somewhere a bit different, a bit
authentic, but where we aren't going to get ripped off. Can you recommend
anywhere? Ken Lee, Hilton, Derbyshire
Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: If you are passing
any of these, make sure to drop in. It's true that the coffee at Bar
Sant' Eustachio (Piazza Sant' Eustachio) is a tad pricier than the
usual, but this is the most famous coffee bar in the city, right by the
Senate, it has been roasting beans on the premises since 1930.
For the best ice cream, there's Il Geato
do San Crispino (Via della Panetteria 42), with flavours that reflect
the seasons.
There's not a cone in sight just fabulous ice cream. And for an authentic
Pizza Romana with the very thing crust there is Remo (Piazza Santa Maria
Liberatrice 44).
For an old style trattoria style experience, Ulpia (0039 06 6789980, Foro
Traiano 2) is a bustling spot with a long covered terrace that looks out
over the ruins of the ancient Trajan market, with the Capitol and the
monument to Victor Emmanuel II behind that. The décor is no nonsense, but
you'll find it serves simple, well-prepared, and traditional Roman food.
Expect to pay about £35 a head.
In a small side street not far from The Spanish Steps, is the Matricianella
(4 via del Leone, 00 39 06 683 2100). The decor is neither faux rustic or
fancy schmancy, but the three ochre coloured and almost cosy rooms have
checked table cloths and homely furniture, and outside there¹s an attractive
deck of double row tables.
Try the Roman style artichokes - Carciofi alla romana which are stuffed with
wild mint, garlic, parsley and breadcrumbs, then baked in oil and water
until super-succulent. Expect to pay about £35 a head. It closes for most of
August.
For a serious splurge, La Pergola
dell' Hotel Hilton (Via Cadlolo 101, 00 39 06 3509 2211) is Rome's only
three Michelin starred restaurant. The hotel has a corking location, in 15
acres of private grounds at the top of Monte Mario, overlooking St Peter's
Basilica and the Vatican.
La Pergola trumps even that, on the ninth floor roof garden. The setting is
opulent, the views amazing, and the atmosphere magical and then there's
the wonderful food, prepared by the celebrity Chef Heinz Beck, and pegged as "Light
Mediterranean". Expect to pay about £100 a head; jackets required.
For all of the above, be sure to book ahead, especially at weekends.
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a restaurant in Rome
To raise funds for the charity Fairbridge, we took a group of 28 peo ple to visit the gardens in Tuscany. We fly with Meridiana Airlines on our return16 of us we not permitted to board the aircraft and the airline has refused to pay our accomodation which we are entitled to. Can you help us
Dinah Roberton, London, UK