I recently spent a few days in Rome. Several highlights and the odd disappointment. All these are fairly cheap options. (I have posted separately on my two meals at Checcchino dal 1887 here: Checchino dal 1887 [Rome])
Highlights:
Pizzarium.
I had my fair share of slices of pizza in Rome but these were the best a country mile. Very light base and the toppings very much out of the norm. The pork belly marinated in milk with, fennel and spinach was both rich from the pork yet lightened and freshened by the fennel and spinach. Very handy for the Vatican museum.
[Via della Meloria 43, 00136]
Gelateria del Teatro
Visited after the Vatican and it’s not far after crossing the river. This was some of the smoothest gelato creamiest gelato I’ve had without being overly sweet. Lots of interesting flavours but I went for the raspberry and sage. In the wrong hands this could have been awful. The raspberry that was swirled through the gelato was really intense and was offset perfectly by the light herbal note of the sage in the gelato. Luckily there was a light hand with the sage.
[Via dei Coronari 65/66, 00186]
La Prosciuttera
Tiny place very near the Trevi Fountain, with the emphasis very much on pig. First place where the porchetta looked really good. Went for the porchetta sandwich with roast vegetables and mozzarella. Good bread and the porchetta was tender with a good amount of fat, the roast veg added a touch of sweetness and the mozzarella rounded everything out nicely.
[ Via della Panetteria, 34]
Honourable mention.
Perhaps not worth seeking out but good if in the area.
Fatamorgana
The gelato was good and they have a wide variety of interesting flavours ( I liked three tobacco chocolate). It wasn’t as smooth and the flavours weren’t as intense as Gelateria del Teatro. Maybe if we’d tried this first.
[Piazza degli Zingari 5 (Monti),]
Cafe Tritina
Spotted this little place on the way to the Spanish Steps. Yes it was only a quick macchiato standing at the bar but they were the best we had. Also it was for me the quintessential coffee experience in Rome. Tiny old fashioned place and the dapper old guy with moustache and bow tie behind the bar really added to it.
[ Via Sistina]
Disappointment.
Osteria Marcello
This was our first meal in Rome. It appeared promising. A small rough and ready place knocking out Roman classics since 1961. I went for rigatoni pajata. Two very small pieces of intestine in a very bland tomato sauce and woefully undercooked pasta,not even close to al dente. The sauce on the carbonara across the table was thin and not all that tasty. Similar story on the texture of the pasta. One Plus point was the house wine which was very drinkable for the money. The desserts were forgettable.
[Via dei Campani]