Federica Bocco

Spring 2025: There is, in our opinion, no better time to visit Rome than now. The city is in bloom, the Spanish Steps are covered with azaleas, and you can eat al fresco without burning to death (if you’re coming in summer, you’ve been warned). Our number one restaurant in Rome remains our number one, because it’s just that good. If you’re a first timer in the city, you should make a bee-line for it immediately – and since it’s spring, embrace the (very long) queue, order a few Aperols and enjoy it. The end point is more than worth it.  After 15 years of eating my way through Rome, I’ve had some truly exceptional meals – and plenty of forgettable ones. The best ones stick with me: perfect bowls of pasta, from cacio e pepe to carbonara, crispy pizzas with seasonal toppings, fragrant wines and delicious desserts. These, often special, family-run spots serving up proper Roman cuisine, are the meals worth remembering – and I’m sharing all my favourite spots with you here. How to avoid tourist traps in Rome If a restaurant has a prime view of the Pantheon or the Trevi Fountain, chances are you’re paying for the view, not the food. Instead, wander a few streets away where things are a little quieter or, better yet, head to neighborhoods like Testaccio, Cipro and Parioli, where locals actually eat. Reservations at popular restaurants are key, especially in high season (summer, annual holidays and the likes). And if you see a place that’s gone viral on TikTok with a line of 100+ peop