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Rome

1 min read
Image of: Stephen Ratner Stephen Ratner

Table of Contents

Matricianella

Old-school Roman trattoria near the Spanish Steps serving textbook cacio e pepe and carbonara. The waiters have been here for decades, and the vibe is delightfully stuck in time. Book ahead — it's deservedly popular.

È Passata la Moretta

A cozy wine bar in Trastevere with natural wines and simple, perfect snacks. The cheese and salumi boards are well-sourced, and the staff knows their bottles. An excellent start to any Roman evening.

Drink Kong

A futuristic cocktail bar from legendary bartender Patrick Pistolesi. The interior is Blade Runner-meets-Tokyo, and the drinks are some of Rome's most inventive. Expect theater, precision, and pure fun.

Capo Boi

A Sardinian seafood spot near Termini with fresh catches and island recipes. The bottarga pasta is intensely flavored, and the whole grilled fish is pristine. A taste of the islands without leaving the city.

Tagged in:

Travel Recs, Rome, Europe

Last Update: February 09, 2026

Author

Stephen Ratner 33 Articles

I collect pottery from every country I visit, find the best local spots through relentless wandering, and believe the best travel memories come from saying yes to strangers' recommendations. Based in Florida, usually planning the next trip.

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