The Best Adresses in Rome
I’ve always had a deep love for Italy, but Rome holds something truly special. From one of my previous newsletters, you may remember that I spent three days in February at Palazzo Fiuggi, just an hour outside the city. When my stay at the Palazzo ended on Wednesday, I took a car to Rome to meet my husband, his youngest daughter, and my 18 year old son.
What followed were a few slow, golden days in one of Europe’s most captivating cities. Rome is a place where ancient history and everyday life coexist effortlessly — full of energy, elegance, charm, contradictions, and that unmistakable Roman magic.
This newsletter is a curated guide to my absolute favorite Roman addresses: where to lunch, where to dine, where to shop, and which sights you should not miss. Think of it as your personal little black book for the Eternal City.
Hotel de Russi
We checked in at the wonderful Hotel de Russie — a place that feels both classic and modern in the most Roman way. Just a short stroll from the Spanish Steps, the hotel has one of the best locations in the city. Beyond the façade lies its real treasure: a serene garden with a greenhouse tucked between the palm trees and stone pathways. That’s where we had lunch on our first afternoon.
I ordered a simple but perfect cacio e pepe, while my husband and I shared a tiramisu for dessert. Both were excellent — and after many years of tasting tiramisu across Italy, I can confidently say I’ve become somewhat of an expert. Hotel de Russie’s version is definitely one to return for.
Wednesday afternoon was spent simply wandering through what must be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Since our hotel was only a few steps from the Spanish Steps, we naturally stopped for the mandatory photo — a little cliché, perhaps, but impossible to resist.
Rome is called the “Eternal City” for a reason. It blends more than 2,500 years of history with vibrant street life, world‑class food, and art in every direction. Once the heart of the Roman Empire, it now feels like a living museum — where ancient ruins rise beside Baroque fountains, and buzzing piazzas spill over with life long after sunset.
The Roman Spots Worth Booking
Before arriving, I had done quite a bit of research on restaurants — and I must say, I hit the jackpot with every single one. Below is my curated list of where we ate in Rome, starting with our absolute favorite.
Trattoria Al Moro
This family‑run restaurant dates back to the 1920s and serves true, classic Roman dishes. The space has that unmistakable old‑school charm: dark wood panels, deep cushioned sofas, and walls covered with portraits and vintage photographs — the kind of details that instantly create atmosphere.
Large trays overflowing with fresh tomatoes sat on one side, and a dedicated dessert table on the other, both of which I absolutely loved.
The food was outstanding: simple dishes made with the very best ingredients. And since the restaurant is only a few steps from the Trevi Fountain, we could easily tick off one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks right after lunch.
Dal Bolognese
We’ve been to Dal Bolognese many times in Milan, but the Rome location is the original — and you can feel it the moment you walk in. The food and service were, of course, perfect. I adore restaurants like Dal Bolognese and Trattoria Al Moro, where it feels as though the waiters have worked there forever; there’s a certain confidence and charm that only decades of tradition can create. And naturally, I ordered their tagliatelle Bolognese.
Soho House Rome – Cecconi’s
I’m a member of Soho House and knew they had a beautiful rooftop terrace at Cecconi’s in Rome (and, if I’m not mistaken, non‑members can book as well). Cecconi’s never disappoints. I ordered the meatballs I always return to, along with far too much of their incredible focaccia and Parma ham. Everything was exactly as it should be — simple, classic dishes executed perfectly.
Gigi Rigolatto Roma
I’ve been to Gigi in Paris many times, but never the one in Rome. It’s beautifully situated on the top floor of Hotel Minerva, and the rooftop terrace is truly spectacular, with a sweeping view over the Pantheon. We started with a drink before lunch — neither my husband nor I drink much alcohol, but the mocktail menu was surprisingly extensive. The virgin Bellini was delicious, served alongside olives and nuts. And as always at Gigi, the food was excellent.
One evening, we were really craving seafood, so we booked a table at Nobu Rome — a place our teenagers were especially excited to visit. After sushi, miso and all the classics, we walked back to the hotel very happy.
Ristorante Nino
Ristorante Nino was another place I had read a lot about before arriving. Opened in 1935, it has that wonderfully old‑school, classic feel that only decades of history can create. The atmosphere is elegant without being flashy, and when we visited the room was filled almost entirely with Italian guests — always a good sign. We shared buffalo mozzarella and a selection of Italian charcuterie to start, and I ordered a simple pasta dish afterward. Beautiful ingredients, honest cooking, and a sense of tradition in every detail.
What we saw
Since the children had never been to Rome before, we had a few essential sights on our list. We visited Vatican City, took a guided tour of the Colosseum, and stopped by the beautiful Santa Maria Maggiore as well as the Pantheon.
We also walked — a lot. Moving through Rome on foot feels like walking through an open‑air museum. History isn’t something you read in a book; it’s under your feet, above your head, and around every corner.
This wasn’t meant to be a shopping trip — we were far too busy with restaurants and culture — but I still managed to squeeze in a little vintage shopping. If you love vintage, Via Vittoria is the street to visit; some of the city’s best finds are hidden there.
