Roma: Chaos, Charm & Three Tables You Can’t Miss
Rome, oh bella Roma — a chaotic city where you can find a McDonald’s sitting next to a 2,000-year-old monument. Few places in the world can brag about that kind of contrast between old and new.
Since my sister lives there, I’ve been lucky enough to get the real Roman experience — meaning trains without A/C in the summer, locals who know exactly where to eat, and traditions that never change.
After years of visiting once a year, I’ve narrowed down my three go-to spots in and around Rome. Think of them as my playbook for different moods and occasions.
1. Osteria N.1, Ariccia – Family & Friends
Let’s start with tradition. When you first arrive and want to greet your friends the right way, you need a proper dinner. And there’s no better place than Osteria N.1 in Ariccia.
Technically, Ariccia isn’t Rome (it’s about 45 minutes from the center), but come on — Fort Lauderdale isn’t Miami and yet everyone still calls it Miami. Same thing here.
Ariccia is famous for porchetta — a whole pig roasted for hours until the skin crackles and the meat stays juicy. Every shop on the piazza serves it, but we always head straight to Osteria N.1.
Here’s how you do it:
Order porchetta with both crispy skin and tender meat.
Add classic Roman sides — don’t skip the trippa alla romana.
Drink the house wine and eat like a local.
Tip: Ask for an outdoor table to catch the live guitar music. Just be ready for cigarette smoke — it’s Italy.
Warning: Don’t order pasta. This is not the place for pasta.
2. Pizzarium, Near the Vatican – Street Style
When in Rome, you’re probably going to visit the Vatican. After all that art and soul-searching, you’ll need pizza. But not just any pizza.
Head to Pizzarium by Gabriele Bonci, the man who reinvented Roman pizza when he opened this shop in 2003. His dough uses ancient grains and natural fermentation, making this the healthiest (and most delicious) slice you’ll ever eat.
Here’s the deal:
It’s not a restaurant, it’s a pizza shop.
You wait in line, point at what you want, and they cut it with scissors.
Grab a supplì (a Roman fried croqueta) and eat standing outside.
Simple, quick, unforgettable.
3. Aroma, Hotel Manfredi – Elevated Dining
Now let’s talk about fancy. Rome has trattorias everywhere, but sometimes you want something elevated.
Aroma, a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant inside Hotel Manfredi, sits steps away from the Colosseum. The food is so good that the VIP view becomes a bonus, not the main show.
Tips for your Aroma experience:
Book way in advance — it’s always full.
Don’t drive. Take a taxi or hire a driver. Parking is a nightmare.
Reserve an early dinner so you catch the Colosseum at golden hour.
The dishes here are refined, but the vibe is still warm Italian hospitality.
Closing Thoughts
Roma… ah, bellissima Roma. Chaotic, stunning, and one of my favorite cities in the world. These three spots — from porchetta feasts in Ariccia, to quick cuts of pizza near the Vatican, to rooftop fine dining overlooking the Colosseum — are my recipe for an unforgettable Roman culinary journey.
Just add a few trattorias along the way, avoid the tourist traps, and you’ll fall in love with the city the same way I do every year.