Nick's Picks
in Rome

My take: Small bistro in Prati on Via degli Scipioni, a ten minute walk from the Vatican. Most Italian breakfasts are an espresso and a cornetto on the go, but this place actually does a traditional Western breakfast, eggs, bagels, or avocado toast. Good coffee, outdoor seating, and an easy start before a Vatican or Castel Sant'Angelo morning, walk over the Ponte Sant'Angelo to get there for the Bernini angels.

My take: Specialty roastery on Via Flaminia near Villa Borghese, run by two brothers who roast their own beans and will walk you through what makes each one different. Single origin pour overs, flat whites, and good brunch food. The Borghese Gallery is right there for after, just book in advance since tickets sell out.

My take: Came back most mornings when we were staying near Campo de' Fiori. On Via del Pellegrino, circus themed decor, specialty coffee, pistachio croissants and good eggs. Piazza Navona is a few minutes away, quieter in the morning before the tourists arrive.

My take: Front half is a deli counter with 3000 wines on the wall and enough cheese and cured meat to lose an hour just looking. The restaurant is in the back. Start with the anchovies and butter on sourdough, order the amatriciana or carbonara, and let them walk you through the wine list. Book two to three weeks ahead. Piazza Farnese is next door, quieter than Campo de' Fiori with two fountains and Palazzo Farnese lit up at night.

My take: Family owned since 1961, and you'd walk right past it if you didn't know it was there. Ten seconds from the Pantheon, wood paneled room out of another era. The gricia was one of the best bowls of pasta I had in Rome and the amatriciana kept me from sharing it. Closed Sundays. Book a couple weeks ahead. Giolitti is a few minutes from the Pantheon for gelato, stays open late.

My take: Right on Piazza del Colosseo with outdoor tables looking directly at the Colosseum. Most restaurants in that location aren't worth it, but this one actually is. Sat outside after the tour, ordered the cacio e pepe and a bottle of wine, and stayed for hours. Walk into Monti after, it's a ten minute walk and the side streets have wine bars and small shops without the tourist crowds.

My take: Behind the Spanish Steps in Piazza Mignanelli. Antipasto bar right when you walk in, packed with locals despite how close it is to one of the most touristed spots in Rome. The pastas are dialed in and the osso bucco is what you should get. Pompi is a few blocks away for tiramisù after. It really is the best in Rome.

My take: Stopped in for dinner after walking around the Spanish Steps area and went back the next night. Order the burrata ravioli and the truffle pasta. Book the outdoor Life Garden if the weather is good, it sits on a quiet street surrounded by greenery and feels nothing like the area around it. Antico Caffè Greco is on Via dei Condotti for after, open since 1760 and one of the oldest cafés in Rome, good for a coffee or a nightcap.

My take: Down a narrow alley off Vicolo Scanderbeg, a short walk from the Trevi Fountain. Small warm room, family run, and packed with locals despite how central it is. The orange ravioli is the signature dish. Get the cacio e pepe and artichoke alla giudia too. Book ahead. The Trevi Fountain is right there at night, lit up with the crowds thinning out after eleven.