Worth The Splurge
in Rome

My take: Stumbled across Per Me while walking near Via Giulia. One Michelin star, seafood focused, and ask for the chef's table when you book, the seats overlook the open kitchen. Go for the surprise menu and add the wine pairing. Via Giulia itself is one of Rome's most beautiful Renaissance streets, and the Ponte Sisto crosses straight to Trastevere for drinks.

My take: The meal at Orma starts at a small bar where Chef Roy Caceres comes out and introduces himself before the first course. From there the tasting menu takes you through Italian, Latin American and Asian influences, and the combination just works. Modern room, spaced tables, relaxed energy for a Michelin star. One of the more surprising dinners I had in Rome. Ask for the chef's table when you book. Harry's Bar is up Via Veneto for a cocktail after, the same bar Fellini's Dolce Vita crowd used to haunt.

My take: Inside Palazzo Ripetta, which was a 17th century monastery before it became a five star hotel near Piazza del Popolo. The restaurant has that same energy, stone walls, warm service, and an elegant room that still feels relaxed. In summer they move dinner to the internal courtyard by the fountain, ask for a table there when you book. Piazza del Popolo is right there, climb up to the Pincio Terrace for the view over the city.

My take: Dark room, velvet, bronze finishes and a crowd that doesn't look like it wandered in from a hotel lobby. Campocori is inside Chapter Roma near Campo de' Fiori, and it's earned its Michelin listing. Order the oxtail ravioli, and the lobster runs through several courses if you go for the tasting menu. Start with a cocktail at the Hey Baby bar downstairs. Campo de' Fiori is a few blocks away, the piazza turns into a packed bar scene at night.

My take: One Michelin star on a cobbled alley in Trastevere, in a space that used to be a carriage workshop. High ceilings, exposed brick, a glass floor section, and food from Chef Cristina Bowerman that takes Italian ingredients somewhere unexpected. We did the tasting menu and every course delivered. The liquid Parmigiano ravioli is what people come for. After dinner, Freni e Frizioni is a short walk for craft cocktails.

My take: Quiet square a few steps from the Pantheon, dark walls, candlelight, and a room that feels romantic before the food even arrives. The menu blends French and Roman which sounds odd until you try it. Start with the foie gras and brioche, then order the cacio e pepe or the amatriciana. The Pantheon square is right there, the building is lit up at night and the crowds are gone.