Supplemental Restaurant Information in Rome- the high and low end of dining

The Carbonara Reduction at All’Oro

The Rome food scene does evolve. Perhaps the evolution is slower than in many capital and foodie cities. There are new innovative restaurants, and many of the more upscale fusion-y and even haute cuisine spots have been awarded with Michelin stars. A couple that embrace creativity in Italian cuisine are All’oro and Enoteca La Torre. Both have 1 Michelin star. The former puts a creative twist on many classic Roman dishes such as the Carbonara Reduction that is presented in half an eggshell. You can find this and other Roman highlights (I loved the “Rocher” of Oxtail vaccinara) on the All’Origine tasting menu.

The “Rocher” of Oxtail vaccinara

Enotecca la Torre, on the other hand, embodies the art of haute cuisine—the price point is high but the quality is also, as the phrase literally translates to ‘high cooking.’  The restaurant itself is located in the elegant Villa Laetitia. Originally built in 1911, the striking Art Nouveau style is the perfect complement to the works of art presented on a plate (Explore the menu here).

At Enotecca la Torre

These are two of the Michelin starred restaurants I can personally recommend, but all are listed on their official website. I link the website here, though personally, I find it somewhat frustrating to navigate. La Pergola, for example, is the only 3 Michelin star restaurant in Rome, and I am hoping and waiting for the right opportunity to go!

     I wanted to start with this context of innovation on the high end of the food scene in Rome and then move to the opposite end of the spectrum. Most of the restaurants I have recommended in Rome (and throughout this blog to be honest) fall perfectly in the middle of this spectrum. Meals per person will run between 20-40 euros depending on how many courses and how much wine you enjoy. Trapizzino is an exception; it is inexpensive, innovative and authentic. In 2008 chef Stefano Callegari opened a casual restaurant called 00100 in the Testaccio neighborhood (read more about Testaccio here). Here he invented the ‘trapizzino’ which is essentially a triangle of crunchy focaccia (or pizza bianca as it is called in Rome) split open and filled with a number of delicious Italian classics, such as eggplant parmigiana (my fave), meatballs and red sauce or chicken cacciatore.

Trapizzino

Restaurant specifics for Trapizzino

Address- Multiple locations around the city of Rome; check the website

Website- https://www.trapizzino.it/en/

Price- Low Range

Reservations- Not necessary as it is considered ‘street food’

Options at the Trapizzino location in Ponte Milvio

The ‘trapizzino’ (in Italian it also uses the words ‘tra’ which means ‘between’ and a diminutive of pizza as mentioned; it is literally goodness filled into a corner of focaccia style white pizza bread.)  now symbolizes Roman street food. In addition to the ‘pizza pockets’ all trapizzino locations also have delicious and unique suppli on offer, another, older staple of Roman street food. A unique and convenient aspect of Trapizzino is that after conception as 00100 in Testaccio and renaming as Trapizzino, a number of locations (6 to be precise) have opened all around Rome. Thus, if you are interested in a reliable yet quick lunch or dinner without having to book, search up the closest location. There is one very near the Vatican (called Be.Re) located specifically at Piazza del Risorgimento. This location has a great selection of craft beers and ample space. There is one in the original Testaccio, one near the central train station, Termini, one in Ponte Milvio and also Trastevere. Unlike the general introductions for other restaurants, I wanted to focus on food evolution in Rome in this section, and I definitely recommend trying the new classic ‘trapizzino’ at some point during your Roman holiday.

Antipasti- creative suppli (depending on what they have on offer) Cacio e pepe suppli or amatriciana, the classic is always a safe bet. Grab one on the go for some extra walking fuel if you happen to pass by a location between meals.

Trapizzino-  Parmigiana di Melanzane (my favorite) the Polpetta al sugo is a popular choice. For something a little different, try the Zighini, which is a nod to the Eritrean community in Rome (read more about the relationship between Italy and Eritrea here).