As far as foodie destinations go, few places come close to Italy, the nation known for its unwavering dedication to making life utterly delicious. It's easy to find your fill of pizza, pasta, and gelato on a visit to this birthplace of so many global favorites, but it's worth traveling the entire length of "the boot" to try each region's own delicacy.
In the capital city of Rome, you'll feast on amatriciana and carbonara pastas and carciofi (artichokes) cooked in olive oil, garlic, and white wine. If you know where to look, you'll also find a sampling of all the best dishes across the nation.
"What I love about Italian food is the simplicity of the ingredients that bring out so much flavor," said Simone Amorico, CEO of Access Italy, a luxury Italian tour company whose clientele includes Oprah and the Obamas. "The outdoor dining always creates a romantic and enjoyable setting, even in the most casual restaurants." Among Amorico's personal favorites to eat in Rome are cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, and meatballs, all of which are made with the simplest of ingredients.
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"On the other hand," he added, "Rome offers the freshest fish and seafood in the world that most people don't know about. From the coast of Lazio, the freshest and most tasty fish and seafood come from San Felice Circeo and Ponza."
Want to know exactly where to find these dishes? Here are Amorico's favorite restaurants in Rome.
Pierluigi
Pierluigi, founded by its namesake Umberto Pierluigi, has been serving Italian delights since 1938. Over the years, the restaurant has updated its menu to reflect the changing tastes of Italy, while maintaining an authentic charm all its own. Amorico suggests digging into its seafood specialties — for example, the seafood platter (meant for sharing) or lighter dishes like the catalana di gamberi, a steamed prawn salad with rucola, cherry tomato, potato, olive oil, and lemon.
Taverna Trilussa
Taverna Trilussa is the place to go for an Italian meal just like your grandparents, great grandparents, and generations before them made. According to Amorico, this is where you'll find the "best Roman dishes,'' including decadent pasta served right in the pan. While there, dig into a plate of ravioli made from scratch, gnocchi smothered in buffalo mozzarella, and fettuccine with fresh Parmigiano.
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Osteria Da Francesco Roma
If you're looking to dig into local meats, Osteria Da Francesco Roma has some of the best in Rome. The restaurant has been crafting some of the finest meals in the nation since 1957, including beef meatballs with black truffle, veal escalopes with ham and sage, and locally sourced lamb chops. The main course is best sandwiched between a rich pasta dish and the dessert of the day.
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Dal Bolognese
Dal Bolognese has been cooking up a storm for three generations, and each has added its own touch to the divine menu. The kitchen whips up the most popular Emilian bites of pasta, like classic tagliatelle Bolognese, and a "rare and much-loved" Trolley of Boiled Meats (veal, beef, tongue, chicken, and ham). There are some vegetarian and pescatarian dishes on the menu, too.
Tullio
For date night or a treat meal, head to Tullio, a traditional Italian haunt that Amorico loves for its "Tuscan twist." The upscale eatery has long been a favorite of the Italian elite, as well as A-list travelers from around the globe. Indulge in a plate of tagliolini with white truffles or a massive T-bone steak for a luxurious evening out.
Enzo al 29
When you're in the mood for a more casual atmosphere, Amorico suggests Enzo al 29. He said the spot is "a very casual Roman eatery in Trastevere," one of Rome's best neighborhoods for mingling over a long meal. Here, you'll find simple but genuine Italian cooking, including plates of pasta with homemade sauces and locally sourced cheeses and meats.
Il Marchese
For a younger, hipper vibe, head to one of Amorico's preferred contemporary destinations, II Marchese. While this restaurant may not have the lengthy history of the others on this list, it still competes thanks to its thoughtful menu of local favorites. The fare changes often but always includes the classics plus some curveballs. Ever tried fried green tomatoes in Rome?
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