The foods you need to try when you’re in Rome

I’m a major foodie. If you want to surprise me or give me a gift that I’ll love, take me out for dinner (or lunch)! Having food as a passion has led me to try lots and lots of restaurants in Rome. But you know what the thing is after you’ve tried so many? You end up craving certain tastes and you just want to head to that restaurant and savour THAT dish! So for anyone searching for the best foods to try in Rome , I recommend you visit these restaurants and order the specific dish I tell you. You won’t be disappointed!

OTTAVIO

Via Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, 9 (San Giovanni area)

I think OTTAVIO is the best seafood restaurant in Rome. ESPECIALLY if you love seafood cruditè! So at this place, I have 2 recommendations:

The seafood cruditè platter as a starter that comes with different types of prawns and shrimps. SIMPLY OUTSTANDING and an explosion of freshness.

Their shrimp and prawn catalan. If you taste this dish, you will end up dreaming of it at night. Trust me, I know.

Duke’s

Viale Parioli, 200 (Parioli)

Duke’s is like a second home to me. I think it’s the best restaurant for a fine international meal in a super trendy setting. I’ve looked at the menu 1000 times but after having tried almost everything on the menu, I always end up ordering the same things!

The timberland quail. This is usually in their winter menu and I just can’t get enough of it. SOOO DELICIOUS! IF you like pasta (who doesn’t) and quail this is the dish you need to try!
The Kingfish Tataki. It’s delicate and super fresh and I just feel like going there in my pijamas right now and ordering it.
The rib-eye steak. If you’re into meat you can’t not order Duke’s rib-eye steak.

ZERO Restaurant

Viale Liegi, 53 (Parioli)

When I feel like something healthy but SUPER yummy I always go to ZERO. They have so many delicious dishes but my all-time favorite (and I never leave without having eaten it) is their octopus salad with potatoes, cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and a balsamic vinegar reduction.

ZUMA

Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48 (Centro Storico)

Everyone knows Zuma. Their contemporary Japanese cuisine has conquered the world. The dish that I’ve been dreaming about at night is the gindara to ebi no gyoza prawn and black cod dumplings. It’s an explosion of tastes – and the heat that comes through at the end just leaves you craving for more.

Trattoria Da Teo

Piazza dei Ponziani, 7A

Tucked away in Trastevere’s Piazza dei Ponziani you’ll find Trattoria Da Teo, the perfect place for traditional Roman cuisine! If it’s a Roman classic you’r searching for, Da Teo is the place! A wonderful informal and fun atmosphere, friendly and laid-back service and yummy food awaits you at this casual restaurant! My absolute favorite dishes are:

the fried antipasti as a starter (olive ascolane, supplì, fiori di zucca and fried codfish)
Either the carbonara pasta, the gricia pasta or the fettuccine with artichokes (to die for)!

The pastas are delicious, but Da Teo also serves fresh seafood dishes! From the Roman artichokes and olive ascolane to the cacio e pepe, you’re set for a great dining experience! If you like artichokes, don’t miss out on the fettuccine with artichokes…amazing! The house wine is also delicious! Reservations are musts, if you want to dine outside make sure to be clear about it!

Le Mani in Pasta

Via dei Genovesi, 37 (Trastevere)

When I feel like eating in a cozy setting, Le Mani in Pasta is my go-to location. And not just for the traditional-style Roman trattoria setting, but also for the food. If you’re searching for genuine and delicious tastes, head to this trattoria in the Trastevere area! What I LOVE and will never stop ordering is their seabass carpaccio sprinkled with truffle shavings. 10/10.

Gina a Porto Romano

Via Costalunga, 31 (Fiumicino)

On a beautiful sunny day, no one will deny me my 40-minute car trip to head to Gina a Porto Romano in Fiumicino. No sir. Because their fantastic patio overlooking the sea is simply the perfect place to be on a sunny day. What to order?? There are two dishes that I just can’t have lunch without:

Tuna tartare (one of the best I’ve ever had)
Octopus salad (super tender, fresh and exquisite).

P.S. If you need to head to the airport in the afternoon, stop by and have lunch here, it’s just a 15-minute ride to Rome-Fiumicino airport. And it’s truly worth it!