Delicious Dining Choices in Rome

Home of one of Rome's most famous desserts, Ristorante Tre Scalini, is a gem in one of the city's most beautiful piazzas. Located in the bustling Piazza Navona, the tables outside the restaurant are always filled with guests enjoying the lively square.

Piazza Navona is known not only for its multiple monuments, like the Fountain of the four Rivers scupture and Egyptian obelisk, or for it's buildings, like the Church of Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore, but also for the never-ending activity within. People of all ages stroll through the square throughout the day making a seat at a restaurant like Tre Scalini well worth the price.

Originally opening as an inn in the 1800s, this restaurant serves full Roman courses through lunch and dinner, and is very popular in the evenings for dessert and coffee. The specialty is unmistakably the "Tartufo" dessert, which is a very rich chocolate ice cream ball with whipped cream, cherry and heart-shaped cookie on top. It's the perfect ending to a romantic evening in this ancient city.

Tre Scalini (literally, "three small stairs"), ironically sits in a section of Rome where one doesn't need to climb stairs to get around, like many of the sections of the city. The only stairs near the restaurant are those around the large fountains in the piazza. On these small stairs, though, sit children and adults alike, while couples stroll hand in hand, and many stop to share a sweet treat together at the outdoor tables.

The service is extremely friendly and welcoming. At first, we felt a little weird only ordering a small dessert to shard, but don't feel obligated to order more than you want, as we noticed many people just come for this famous treat. Be prepared to pay inflated prices for the restaurant's popularity and the privilege to sit in the famous piazza. Splitting a dessert and 2 coffees could leave at least a 20euro hole in your wallet...but it's Rome, It's chocolate, it's Bernini's fountain, and it's worth a splurge.

• http://www.3-scalini.com/en/
• Piazza Navona, 30
• Phone 066 879148
• Open  Daily 11am-11:30pm

Located in the historical Rome neighborhood, Trastevere, Trattoria da Enzo is the perfect place for a truly authentic Roman culinary experience. The area of Trastevere is on the opposite side of the river from Rome's center, and many say it's the last "true Roman" neighborhood left in this diversified city. I say then, if this is true, it must be the area where I want to go to eat real Roman fare.

Recently being mentioned in some guidebooks, this very small restaurant is becoming more well known with visitors, but is mostly frequented by locals. The first time we ate there, it was a recommendation from an Italian who lived down the street. Always busy, it's best to call ahead for reservations, but worth a try if you forgot to plan earlier.

Don't expect much atmosphere, if by atmosphere you expect a fussy, romantic linen cloth type experience...but if by atmosphere, you expect a truly Roman home, noisy, crowded and paper napkins - then this place is just for you! Only offering a handful of tables that are all piled next to each other (expect to dine in close quarters with your neighboring party), and 2 small outdoor tables, this family trattoria definitely feels like you're in the kitchen of an Italian grandmother.

Yellow walls boast children coloring book pages, the noise is a bit loud and service is fast, but still friendly. Ask for the chef's recommendations for the night, as it will be the freshest thing available on the menu. Some of the Roman specialties include stuffed zucchini flowers, fried artichokes, and many hearty pastas.

Prices are very reasonable for Rome, even multi-courses, including wine and dessert will be around 15-20euro/person. If you go with a group, try a few different dishes and eat family style. A definite stop for a good meal in Rome, and finish the evening with a lovely walk back to the center over the river (then at least you can justify that tiramisu)!

• Via dei vascellari, 29
• Bus stop: Piazza Sonnino, Trastevere
• Call for reservations 06.5818355
• Open Mon - Sat, Lunch 1pm-4pm, Dinner 8pm-11pm

At a single glance, the sign to this wonderful cafe may have you seeing double...or triple, as it's known as the "el caffè con tre effe" or "the cafe with three f's". I'm not sure why the owners decided to add that extra letter, but just like they added a letter, they also added goodness to their offerings.

Probably my most favorite place in Rome to get a coffee, Cafffe Camerino has made a mark in the very competeitive coffee world of the ancient city. Not only with visitors, but also locals, this lovely cafe offers some of the best beverage creations along with warm homemade pastries.

Located near the Largo di Torre Argentina in the area between the Pantheon and the Tiber River, a stop for a quick sip of espresso is an easy walk or bus ride away from any of the main sights. With an upscale interior (but not fussy) with tables, and a few small tables outside, one can take their time to enjoy or drink their coffee at the bar on the go. Of course, remember like most Italian bars, there will be an upcharge if you sit down.

One of the drinks not to miss here is the marocchino. This drink is usually served in a small glass cup with cocoa on the bottom, espresso, more cocoa, a small amount of steamed milk with foam, then topped with cocoa again. One of my favorites! Or ask for their "caffè completo" which is similar to the marocchino, but with a piece of melted chocolate on the bottom and a dollop of whipped creme on top! YUM!

Complete your coffee break with a warm, freshly made pastry or honey glazed croissant from the display case. The service here is always warm and friendly , while the atmosphere very classy.

• http://www.caffecamerino.com/
• Largo Arenula 30
• Open daily  7:30am-8pm

What do "brakes and clutches" (frieni e frizioni) have to do with fun drinks, great food, and trendy crowds? Nothing much, except that one of Trastevere's hippest place for an evening aperitvo takes place in an old car repair shop! Every evening between 7 and 10, Rome's young (and sometimes not so young) crowd gathers at Freni e Frizioni - artists, creatives, hipsters, students, and professionals alike - all converge near Piazza Trilussa for some of the city's best cocktails and tasty appetizer buffet.

Drinks range from 5-8 euro, including wine, beer, and mixed drinks...and as long as you buy at least one of these, you get to partake in a glorious spread of culinary treats. Everything from veggie cous cous, spiced lentil salad, and curried rice, to the more traditional pasta dishes, marinated vegetables, and cheese assortment await those willing to mingle in this (almost always) crowded bar. After tasting many aperitivi throughout Italy, this is definitely one of the best. Also, as a vegetarian, I noticed that this entire array was vegetarian-friendly! Try out many of the homemade original sauces and spreads that can accompany your plate of treats as well.

Besides offering a full bar menu full of creative drink concoctions, one of the drinks that Freni e Frizioni is famous for is their ginger mojito. And I can say from experience that this is one fantastic drink! Made like a traditional mojito with sugar and mint, this drink adds a twist with rum infused with fresh diced ginger pieces and poured over soft crushed ice. YUM!

If you're in Rome and want to experience a great aperitivo with plenty of locals, hop on Bus 23, 280 or walk across Ponte Sisto from the center, and hit up Freni....just be sure to get there early if you want a seat. Otherwise, you'll be standing or milling outside along the stone piazza walls - as it fills up really fast!

• http://www.freniefrizioni.com/
• Via del Politeama 4-6
• Open 11am - 2am daily
• Aperitivo 7pm - 10pm nightly

I'd heard about the legendary San Crispino many times before actually visiting. Even after traveling to Rome multiple times, it wasn't until my last trip that I was able to taste Rome's most famous gelato, founded by brothers Pasquale and Giusseppe Alongi.

With 5 locations throughout Rome, including one in the Terminal A of the Fiumicino Airport, most visitors to Rome stop at 2 of the locations in the heart of the city center. One is by the beautifully famous Fountain of Trevi, and the original is just a few steps away from the glorious Pantheon. A few times I'd looked for this one near the Pantheon without finding it, but now I know...so if you walk out of the Pantheon into the piazza, you'll be facing McD's. Head to the small street up the left side of that, one block to the next small Piazza della Maddalena and it will be on the right corner.

When you walk in, you'll notice that the owners are serious about their gelato. First, a hand-written board announces the day's specials, only with seasonal flavors. Next, all the carefully, temperature-controlled creams reside in stainless steel, covered bins behind glass. So don't go looking for brightly colors heaps of melting gelato with sprinkles on top. Then there are stacks and stacks of various sized cups for you to choose from. They don't offer cones as the owners believe that any addition to the pure gelato will molest the taste.

Be sure to ask for a taste of any of the flavors you're considering...as there will be so many great-sounding concoctions that you'll probably have a hard time narrowing it down. From Cocoa & Rum, Ginger & Cinnamon, and Black Fig to Whisky, Soft Ricotta, and many fruit sorbets, one could try a different flavor every hour during their stay in the ancient city.

For gelato-lovers and foodies, this is the premier gelato stop in Rome. Prices are reasonable and service is friendly. There are no seats inside,so plan to grab your cup to go!

• http://www.ilgelatodisancrispino.it/
• near Trevi Fountain : Via della Panetteria,42
• near Pantehon: Piazza della Maddalena, 3
• Open 11am-midnight Wed - Mon