Large groups must often rely on restaurants with set menus. Be sure to establish the menu details in advance and be careful with drinks, which are not often included and can significantly increase the cost.
Smaller groups who want to taste traditional or home-made dishes, should try a trattoria. This type of restaurant is most often run by a family with the mother or wife of the owner in the kitchen. While there is not necessarily a wide choice of dishes, those offered are often explained on the spot by waiters who are generally courteous and warm. Because of this very informal nature, guests should check the menu and prices carefully.
Pizza is normally eaten in the evening though some places serve it at lunch too. Along with an imaginative list of pizzas (toppings of all kinds), there is also bruschetta, olive ascolane and the renowned 'supplì’ (boiled rice and mozzarella fried in breadcrumbs).
Rome’s numerous restaurants offer cuisine that covers a full range of tastes from international to regional and from traditional to sophisticated. The services, size of the restaurant, and presentation of the dishes determine the cost of the meal.
Since 2007, a regional law regarding public dining establishments has eliminated the “pane e coperto” cover charge from the menu. This ruling places Rome on similar ground with other European capitals where bread and cover are not charged to customers. Make sure that this extra charge is not inserted under other headings such as 'various' or 'set menu.'
Finally, tipping is not necessary in Italy, but it is a good and common practice to leave something on the table after having paid your bill.
Now, the only thing left to do is to select a restaurant and ...buon appetito!
-
The fame of some important restaurants in Rome is closely bound to the name of the managing chef. -
Roman cuisine is essentially of working class origin and for the most part uses simple ingredients. Dishes have been enriched w...
