Eat & Drink | Rome & Fregene
Where the in-crowd eats & drinks
By Jorane Cuppen | Gastronomist and founder | Guts to Glory
Fernando Pane | Hotelier | Sina Villa Medici, Autograph Collection
& Alon Ben Joseph | Jeweller | ACE Jewelers
LA PUNTA EXPENDIO DE AGAVE | Tip by Jorane Cuppen
“Lots of roads lead to Rome. And when I was there last time, I went on a serious food spree. I got inside info from family members living in Rome. I visited all of their recommendations and now, you get to be as lucky... I’d love to share them with you!”
Find out the best-hidden restaurants where locals eat in Rome and the nearby beach city of Fregene with this food guide, from small boutique delicacy shops to high-end restaurants and beach clubs.
From delicious ice cream bars to cafes and from traditional Italian to Mexican cuisine. This guide has something for every food lover!
Be guided through the city by Gastronomist Jorane Cuppen and Hotelier Fernando Pane, whose food expertise and local connections make them the experts to guide you around the streets of Rome. And let Jeweller Alon Ben Joseph take you through Fregene, Rome’s beach getaway, a small drive from the city.
Where to eat and go for a drink in Rome
GIANO RESTAURANT
Inside of the W Hotel you’ll find this casual yet upscale restaurant with an exciting fusion of Roman and Sicilian cuisine and design. Colourful and delicious.
ROMA SPARITA
Roman cuisine cannot get much more traditional than Roma Sparita, a ‘real trattoria’, in the old-time sense. Here you can enjoy amazing pasta in many classic variations, but everyone comes for the cacio e pepe.
Even Anthony Bourdain visited this place for that specific dish… You also need to try their artichoke when it’s in season.
ROSCIOLI SALUMERIA CON CUCINA
Arguably Rome's most well-known trattoria, it was born from the Roscioli family. Since then, they have opened a bakery, a deli, a coffee and a patisserie place.
They’re all amazing, but I especially recommend their bakery ‘ANTICO FORNO ROSCIOLI’. Their own pizza slices and sweet pastries are to die for!restaurant instagram & address | bakery instagram & address | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
GIOLITTI
An ice-cream bar that has been around since 1890. For over a century, they have been mastering the ‘art of gelato’. They have numerous stores all over the city, so it is definitely a must-visit.
As many flavors as the eye can see... Do I need to say more?
LA PUNTA EXPENDIO DE AGAVE
This project comes from a collaboration between Roman cocktail hotspots: the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy and Freni e Frizioni.
If you are the traveling type and love reminiscing about your adventures over good food and cocktails, this one is for you.
Great if you are done with Italian for a night and want to taste a selection of Mexican traditional spirits and authentic cuisine.
RETROBOTTEGA
This place is the perfect example of modern Italian cuisine, located in the heart of Rome. Over the past three years, chefs Giuseppe and Alessandro have managed to establish a great formula with a regularly changing menu.
They focus on the craftmanship of cooking, simplicity and taste… They also have a pasta bar and a wine bar around the corner.
JERRY THOMAS PROJECT
Since its opening in 2010, this place has become a mainstay for residents and visitors looking for a novel space, a small crowd, and a stiff drink.
The roaring 20s and dirty 30s are executed to the finest detail. You’ll find me here, sipping a martini from a Chesterfield in the crowded bar area.
WISDOMLESS CLUB
Take a seat in one of the most beautiful bars in town!
Located in Rome’s historic centre, Wisdomless Club is known for serving up classic cocktails. But apart from being a cocktail bar, it’s actually also a tattoo parlor and an art gallery.
LITRO
Simple and tasty! This cosy wine bar prides itself on serving the best Italian natural and biodynamic wines. While best known for its wine, Litro is open all day to serve a light breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Where to eat and drink in Fregene, Rome
Just a small hour's drive from the centre of Rome you’ll find the beach city of Fregene, a metropolitan oasis where the locals come to swim and relax.
GILDA
A classic Italian beach club, with a beautiful covered terrace by the sea and a sumptuous swimming pool.
instagram | maps | favourite of Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
COH
A modern beach club with distinctively bohemian vibes. Relaxed yet upbeat and energetic.
LA BICCOCA
Located on Lido beach. Great changing rooms, a calm beach and large swimming pools make this the perfect spot to go with the family and kids.
maps | favourite of Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
BLU
Delicious fresh food right on the beach, a solid place for both lunch and dinner.
