Living Rome

Just a few steps from Piazza Navona, Mastrociccia captures the lively spirit of a true Roman osteria, drawing both locals and travelers with its warm atmosphere and a menu rooted in Italy’s most beloved culinary traditions.

Tucked away in the heart of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto lies Giggetto, a legend- ary osteria where one vegetable reigns supreme: the artichoke. To Romans, this isn’t just food—it’s a symbol of their culinary soul.

Born from the Neapolitan word obicà, meaning “here it is!” to indicate some- thing that surprises and delights, Obicà embodies the joy of discovery through sim- plicity and authenticity.

Perched atop the 47 Boutique Hotel, the 47 Circus Roof Garden offers sweeping views from its magnificent terrace over the ancient Foro Boario, framed by the Temples of Portunus and Hercules Victor. It’s a rarefied, time-suspended setting, far from the city’s bustle.

Tucked away in the maze-like alleys of antique-dealer street Via dei Coronari, Osteria Le Streghe dal 1920 offers an atmosphere that feels both intimate and timeless, like a living snapshot of Roman life.

Tucked away in the lively streets of Trastevere, Le Mani in Pasta has earned a loyal following as one of the neighborhood’s most reliable culinary stops. Always bustling with energy, the restaurant combines the warmth of Roman hospitality with the refinement of a seafood-focused kitchen with a highlight on pasta. Its open-plan cooking area adds to the charm, allowing diners to watch the chefs at work and lending an air of authenticity that feels both rustic and theatrical

In Rome, pizza is serious business, and at Margherita Roma tradition meets a fresh, contemporary spirit right in the historic center. Their signature dough, leavened for 24 hours and rolled out strictly by hand with a rolling pin, becomes the quintessential Roman pizza: thin, crispy, and irresistibly flavorful, available in both beloved classics and bold, creative variations.

Just steps from the Pantheon, Gnocco – Osteria alla Scrofa blends contemporary charm with the soul of old Rome. This inviting osteria celebrates the city’s culinary heritage, where timeless flavors meet modern craftsmanship and every dish feels like a family story…

Ever the past 20 years, Obicà, the first-ever mozzarella bar, has become a symbol of gastronomic excellence and contemporary style, with locations in cities across the globe, from London to Tokyo, Porto to New York. And the interiors of the Via de’ Prefetti restaurant, located in the Parliament area, reflect this identity, with a minimal and informal style that immerses guests in a youthful, modern atmosphere…

An authentic, historic Roman neighborhood on the Tiber, Testaccio is known for its vibrant food scene and local atmosphere, and is probably the neighborhood most deeply rooted in traditional Roman cuisine. Restaurant Ai Cocci was founded right here with the aim of creating a warm and welcoming place for foodies…

Dining at Trattoria da Teo in Trastevere’s charming Piazza dei Ponziani is a sensory delight. The atmosphere is laid-back, the service warm and efficent, and the menu is a celebration of Roman culinary tradition with refined seafood touches. Begin with classic Roman artichokes, crisp fried monkfish, or the Catalan-style salmon. For the first course, indulge in rigatoni alla carbonara, homemade fettuccine with porcini mushrooms, maltagliati with lobster, or amberjack-sauced spaghetti. For main course try the grilled swordfish with capers and cherry tomatoes, tuna steak with balsamic vinegar, tender stewed oxtail, or baby lamb cutlets. Round off your meal with a luscious tiramisù or fresh strawberries served with mascarpone. The wine list offers a range of excellent labels to complement your meal. Reservations recommended.

The chef of restaurant Sant’Anna does his daily shopping at the nearby Campo de’ Fiori market, giving each dish a distinctly Roman flavor. Though fish prevails, meat recipes from the Roman tradition also have a strong presence: spaghetti alla Pierrot (spicy seafood) or al profumo di bosco (with porcini mushrooms); gilthead bream baked in rock salt; veal saltimbocca and torta della nonna (pine nut cake). Crunchy pizza is also available.

For over three decades, Papa Rex has been a beacon of culinary excellence in the Vatican area. The four themed rooms, each adorned in classic Roman decor, offer a perfect setting for any occasion. Papa Rex holds fast to traditional local recipes, ensuring an authentic experience with every bite, from iconic Roman specialties such as carbonara, amatriciana, saltimbocca and stewed artichokes to an array of tantalizing meat and seafood preparations. Conclude your feast on a sweet note with an unmissable tiramisù or a refreshing lemon sorbet.

Right in the big piazza in front of the church of S. Cecilia in Trastevere, Roma Sparita offers a wide assortment of Italian and Roman classics. Start with their eggplant parmigiana, fried cod, or fried zucchini flowers. For pasta lovers, the bucatini all’amatriciana and schiaffoni with oxtail sauce are excellent choices. The creamy cacio e pepe, served in a parmesan bowl, is a must-try for true connoisseurs. Succulent main courses include roasted lamb, tagliata steak with either fresh artichokes or porcini mushrooms, and grilled prawns. Delicious pizzas with mouthwatering toppings are baked in a wood-fired oven, while homemade desserts like the warm apple pie with vanilla ice-cream will satisfy any sweet tooth.The well-stocked wine cellar provides a variety of great pairings.

Located in the charming Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina—a fashionable part of the city perfect for watching the nicest crowds parade by—Vitti dal 1898 offers a pleasant outdoor seating area where one can indulge in gelato or homemade pastries. With a century-old tradition of pastry making, Onorio Vitti satisfies all gluttonous desires, from famous classics like Sacher Torte to Sicilian cannoli and chocolate rolls; every treat is crafted from cherished family recipes. The venue also serves as a restaurant, with a select menu of homemade pastas and Roman specialties.

An intimate restaurant, seating only 45 people, specializing in the hearty cuisine of Abruzzo. Brick walls, traditional furnishings bathed in warm hues, and baskets of cheeses and cold cuts make patrons feel at home. Each dish is prepared according to an authentic regional recipe book: mezze maniche with broccoli and sausage; amatriciana, arrosticini (skewers of grilled lamb); beef straccetti with arugula and ciambelline al vino (wine donuts). Outdoor seating available.

Just steps away from Piazza di Spagna, Il Gabriello celebrates pure Mediterranean cuisine featuring traditional Roman classics as well as fresh seafood, highlighted by melt-in-your-mouth crudités—a favorite among regular patrons. Notable dishes include pasta cacio e pepe with lime-infused scampi, paccheri with calamari and crustaceans, Catalan-style prawns, and tuna tagliata with sesame. Guests can also enjoy the catch of the day, prepared in the classic ways or to their liking, and finish with a gluttonous dark chocolate mousse. The cozy, Romanesque-inspired dining rooms, adorned with exposed brick arches and crystal chandeliers, create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Claudio Conti, the welcoming owner, ensures personalized service to every client.

Secluded within the charming, winding streets of Trastevere, this cozy restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional Italian cuisine. A favorite among locals, it offers traditional Roman dishes crafted with the freshest seasonal ingredients. The dedicated staff ensures every guest feels at home and the chef showcases his expertise by using top-quality produce, meats, seafood, and other local specialties. Begin your meal with a first course like the linguine with lobster or the flavorful homemade ravioli. As an entrée, the baked turbot with sea bass and potatoes is a standout, though there’s an extensive selection of meat and seafood options. For dessert, treat yourself to a classic tiramisù or venture into something special like the semifreddo al gorgonzola. Due to its popularity and lively atmosphere, it’s recommended to book a table in advance.

Above the quiet elegance of Via Giulia, I Sofà Rooftop Bar invites guests to discover Rome from a different perspective. Set atop Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George, it offers an intimate escape where the beauty of the Eternal City unfolds from above. In summer, the panoramic terrace comes alive—an open-air setting for slow moments and captivating views. Rooftops and domes stretch into the distance, the Tiber winds through the city, and St. Peter’s dome rises on the horizon, revealing Rome’s timeless charm. Signature cocktails and classic drinks set the scene for a sunset aperitif or a relaxed evening under the stars, paired with light snacks and tapas blending Italian, Roman, and international flavours. A destination for those who appreciate atmosphere, flavour, and a distinctive view of Rome, best enjoyed in a refined, intimate setting.

Just steps from Piazza Navona, culinary treasure hunters will discover Mastrociccia, a welcoming Roman osteria where traditional authentic flavors, crafted with fresh and carefully selected ingredients, can be tasted in every dish. The menu features delicious local specialties such as spaghettoni carbonara, homemade tonnarelli cacio e pepe, spaghettoni Mastrociccia (with tomato, garlic, chili, and pecorino cream), veal saltimbocca, grilled lamb, vaccinara-style oxtail, and mouthwatering tripe. For those with a sweet tooth, must-try homemade desserts include the ricotta cheese tart with sour cherry jam, tiramisù, as well as cantucci or ciambelle served with sweet passito wine from Pantelleria.

In the heart of Rome’s Jewish quarter, close to the Portico d’Ottavia, the neighborhood’s deep-rooted traditions remain firmly planted. Giggetto, managed by the Ceccarelli family for three generations, is a true landmark of this essential part of Roman culinary heritage. Giggetto is known for its mouthwatering local specialties, such as crispy Jewish-style artichokes, fried salt cod and zucchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies. The menu also features a variety of classic dishes, including amatriciana, carbonara, and other Roman favorites like tripe, pagliata alla cacciatora (lamb offal), oxtail, and cuttlefish with peas. The wine list is extensive and the service is amiable and informal, much like the hospitality of a typical Roman osteria.

For half a century, the Roma Jazz Festival has brought the world’s most exciting jazz to the Eternal City, becoming one of Europe’s longest-running celebrations of the genre.

This month, Rome’s performance season offers a wonderful mix of opera, sacred music, and world-class ballet.

he Romaeuropa Festival is one of Eu-Teriste creaton, and Romes premier artistic creation, and Rome’s premier showcase of contemporary art, dance, theater, music, cinema, circus arts, and digital performance. Starting on September 8, the festival’s 41st edition will transform the Italian capital into a vibrant stage of creative energy for an exciting series of performances lasting several weeks.

After 47 years, the summer season of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia returns to the majestic Basilica di Massenzio for a month of open-air concerts under the Roman sky. From 2 July, an international lineup celebrates great composers— Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Gershwin, Chopin, Mozart, Handel, and Vivaldi—alongside film scores by two-

Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola and featuring costumes by the late Valentino, this month’s production of Verdi’s La Traviata promises to be a major highlight of the season. The collaboration between Coppola and the legendary Italian couturier began years ago and has already been presented in several cities. Now it’s back in Rome, and will be featuring at Teatro Costanzi from June 21 to 30.

The great choreographer Moses Pendleton, known for his Momix productions, returns to the Teatro Olimpico with an evolved version of his popular 2009 creation, Botanica. This new Momix work, on until May 10, unfolds like a living organism and has now been reshaped and expanded on stage, evolving from its original form into new and unexpected transformations.

Cirque du Soleil is back in town! The world-renowned Canadian nouveau cirque company, famous for turning the circus into a theatrical spectacle of acrobatics, dance, music, and strik- ing visuals, returns with a reinterpretation of one of its most beloved productions.

March offers an exceptionally vibrant program for music lovers, with a rich calendar of live performances spanning genres and styles…

Now in its 22nd edition, Supermagic returns to the Eternal City this winter with Supermagic Elementi 2026. From January 22 to February 8, this spectacular blend of wonder and show will transform the Auditorium della Conciliazione into a dreamlike stage where world-class illusionists redefine what is possible…

The magic of the holiday season returns to Rome with Christmas World – A Christmas to Live, the largest Christmas Village in Europe. From November 29 to January 11, 2026, the Galoppatoio of Villa Borghese will once again be transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland, welcoming visitors of all ages to a festive celebration like no other…

Until February 7, 2027, the Scuderie del Quirinale will be turning the spotlight on one of the most intriguing figures of the Italian Mannerism era with an exhibition dedicated to Jacopo Carucci, known as Pontormo.

A pioneering artist, Vassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) transformed modern pain- ting through bold colors, expressive forms, and abstract art. Until 14 February 2027, Palazzo Bonaparte presents a major exhibi- tion dedicated to the celebrated artist, bringing together more than 70 works from leading international collections.

Emperor Augustus belonged to an extraordinarily influential family intrigue, history was marked by political intrigue, untimely deaths and bitter struggles over the imperial succession.

Born in New York in 1946, Robert Mapplethorpe is widely regarded as a master who transcended the boundaries of photography. Rather than merely capturing subjects, he sculpted space through the lens of his Hasselblad camera, transforming each image into a study of balance, symmetry, and classical harmony.

Set within the historic Chiostro del Bramante, Flowers. Wonderful Nature is the latest chapter of a successful exhibition that now turns its focus from flowers alone to the wider natural world.

One of the most popular and widely reproduced artists of all time, Scottish painter Jack Vettriano passed away last year in Nice. Through July 5, Palazzo Velli in Trastevere will be celebrating the beloved artist with an exhibition that traces his life and career through more than eighty of his works.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini is often credited with turning Rome into the Baroque masterpiece it is today, but his extraordinary career was closely tied to his relationship with Maffeo Barberini.

Hosted at the Museo del Corso–Polo Museale – Palazzo Cipolla, From Vienna to Rome. Habsburg Wonders from the Kunsthistorisches Museum offers an extraordinary encounter with more than fifty masterpieces drawn entirely from the prestigious collections of Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum…

Until March 15, Cartier’s creations are presented vis-à-vis the marble sculptures from Cardinal Alessandro Albani’s collection — in the heart of the Capitoline Museums’ Palazzo Nuovo — together with a selection of remarkable ancient pieces…

In 1342, the city of Rome started making arrangements for the Jubilee of 1350. This was to be the second Jubilee in history, following the first in 1300, but this time the circumstances were markedly different…

In ancient Rome, horti were more than gardens. They were elegant urban retreats; villas surrounded by landscaped parks where wealthy Romans could escape the bustle of city life.

The Trevi fountain may be one of the most visited attractions in Rome, but not many people are aware of the rich history of the buildings that surround it. One of them is Palazzo Castellani, built in the 18th century by goldsmith and collector Paolo Castellani.

For more than a century, the serenity of Rome’s Janiculum Hill has been punctuated each day by a single thunderous roar. Precisely at noon, the blast of a cannon echoes across the city, announcing to Romans and visitors alike that half the day has passed.

Tucked away on a quiet hill near the Colosseum, the small basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) offers one of the city’s most unforgettable experiences. The church’s name refers to the chains believed to have bound Saint Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem.

Every year on June 2 the Eternal City transforms into a stage of pageantry and national pride for Italy’s most patriotic holiday, the Festa della Repubblica. The celebration unfolds with a grand military parade advancing along the storied Via dei Fori Imperiali, where ancient ruins form a majestic backdrop to modern ceremonial splendor.

Along the banks of the Tiber and right next to the Mausoleum of Augustus stands the Ara Pacis Augustae, an altar built in 13 BCE to celebrate Emperor Augustus’s victories in Spain and Gaul, the resulting period of peace, and the stability of his rule.