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Where to eat, drink and stay

in Rome

During my vacation in Italy, there were also two days in Rome on the menu. After a week in Puglia by a lovely pool, we were in the mood for two days with a bit more hustle and bustle. Actually, this should have been a post for May because she is in love with this city and has even lived here for a while. That's why I asked her where to eat and drink, and that was all spot on.

We start at the hotel. In this case, the Hotel Mecenate Palace. Not expensive, but not necessarily cheap either. A little outside the busy center, but right on a beautiful square with a church. The interior is a bit faded glory, but I actually liked that. Great beds, sparkling clean bathroom, and (the best part) a little bar on the roof with an amazing view over the city. An Aperol Spritz tastes best there. You can also eat at the hotel, and from the snacks we tasted with the drinks, that was also top-notch. Oh yes, another handy thing about the hotel is that they have a garage for your car.

We ate at Romolo, of course also on May's recommendation. From the outside, you see nothing, but the restaurant has a very cute inner garden with ivy on the wall and white linen on the table. Incredibly romantic. The pasta with truffle is (of course) irresistible and the spigola (sea bass) too. Since I'm on a limoncello diet, I had two glasses to properly finish off the dinner.

Being in Rome without visiting the Colosseum: I couldn't get away with that. Maybe I'd rather sit on a terrace all day, but that's beside the point. We (I assume you now realize that I shared this vacation with my boyfriend) met friends from Amsterdam in the city, and they dragged us everywhere. Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Square, that kind of thing. And all that in 30 degrees, so I was quite proud of myself. A little Biotherm sunscreen (you know me, my favorite) on my face was definitely needed.

I got to choose the lunch spot (just leave that to me) and we did that at Ristorante Sabatina. We had been doing a mozzarella test the whole vacation, and in this restaurant, we found a winner. Mussels, vongole, melon with parma ham. Actually the best restaurant of the vacation. And also on a nice square. I just really love little squares. Just be careful, don't be shocked by the bill. Ahem.

To compensate a bit for the high bill, we walked to Antica Osteria Rugantino for dinner with all funny waiters in short shorts, and for a liter of wine, you pay no more than 8 euros. The menu is simple, not very special, but there is especially a very cozy atmosphere and the service is super friendly. And if a woman comes to sing with a guitar, then it's all complete, you understand.

Italians are not really breakfast eaters; they are very satisfied with a caffè and a cigarette. But at Ristorante Angelina, you can choose the most delicious pastries, croissants, and sandwiches from the display. With a very strong shot of espresso, of course.