The three P’s – pizza, pasta and paninis – that’s what you’ll find in abundance in the historic area of downtown Rome – and they’re so fantastic, you’ll want to try every single one of them!
Best pizza is Il Fornaio just around the block from Piazza Fiori – by far the best pizza and you can tell from the over flowing crowds trying to get in each day. Another to try is Planet Pizza by the Trevi Fountain on Via de’ Crociferi.
Best paninni’s. Panini in Italy is made from squares of flat bread that has been sliced horizontally, making for a very thin, square Panini – they’re utterly delicious!
Try the porchetta panini from the vendor in Piazza Navona is the best.
My favourite by far is the spinach and fresh mozzarella panini from Trinita on via Sistina by the top of the Spanish Steps.
Second best is Tavola Calda on Via Corso has great pizza and panini
Best gelato: Gelato shops in Rome are like chocolate shops in Paris – they’re everywhere! Our favourite was Della Palma. Over 150 different flavours and kinds (soy and sherbet). On the corner of via della Calligio Capresica near the Patheon.
There’s also a really tiny shop with no name on Tiber Island that’s worth the walk.
Best hot chocolate: In Italy, hot chocolate is like a melted, good quality chocolate bar – yum!
Best is at Café Grecco just down from the Spanish Steps. It’s a historic 250 year old coffee house.
Another great cup of chocolate is Vitti in Piazza San Lorenzo.
Best restaurants: For a great meal with options that go beyond the 3-P’s, try these for lighter nouvelle Italian cuisine.
Gusto Ristorante and Pizzeria in Piazza August – best pizza!
Life Ristorante on Via della Vite – try the truffle pasta
Merkato Restaurant in Campo di Fiori – try the fiori di zucca (zucchini flowers)
Of course, then there’s the shopping in Rome! About 30% of Italian women are into fashion where you see more like 90% of Parisian woman are fashionable. Yet, there are thousands more clothing shops in Rome with the most fantastic fashions I’ve seen anywhere else in the world!
Shopping in Rome: First, there is no where in Rome where you can walk that isn’t bursting with shops, large and tiny. But if you want to make an adventure out of a shopping excursion, try these. Window shopping is the best in Rome.
Open market with purses, leather goods, scarves, hats, sweaters and more just behind St Peters Square at Piazza del Risorgimento.
Locals shop along via Cola di Rienzo where you’ll find clothing and household items at very reasonable prices.
Fantastic shopping along Via de Corso. You’ll find chain stores and small boutiques intermingling for great day of bargain hunting.
Make a detour to the Spanish Steps for high end designer boutiques and some of the most stunning fashions you’ll ever see!
Cheapest clothing is Via de’ Giabbonari just off Campo di Fiori. Plenty of no-name stores for boots and clothing.