Expert: Valerie - 3/4/2004

Question
My boyfriend and I will be in Rome in a week and its our anniversary, can you suggest a really good and romantic resturant?

Thanks!

Answer
Buongiorno Kelly,
Wow, there are so many great restaurants!  You may want to look at a few of these, though.

Il Convivio Troiano, a sort of classic place with great food, not far from Piazza Navona (http://www.ilconviviotroiani.com/)

La Terrazza, in the Eden Hotel, for spectacular views.  The menu changes seasonally.

Experanto, on Corso Rinascimento which is just off the Piazza Navona and offers a little more creative take on Mediterranean/Italian dishes with a more modern look to the dining room. (www.menudiroma.com)

Ara Pacis Capricciosa, near the Spanish Steps with a pretty, romantic looking dining room (www.arapacisrestaurant.it)

Cicciabomba, at via del Governo Vecchio near the Spanish Steps is a little more rustic looking with a daily menu. (www.menudiroma.com)

My favorite restaurant, though not fancy or renaissance-looking may be worth a trip for lunch.  It's Osteria dell'Arco, at via G. Pagliari.  It's a bit off the beaten path (which means very few tourists here!) located between Piazza Fiume and Porta Pia (to the east of Villa Borghese) off via Alessandria.  Their food is wonderful, it's very small and personal and we visit here every time we arrive in Rome.  

I hope this helps you.  I'm sure your hotel clerk or the barista in the closest coffee bar would be more than happy to comment on these restaurants as well as offering their favorites, too.

Have a wonderful, romantic trip.

Buon anniversario,

Valerie