Even in a city as ancient as Rome - where things, let's face it, move a little slower than in other cities - new dining options are popping up quicker than ever. From a couple of burger and beer joints to new cocktail bars for your evening aperitivo to a converted warehouse and Asian-inspired food hall, these new openings are creating a right buzz in the "Eternal City."
Catch an old flick while sipping on delicious cocktails at La Moderna. — Photo courtesy of HeartRome
La Moderna (Testaccio)
Opened in the area known as the foodie "heart of Rome" right by the Testaccio market, La Moderna features a stylish outfit, with a big screen looping scenes from old black and white films and some mean cocktails!
The only pasta on the menu here is spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino (in other words, pasta served with olive oil, garlic and chili). You can choose from three degrees of hotness. They also serve great starters and bar snacks like cod croquettes, and main courses like beef cheek, ribs and other flame-grilled goodies.
Terra d'Acqua (Trastevere)
Terra d'Acqua a modern gem in the old trattoria-filled Trastevere. Roman classics are on the menu, but give that a break and try some of the regional specialty dishes. Start with one of their many bruschette like prosciutto and burrata and perhaps a seafood pasta dish.
The ricotta ravioli served with broccoli purée and crispy pancetta is a stand out.
L'Hamburgeria di Eataly (Via Veneto)
This outpost of mega-massive Italian food and restaurant chain Eataly is centrally located to city hotels and a great stop for lunch or dinner. There are only burgers on the menu at L'Hamburgeria (and a couple of salads) with locally made bread - and they're good!
Try some of the local craft beers on the menu for the perfect burger accompaniment.
Burger, fries and local Roman beer at l'Hamburgeria — Photo courtesy of Maria Pasquale
La Dogana (Ostiense)
This Asian-inspired food hall is certainly creating a buzz amongst locals in the Ostiense area. La Dogana features a varying range of all-you-can-eat Mongolian, Chinese and Japanese dishes. There is a dumpling station, sushi area and a grill where you can choose meat, poultry or fish cooked fresh on the spot.
La Pizza del Teatro (Centro, Navona)
Gabriele Bonci is one of Rome's (and perhaps even Italy's) most famous pizza makers, and his pizza al taglio, Pizzarium in the Vatican area is all the rage. He has finally brought his magic to the city center with La Pizza del Teatro. His suppli (delicious fried rice balls) - cooked fresh while you wait - and daring toppings on pizza by the slice won't disappoint.
Bonci's pizza is not to be missed in Rome. — Photo courtesy of HeartRome
Trappizino (Ponte Milvio)
Born in Testaccio at the famed 00100 pizzeria, the Trapizzino is a cross between a sandwich (tramezzino) and a pizza - a pizza pocket, if you like. And like you will! Filled with Roman classics like tripe or chicken and even meatballs for the less adventurous, this unique Roman street food can be found at this new location. Word on the street is that this little empire is growing.
La Zanzara (Prati)
La Zanzara is Rome's second installment to Baccano (which is right by the Trevi Fountain), located in the stylish neighborhood of Prati, near the Vatican. Think French-style brasserie meets New York meets Rome.
All the Roman classics are on the menu, but with a splash of new. Other bar snacks like burgers and club sandwiches are also available. It's open all day and great for an aperitivo, too.
Frizzo (Prati)
The motto at Frizzo is "Where do you want to go today?" with a focus on international - but mainly New York-style - cuisine. The super cool thing about this place is that all ordering is done on an iPad conveniently located at your table. It features pictures of all items, plus a description. With the press of a button, you can summon your waiter when required.
All-day breakfast is on the menu (not common for Rome), with things like eggs Benedict and all-you-can-eat club sandwiches, bagels, pizzas and sweet treats like cupcakes, New York-baked cheesecake and a delicious carrot cake complete with cream cheese frosting served in a glass jar.
So whether you're in town for a day or a week, live like a local and follow where the Romans are headed to find something new in an old town.
The sweet treats that line the bar at Frizzo — Photo courtesy of HeartRome
