MONTI
La Barrique
La Barrique is notable for the varied offerings in the wine list, well-studied dishes, and atmosphere in the Monti neighborhood. The boss of the house (together with the other owners) is Fabrizio Pagliardi. Completely restructured, since last year La Barrique also has a few tables outside. Make a reservation for a table in the central dining room: the space is intimate and perfect for a couple or a small group.
Via del Boschetto 41/B (Monti). Tel. 06.47825953.
Hours: From Monday to Friday 11am -1am, and Saturday 11:30am – 1:30am. Closed Sunday.
TUSCOLANO
Remigio Champagne e Vino
Remigio, which takes its name from the Cathedral Saint-Rémi in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France, is a jewel nestled in the neighborhood between the Tuscolana and Appian roads. The selection of Champagne and sparkling wines is plentiful, but with many non-sparkling options as well. To accompany your wine, go for the tartare al coltello, one of the best you can find. Keeping in mind the summer link between Remigio and Restaurant La Baia in the coastal town of Fregene, oysters and champagne are in abundance. High quality dishes: crostini, pastrami, salted cod, and many others. Here again, one of the owners is Fabrizio Pagliardi of La Barrique in Monti.
Via Santa Maria Ausiliatrice 15 (Tuscolano). Tel. 06.789228.
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 6pm – 2am. Closed Sundays.
SAN LORENZO
Il Sorì
San Lorenzo is not traditionally known for the quality of its dining spots, leaving aside a few exceptions. But on the street Via dei Volsci, a secret surprise awaits tucked after many small cafes and pubs. It is called il Sorí and it defines itself as an enogastronomic bottega. Only a few tables, and many bottles. Carefully selected menu, particularly the seafood offerings. We note the polpo alla gallega (a dish of octopus and potatoes seasoned with paprika) which is superb, and difficult to find in Rome. The skillful service create a warm atmosphere.
Via dei Volsci 51 (San Lorenzo). Cell. 393.4318681.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 6pm to 2am. Closed Sunday.
COLOSSEUM
Bibenda WineConcept
Bibenda WineConcept, just two steps from the Colloseum, takes its name from the Bibenda wine magazine. This space, entirely dedicated to the culture of wine, was born thanks to a project by Grazie Trischitta, a sommelier with passion. The selection is vast, as you can imagine, and includes natural wines. There is also a Bibenda store, in which you can shop for design kitchen objects. It’s a shame that the atmosphere is just a bit colder than others.
Via Capo d’Africa 21 (Celio). Tel. 06.77206673.
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 11:30am – 3pm, and from 5pm to midnight. Closed Sundays.
CENTER
Il Goccetto
Intimate and welcoming, il Goccetto is a good mix between a well-studied wine shop (with more than 800 labels) and a Venetian-style wine bar. Walking along the street Via dei Banchi Vecchi, arises the age-old sign that reads “Vino e Olio” (wine and oil). To accompany the wines are high-quality salamis and cheeses. Ideal for an aperitivo. Clientele is a mix of foreigners and dedicated Romans of varying ages.
Via dei Banchi Vecchi 14 (Historical Center). Tel. 06.6864268.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30am – 2:30pm, and 6:30pm – midnight. Mondays only open in the evenings. Closed Sundays.
MONTI
Al vino al vino
Locals and tourists alike gather in this small but well-stocked wine bar in the Monti neighborhood (referenced also in the new-Bible of the neighborhood, Michele Masneri’s novel “Addio Monti”). Decorated with shelves, counters and stools, but also small tables. Great selection of sparkling wines. The owner, Giacomo, is a man of few words who watches matches on the television near the door and makes the mixed salami platters. Weak point: there is only cheese, salami and eggplant parmiggian drowned in tomato sauce to eat. Ideal for having a glass of wine and hanging out on the street to watch the passer-bys on Via dei Serpenti.
Via dei Serpenti 19 (Monti). Tel. 06.485803.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm – 11pm. Friday and Saturday, open until 1:30am.
PIAZZA BOLOGNA
Uve e forme
This enoteca-bistrot is defined by its 300 plus wines and foods based on high-quality artiginal and biological products. Also the menu of 300+ wines by the bottle or the glass includes many biological offerings. Ideal for an aperitivo or a drink after dinner. They also organize wine tastings with producers.
Via Padova 6/8 (piazza Bologna). Tel. 06.44236801.
Hours: Monday to Friday, from 12pm – 12:30am; Saturday from 4pm – 12:30 am. Closed Sundays.
PIAZZA FIUME
Trimani
Embarassed by the selection of wines both by the bottle or the glass, Trimani is said to be the first in Italy to take advantage of the title of “wine bar.” It is certain that Marco Trimani was the first to bring Brunello di Mondalcino to Rome on the request of President Sargat in the late 1970s. This spot was born in fact as an extension of the Trimani wine shop, with an inventory of over 5,500 Italian and foreign wines. The cooking is decent, but not always of the same high quality as the wines.
Via Cernaia 37 (Pinciano – near Termini Station). Tel. 06.4469630.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:30 am – 3pm, and from 5:30pm – midnight. Closed Sundays.
CENTER
Casa Bleve
A meeting point for lovers and conisseurs of good wine, Casa Bleve is a splendid spot. The wine cellars are historical, pressed inside the Roman walls from the age of Agustus, and among the most beautiful of the capital. The menu is rich with salamis, meats and fish to accompany a glass of wine from the well-stocked list. Well-suited for lovers of a classy and luxurious atmosphere.
Via del Teatro Valle 48/49 (Historical Center). Tel. 06.6865970.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 12:30pm – 3pm, and from 7:30 pm – 10:30. Closed Sunday and Monday.