Jubilee 2016 Rome where to eat near the Vatican: best restaurants and trattorias December, 2015 marks the opening of the Pope Frances’ Jubilee, in which hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to visit the capital city. A trip to Rome is not complete without a few great meals in Italy’s capital city. Avoid the tourist traps around the Vatican, and wandering for hours in search of a restaurant until well-after lunch time. Here are our top 5 restaurants where to eat near the Vatican during the Jubilee 2016.
Jubilee 2016 Rome Where to eat near the Vatican: best restaurants and trattorias
Il Sorpasso
Il Sorpasso is a hip trattoria that attracts a crowd of locals for their exceptionally knowledgeable service, fairly priced wine list, and well-prepared dishes that focus on stellar ingredients. The first room has a bar and a meats / cheese counter, from where you can catch glimpses of Italy’s finest products. If you’re looking for a quiet conversation, this is not the place to go as the sounds fill the packed dining room in the back of the restaurant. Try the shrimp carpaccio with pomegranate seeds (9 euro), or the orecchiette pasta with baccala and olives. They also serve Rome’s famous Trapizzino pizza sandwiches (3.5 euro).
Via Properzio, 31/33, Roma, Tel. 06. 8902 4554
Hours: Closed Sunday, dinner only
Osteria dell’Angelo
Osteria dell’ Angelo is the classic Roman trattoria that every visitor was hoping for. Angelo Croce has run the restaurant in the same location for over fifty years. The dining room is basic: a few wooden tables with red marble tops, photos gathered over the years, and white walls. A favorite of Slow Food, try the classics: the pasta carbonara, amatriciana, or the third the Roman triumvirate of classic pastas, La Gricia (guanciale and pecorino romano). The “perlina laziale” or pearl of Lazio are typical beans from the region. The second courses, such as the veal meatballs or the rabbit are rustic favorites. Reservations are essential: the small restaurant is quite a hit amongst locals and tourists alike. Lunch is alla carte, with very reasonable prices (pastas are 7 euro, and meat courses are 8); while for dinner the 25 euro fixed menu that includes hefty antipasti, pasta, and entree can’t be beat.
Via Bettolo, 24 (Trionfale), Tel. 06.3729470
Hours: Open for lunch and dinner; Closed all day Sunday, and Saturday lunch
La Zanzara
La Zanzara, translates to “the mosquito,” is buzzing with real Roman flare. If you’re looking for a place that captures the whims and wants of the current Roman generation, this restaurant shows off all the trends of Rome. Firstly, in the “gastronomia” section, you can select from Europe’s finest meats, including spanish Pata Negra, mortadella with truffles, or a selection of Italy’s rare prosciutto. The antipasti offer fresh, bright flavors in dishes like the tuna, beef, or catch-of-the-day tartare. The pastas are all made in house, and include the classics done with the best ingredients, as well as fish pastas. The options continue with prime meats on the grill, salads, and mini sandwiches— perfect to suit anyone’s appetite. Take advantage of the long cocktail list, and the beers on tap. The outdoor seating is a plus.
Via Crescenzio, 84, Rome, Tel. 06.6839 2227
Hours: Everyday dinner only
Orto – Vegetarian
Orto, or “vegetable garden,” is a restaurant that shows off Rome’s availability of fantastic greens. Opening in October for lunch, join the Romans who are awaiting this highly anticipated restaurant by Davide Buccioni owner of the nearby Quarto Hamburger restaurant and osteria Porto. The interiors are meant to make you feel as if you’re in a rustic, country house. For lunch, the 9 euro buffet is a bargain. The dinner menu offers dishes all at 10 euro, such as the spinach cake with taleggio cheese and pears, or the Panzanella with tomatoes and fresh stracciatella cheese.
Orto, via Giuseppe Gioacchino Belli 142, Rome, Tel. 06.45678050
La Veranda – Borgo Santo Spirito
Dining under the frescoed vaults of this historic palace, La Veranda is one of the most atmospheric meals Rome can offer. Even the walk to the restaurant will be charming– Borgo Santo Spirito is the street that leads from the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo. Go for Sunday brunch for the fresh breads, butters, marmalades, or pancakes with fresh fruit. The alla carte dinner options can be pricy (20 euro for pasta, 27 euro for entrees), so if you’re looking for a good deal go for the set-menu “business lunch.”
La Veranda, via Borgo Santo Spirito 73, Rome, Tel. 06.6872973 / 06.68199360
Hours: Brunch Sundays from 11:30 – 3:30; Closed Mondays; open for Lunch and Dinner
