Cielo in Fiumicino

Cielo, situated in the coastal town of Fiumicino just 10 minutes from the airport, specializes in seafood cuisine. Our decision to spend the night in Fiumicino before an early morning flight was rewarded with a tip from our taxi driver, who highlighted the town’s reputation for serving the freshest seafood. We were searching for a restaurant that served grilled fish, and I discovered this place on Google Maps. The restaurant is spacious and has a contemporary setting. The service was satisfactory.

We ordered a seasonal mixed salad, deep-fried squid served with lemon gel sauce, and two kinds of whole-grilled fish.

We selected two of the freshest fish from the display case, as not all were fresh. Once grilled, the server presented them to us before deboning and plating them, ensuring the sides were evenly distributed. The grilled fish came with roasted potatoes, mixed salad, and sautéed broccoli rabe. The broccoli rabe was overly salty, and while the fish were grilled well, they were somewhat bland.

The fried squid was delicious, particularly enhanced by the tangy lemon gel sauce. The only downside was that it had too much coating.

 

Cielo

Website: http://www.cielofco.it/
Telephone: +39066506368
Opening hours:

Tuesday
  • 4 pm–1 am
Wednesday
  • 4 pm–1 am
Thursday
  • 4 pm–1 am
Friday
  • 11 am–1 am
Saturday
  • 11 am–1 am
Sunday
  • 11 am–1 am
Monday
  • 4 pm–1 am

Address: Via della Torre Clementina, 154, 00054 Fiumicino RM, Italy

Scoops of Rome

Gelateria Del Teatro

Gelateria Del Teatro is a quaint gelateria located just before Ponte Garibaldi, right before crossing over to Trastevere. The service was lacking, as the lady behind the counter appeared unfriendly and distant. However, there are two benches outside the shop where you can sit and enjoy your gelato.

I decided to try the pistachio and ricotta cheese, as well as the almond and fig flavors. Unfortunately, the flavors were rather mild compared to what I’ve experienced elsewhere, and the texture was somewhat hard and brittle.

Fatamorgana (Trastevere)

This gelato chain offers options tailored to various dietary restrictions, such as dairy, gluten, nuts, sugar, and eggs, with clear labeling for each. Their flavor range is extensive, featuring intriguing combinations like pineapple and ginger, avocado, lime, and wine.

On my visit, I tried the Basil, walnuts & honey, rose petals, violet flowers, and Sorrento walnuts flavors. Each flavor boasted a unique yet delicate profile, showcasing natural ingredients and a creamy texture.

Overall, it’s an excellent spot for those seeking healthier gelato choices.

The Gelatist

In contrast to my previous experiences at gelato shops where I would order first and then pay, I discovered that this particular establishment operated on a pay-first basis. Unfortunately, none of the servers informed me of this until it was my turn, forcing me to return to the back of the line.
Despite the need for better communication regarding the service, the gelato itself was exceptional! This was my favorite out of the gelatos I’ve tasted in Rome.  We indulged in hazelnuts with milk chocolate, hazelnuts with dark chocolate, and mangoes with cheesecake and strawberry.

The gelato was dense, creamy, and impeccably smooth, with flavors that were perfectly balanced in sweetness. Each flavor was distinct, delivering pure bliss with every bite.

Gelateria del Viale

A charming little family-run gelateria located in Trastevere. The woman serving us was warm and hospitable. We tasted the mango, chocolate, and pistachio gelato. Since it was my last day in Italy, I was eager to enjoy one final, delicious gelato. Unfortunately, the flavors were somewhat muted and the texture wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped.

 

 

Gelateria del Teatro (Lungotevere branch)

Website: http://www.gelateriadelteatro.it/
Opening hours: Mondays to Sundays, 12:00 p.m. – 21:00 p.m.
Address: Lungotevere dei Vallati, 25, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

 

Fatamorgana (Trastevere branch)

Website: https://www.gelateriafatamorgana.com/web/index.php
Opening hours: Mondays to Sundays, 12:30 p.m. –22:30 p.m.
Address: Via Roma Libera, 11, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

The Gelatist(Via del Corso, 293)

Website: https://www.thegelatist.it/
Opening hours: 

Sunday
  • 9 am–1 am
Monday
  • 9 am–12 am
Tuesday
  • 9 am–12 am
Wednesday
  • 9 am–12 am
Thursday
  • 9 am–12 am
Friday
  • 9 am–1 am
Saturday
  • 9 am–1 am

Address: Via del Corso, 293, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

 

Gelateria del Viale

Opening hours:

Tuesday
  • Closed
Wednesday
  • 12–7 pm
Thursday
  • 12–8 pm
Friday
  • 12–8 pm
Saturday
  • 12–8 pm
Sunday
  • 12–8 pm
Monday
  • 12–7 pm

Address: Piazza Giuseppe Gioachino Belli, 9F, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Bar Gianicolo – A Local Gem

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Bar Gianicolo is a cozy local neighborhood bar with an authentic charm located in Janiculum Hill. There is outdoor seating with a view of Porta San Pancrazio. It’s not a very large establishment, but it’s a great spot to get a bite away from tourists. They have a good selection of drinks and distinctive sandwiches, some of which were entirely new to me, such as Tramezzini and Paninis. Upon spotting the mini sandwiches in the display case, excitement bubbled within me, and I couldn’t wait to savor them.

The little sandwiches were adorable. Each sandwich was warm and bursting with various fillings, offering a satisfying and flavorful bite.

This is definitely a local gem!

 

Bar Gianicolo

Telephone: +39065806275
Opening hours:

Sunday
  • 6 am–11:30 pm
Monday
  • Closed
Tuesday
  • 6 am–11:30 pm
Wednesday
  • 6 am–11:30 pm
Thursday
  • 6 am–11:30 pm
Friday
  • 6 am–11:30 pm
Saturday
  • 6 am–11:30 pm

Address: Piazzale Aurelio, 5, 00152 Roma RM, Italy

Ristorante Il Fantino

I was looking for a place to have a quick lunch before heading to Fiumicino. I found this restaurant with positive reviews on Google Maps, conveniently situated down the street from where I was staying. Il Fantino is in a quiet area within the Jewish Ghetto alongside the Portico of Octavia. There is a small indoor dining area and a beautiful courtyard adorned with hanging vines. I arrived right at the opening and was the first one there, but customers gradually started arriving, and before long, the outdoor dining area was filled up. Service was efficient and friendly.

The menu offers a simple selection of antipasti, pasta, secondi, and desserts. I ordered a Carciofo alla Romana (Fried artichoke), Rigatoni all’Amatriciana (Rigatoni with bacon, hot pepper, tomato, and Roman cheese), and a Tiramisu.

As I waited for my meal, they brought out a bruschetta. It was amazing—the warm bread with a fresh, pureed tomato topping was just perfect.

The fried artichoke, lightly seasoned with salt, offers a taste reminiscent of artichoke chips, albeit a tad oily.
The pasta was delicious, simple yet flavorful, and not spicy. Every rigatoni was perfectly coated in the sauce.


I found that the flavor, texture, and consistency of the Tiramisu are more reminiscent of a custard than the type that I prefer, which is richer and creamier.

 

Ristorante Il Fantino

Website: https://www.ristoranteilfantino.it/
Telephone: +390666736928
Opening hours:

Saturday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–10:30 pm
Sunday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–10:30 pm
Monday
  • 12–3 pm
Tuesday
  • Closed
Wednesday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–10:30 pm
Thursday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–10:30 pm
Friday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–10:30 pm

Address: Via di S. Angelo in Pescheria, 13/14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

A hiddle gem: La Pace del Palato

Nestled in a charming alleyway adjacent to the bustling Piazza Navona, La Pace del Palato is a hidden gem recommended by our Airbnb host. The restaurant features a rustic-chic setting with exposed brick walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The menu is small but each dish is carefully crafted to excellence.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by Renato, the owner, whose polite and inviting demeanor immediately made us feel welcome.

If it wasn’t for our host’s recommendation, we might not have discovered this place.

We decided to try the puntarella salad, beef fillet strips with artichokes, and black truffle topped with Parmesan.

Puntarella is a type of chicory with a mild bitterness, resembling the texture of celery root and a touch of fennel. It’s a popular dish in Rome. The puntarella we ordered was refreshing and crisp, enhanced by the salty umami flavors from the anchovies.

The beef strips were tender and packed with flavor. The combination of tender beef, artichokes, and black truffle was simply delicious.

La pace del palato

Website: http://www.lapacedelpalatocatering.com/
Telephone: +390668135463
Opening hours: 

Tuesday
  • 7:30–11 PM
Wednesday
  • 7:30–11 PM
Thursday
  • 7:30–11 PM
Friday
  • 1–4 PM
  • 7:30–11 PM
Saturday
  • 1–4 PM
  • 7:30–11 PM
Sunday
  • 1–4 PM
  • 7:30–11 PM
Monday
  • Closed

Address: Via del Teatro Pace, 42, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

First meal in Rome at Antica Hostaria Romanesca

I came here on the recommendation of my Airbnb host, who spoke highly of it. He knew the owner and was kind enough to call ahead to let them know we were coming. The servers were a mother-daughter duo. The mother greeted us warmly and escorted us to our seats, radiating hospitality and friendliness.
The restaurant in Campo de’ Fiori offered simple, no-frills Roman cuisine. I was somewhat skeptical due to its touristy location, but to my surprise, the food was delicious.  I left feeling satisfied and full.

Puntarelle is a classic Roman dish—refreshing, crisp, and savory. The saltiness of the anchovies helps soften the bitterness, and the olive oil brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony. My host insisted that I try this dish, and I’m so glad I did.

Pollo e Peperoni (Chicken with onions, bell peppers and tomato)

The chicken was incredibly tender, with meat so tender it practically fell off the bone. The peppers were soft, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Both grilled beef and lamb chops were tender and juicy. The exterior char added a delightful smokiness.

Tiramisu

The tiramisu had a light and creamy texture with a custard-like consistency. However, it was slightly sweeter than I preferred.

 

Antica Hostaria Romanesca

Website: https://www.facebook.com/anticahostariaromanesca
Telephone: +39066864024
Opening hours:

Sunday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Monday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Tuesday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Wednesday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Thursday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Friday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Saturday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm

Address: Campo de’ Fiori, 40, 00186 Roma RM, Italy