My Top 5 Favorite Restaurants in
Rome
1
Enoteca Trastevere
Location: Trastevere
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I first discovered this restaurant in 2017 when it was much smaller and tucked away. My sister and I were blown away by the heavenly lasagna. I have come back to this place in the years since and it never fails to impress. I have never had anything even remotely mediocre... it's always incredible. I'm happy to say it grows bigger every time I come back; it seems the masses agree. This is the best restaurant in Rome.
What Keeps Me Coming Back? The... everything. Food. Service. Atmosphere.
2
Latteria Trastevere
Location: Hell's Kitchen
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Just west of touristy Times Square is Hell's Kitchen, which boasts some of the coolest restaurants and bars on the island. One of my favorites is Ipudo. It's a Japanese ramen restaurant that's guaranteed to have a line out the door. Make a reservation and make sure your entire party is on time. Alternatively, come during the lower peak hours, like an early dinner at 6pm. The ramen is worth it trust me. Incredibly authentic and wonderfully cozy, whenever I'm craving a warm, brothy feast, I always know where to go.
What Keeps Me Coming Back? The jelly champagne... it comes in a can. It's as intriguing as it sounds.
3
Trattoria da Lucia
Location: Upper West Side
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Chinese food with an action movie setting. Walking into the grand Han Dynasty located in the Upper West Side, you get a feeling that Daniel Craig has shot a bullet through the aquarium and raced through the kitchen in search of evil Soviets. (Is it obvious I've never seen a Bond movie?) The place is so elegant and grand, it looks like a movie set. I've even seen a few celebrities there as well. Alas, the food is fantastic and the atmosphere is as I described, epic.
What Keeps Me Coming Back? The authentic welcome tea.
4
Baccanale
Location: Flat Iron
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This rooftop restaurant is the perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the Flat Iron district. Located, on the roof of Eataly, the Italian farm-style restaurant has the perfect ambience for a relaxing summer night. The food is fresh and simple and the drink menu is buzzing with tasty tuscan-inspired libations.
What Keeps Me Coming Back? The overwhelming greenery. It's a nice break from the concrete.
5
Da Buffetto 2
Location: West Village
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Pizza pizza pizza, but not what you may think. Keste is an authentic Napolitano restaurant squished on adorable Bleecker street in the West Village. I love this place because it most closely resembles authentic pizza from Italy--the kind you have to eat with a fork and knife: my favorite. The tables are small like most in the village, so best to come with small groups or just two people. Also, keep in mind they do not take reservations. If you have to wait 20 minutes, please note: it's worth it.
What Keeps Me Coming Back? The nutella pizza. Best I've ever had.