Rome is home to many chic and over priced restaurants. The quality of food on offer is certainly of a high standard, with the city boasting many Michelin Starred eateries. These are great for special occasions, but what about when you want a good hearty Italian meal, then where do you head? Well you follow the locals of course. Who knows where the best places to eat are better than the locals. And you know what they say, "When In Rome...."
In order to get the full traditional experience, you have to head a little further out of town, to the less touristy places. Head to one of the piazzas away from the main attractions. Try either the chic Cafe Rosati in Piazza del Popolo or the equally fashionable Canova cafe. Both cafes are known for their ability to people watch as you enjoy a long leisurely lunch or an afternoon drink. Each venue has a relaxed atmosphere, just great for sipping an afternoon coffee after a long day of sight-seeing.
If you want to travel even further from the centre of Rome, set off towards the south. Testaccio is famous for its lively morning markets, offering plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat to the local restaurants. With so much fresh produce on offer, you can be sure your evening meal will be a culinary delight. Try Augustarello. The restaurant and the owner himself both project a warm and Roman welcome. Surrounded by the local working class regulars and with a bottle of good Sangiovese on offer, you are sure to get the real taste of Italy here.
There are also some great local bars that offer their customers an Aperitivo. This idea began in Milan but is now popular all over Italy. l'aperitivo is the social hour before dinner where local Italians can relax with friends over drinks and snacks before heading on to a restaurant or back home to eat. Although these are not actually restaurants, themselves, they are more likely to be wine bars, if you know where to look, some great food can be found. And the good news is that if you buy a drink, you can get the food for free! The type of food on offer can range from nibbles such as cheese and olives to an all you can eat buffet. The minimalistic cocktail bar Fluid, just around the corner from Piazza Navona offers its customers a huge selection finger food such as mini pizzas, pastas, salads, sushi, desserts and much much more.