Rome, like most European destinations, has its culinary specialities, and some of the finest dining experiences will come from eating as the locals do. If your first thought of Italian cuisine is pizza, remember that in Rome, pizza is best eaten in the evening, as the better restaurants will spend most of the day getting the ovens up to the right temperature. Most Romans will agree, Da Baffetto on Vie del Governo Vecchio is the best place to go for this quintessentially Italian repast. A fixed part of the Roman social scene is ‘l’aperitivo’ – a variation on happy hour which is devoted to meeting with friends and colleagues after work, usually between 7 and 9pm. Most places include an appetizer buffet as well, adding to the conviviality of this custom. One of the best venues for l’aperitivo is Crudo, a place to see and be seen, on Via degli Specchi. Société Lutece is tucked away on Piazza Monte Vecchio, and attracts a colourful mix of young bohemians and business types. Salotto 42 on Piazza di Pietra is the place to go for a bit of celebrity-spotting, while Café Friends, in the heart of Trastevere, draws a lively young crowd. The popular Bar Gelateria Pompi on Via Albalonga usually stays busy into the wee hours, and Momart Café on Piazza Bologna is a favourite with university students and professionals alike. Here are some of our personal favourites for more formal dining experiences:
Agata e Romeo
Via Carlo Alberto, 45
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This is one of Rome’s best-loved restaurants, run by the husband and wife team of Agata Parisella and Romeo Caraccio. The charming decor is the perfect backdrop to Agata’s simple and elegant menu which elevates traditional Roman dishes to an entirely new level, all complimented by Romeo’s incredible selection of international and domestic wines. A real treat. Antico Arco
Piazzale Aurelio, 7
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This hip restaurant with a stylish young clientele is named after one of the gates of early medieval Rome, close to its location on Janiculum Hill not far from Trastevere and the American Academy. Founded by three friends with a shared foodie passion, Antico Arco is known for its culinary inventiveness and high style. Set in a charming little villa, booking ahead is recommended, as it is often packed. Boccondivino
Piazza Campo Marzio, 6
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Though this restaurant is situated at the heart of historic Rome, the seasonal menu is completely up to date. The name translates as ‘divine mouthful’, and the delicious food served against a backdrop of marble and modern art, does not disappoint. Caffe Romano dell'Hotel d'Inghilterra
Via Bocca di Leone, 14
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This oasis, set in in the middle of the Piazza di Spagna shopping district, is unusual in that it features dishes from around the world. Open from 10am, it attracts jet-setters after a quick snack or a late lunch al fresco. Cesare
Via Crescenzio, 13
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Cesare stands out as one of the finest restaurants in the ‘old Rome’ quarter, with its focus on freshness of ingredients, especially frutti de mare – diners normally select their fish from the refrigerated glass case at the entrance. Don’t leave without trying the smoked swordfish speciality, or for a truly Roman experience, try the fresh sardines and anchovies. La Pergola
Hotel Rome Cavalieri, Via Cadlolo 101
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Overlooking Rome's rooftops, this three Michelin star restaurant is the undisputed king of fine dining in Rome. La Pergola's trademark menu is grounded in Italian traditional cuisine but brought spectacularly up to date by Executive Chef Heinz Beck. (Please note that La Pergola will be closed during January and February 2009 for maintenance.) Pierluigi
Piazza dé Ricci, 144
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Renowned for its centuries-old Roman recipes, Pierluigi is beloved among the locals, as much for its menu featuring classical house specialities that make the most of rustic ingredients, as for its location, ideal for al fresco dining in the warmer months. Pierluigi is open daily except Mondays, and reservations are recommended. | 
