Galleries' Guide to Rome’s Food Scene/1
For everyone—and especially during a gallery weekend—there comes a time for a quick lunch, so as not to lose the rhythm of moving from one gallery to another across Rome. Follow the gallerists’ recommendations for a restorative break near their galleries, without the risk of falling into the usual tourist traps. From Esquilino and San Lorenzo to the Historic Centre and Trastevere, this first gastronomic guide to galleries takes us to six Roman addresses, spanning tradition, contemporary flair, and a touch of exoticism.
Casadante is a contemporary address in the heart of Esquilino, overlooking Piazza Dante, where versatility meets a well-balanced urban style. Bright and informal, the space suits different moments of the day, from breakfast to aperitivo, through to a quick yet carefully considered dinner. The kitchen focuses on straightforward, familiar dishes, with attention to presentation and a relaxed sense of conviviality. It is appreciated for its dynamic atmosphere, youthful service, and its ability to be at once a neighborhood café, a city bistrot, and a perfect spot for a metropolitan pause.
“When the pace at the gallery becomes intense, my go-to spot in the Ghetto is undoubtedly Roscioli. It is a Roman institution that has managed to preserve an authentic soul while becoming an international destination. For a quick lunch, nothing feels more comforting than their freshly baked pizza bianca or a filled slice made with top-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is that of the vibrant old-time food shops, where the scent of bread and the constant flow of people create a contagious energy.”
In the heart of Rome’s historic center, just a short walk from Campo de’ Fiori, Antico Forno Roscioli is a true institution of Roman baking. Here, tradition takes shape in everyday gestures: carefully selected flours, long fermentation, and a craftsmanship you can taste in every bite. Their famous pizza rossa, thin and fragrant, is a local ritual, while the counter tempts visitors with focacce, rustic loaves, and takeaway specialties. An authentic place, where Rome tells its story through aromas and simplicity.
“Our quick lunch? The Chinese place just across the street, Tien Tsin, founded in 1961 — even before the gallery.”
Tien Tsin is a long-established Chinese restaurant in central Rome, not far from Piazza di Spagna. The restaurant has preserved a clearly recognizable identity, combining a traditional atmosphere with quick service, and offering a menu rooted in classic Chinese cuisine, including specialties from the Shanghai and Hong Kong traditions. It is the right place for those looking for a straightforward restaurant, free from passing trends, yet with a loyal clientele and a distinct character — defined more by continuity than by fashion.
Etta, in the heart of Trastevere, is a destination centered on an essential and recognizable Italian cuisine, with a clearly defined urban character. Intimate and thoughtfully designed, the space combines warm materials and clean lines, creating an atmosphere that feels both informal and carefully considered. The menu follows the seasons, with dishes conceived for sharing and accompanied by a focused wine selection. It is appreciated for its balance of identity and lightness, for its dynamic service, and for that increasingly rare ability in the area to remain consistent without yielding to a tourist-driven approach.
Set within the premises of an old trattoria, È Passata la Moretta is tucked into the dense urban fabric between Campo de’ Fiori and Via Giulia, playing on an identity that is both informal and contemporary. The venue has a lively spirit, with intimate spaces and an aesthetic that evokes Rome without nostalgia. The kitchen works with familiar dishes, poised between tradition and lighter reinterpretations, accompanied by a dynamic selection of wines and cocktails. It is appreciated for its energy, its varied clientele, and its ability to remain approachable while retaining character, in an area often dominated by more tourist-oriented offerings.
