‘Gaux-To Rome

‘Gaux-To Rome: Our Guide To An Unforgettable Trip In The Eternal City

The Bigger Picture:

They say that Rome is called the Eternal City for its everlasting presence, and after a few visits from our team members, we can confirm that this beautiful place promises to leave a lasting impression. Rome’s historic city center has been a place of influence for millenia, not just on religion and government, but on culture as a whole. A hub for art, music, and gastronomy, the same rings true today—and for food and wine lovers everywhere, a visit to Italy’s breathtaking capital is an absolute must.

Pro tip: We recommend visiting Rome outside of the hot summer months / tourist-heavy times—think Christmas and school holidays—so as to have the best experience. April-May and October-November are excellent times to visit, and remember, the country uses the Euro as its national currency!

How to Get There / Get Around:

Arriving to Rome is pretty accessible from most international destinations, thanks to the city’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Once in the city, getting around is just as simple. Rome’s subway / metro system is very easy to navigate, and above all, is quite safe. The city also has a robust bus system for those who prefer to get around above ground (better for sightseeing!) For late nights and longer distances, Ubers and taxis are always an option. For those looking to visit wineries around Lazio, renting a car is your best bet.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel de Russie – Stunning 5-star hotel – be sure to grab aperitifs in the courtyard
• Hotel De’ Ricci – Small luxury hotel (4-star) – one of Arden’s beloved favorites!
• Villa Laetitia – Anna Fendi’s 20-room boutique hotel curated with pieces from Fendi’s personal collection
• Hotel Eden – Under the Dorchester Collection (same ownership as The Beverly Hills Hotel, Hôtel Plaza Athénée) – a famously historic hotel first opened in 1889 located on the Villa Borghese gardens
• Palazzo Ripetta – Independently owned, 5-star hotel with spacious rooms and beautiful décor
• The Rome EDITION – Always an Argaux favorite!
• Elizabeth Unique Hotel – Boutique luxury hotel & fairly affordable! Close to the Spanish Steps.
• Six Senses – Breathtaking property with on-site spa surrounded by heritage sites (the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, etc.)

Coffee & Breakfast:

• Cafè Peru – Pastries and coffee by morning, cocktails, antipasti, and pasta by night, all set in a shabby-chic café setting with piazza tables. Pro tip: They have a GREAT negroni for aperitivo!
• Café Greco
• Faro – Specialty coffee accompanied by sweet and savory breakfast choices (think yogurt, granola bowls, and scrambled egg plates)
• Coromandel – Solid brunch! Get the pancakes and don’t ask any other questions.

Our Favorite Restaurants:

• Pierluigi – Fish-focused restaurant in Rome beloved by locals and tourists alike – go-to for fresh Italian seafood on a pretty piazza terrace or in a traditional interior
• Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 – A simple, tucked-away eatery with sidewalk tables serving up Roman classics such as fried artichokes (outdoor seating & great cocktails).
• La Matricianella – Old World trattoria with a quaint sidewalk terrace dishing up hearty Roman fare
• Trattoria Al Moro – High-end restaurant set in a 1920s wood-paneled restaurant with a classic Roman menu and large wine list
• Ristorante Pagnanelli – Stylishly plated Italian standards served on a terrace with lake views or in a vaulted wine cellar (note: somewhat pricey!)
• Taverna Trilussa – High end rustic taverna decorated with legs of prosciutto and known for its pasta served up in steel pans
• Ristorante Nino – Dark paneled restaurant known for its Tuscan dishes, wines, and oils produced from the owner’s estate
• Osteria Bonelli – Known for its signature cacio e pepe pasta, filled ravioli, and fritto misto fried fish – simply delicious!
• Da Gino al Parlamento – Small trattoria clad with frescoes and a vaulted ceiling serving soulful Italian dishes
• Cesare al Casaletto – Roman antipasti, pasta, meat, and fish dished up alongside local wines in an airy, vine-laden patio
• Al Ceppo – Seasonal Italian fine dining in a room decked out with gilded mirrors and beautiful artwork
• Imàgo – Michelin-starred restaurant on the sixth floor of the renowned Hassler Hotel located at the top of the Spanish Steps
• RetroBottega – An artful dinner experience produced from fresh and locally-sourced ingredients
• Casa Manco – Go for lunch! This tiny stall has become a beloved stop for locals and travelers alike for insanely delicious pies.

Additional Recommendations: Urbana 47, Ristorante Aroma (the views!), La Veranda – Vatican City, Piperno, Trattoria Polese, La Casetta a Monti; DeRoma, La Cisterna; Piccolo Buco, Da Francesco, Crazy Pizza Roma, Gina, Mazza, Osteria del Pegno, Osteria de Pietro

Wine Bars / Wineries to Visit:

• Marco Carpenetti – Certified organic winery using biodynamic practices located about 70 kilometers south of the city – definitely worth the day trip!
• Fattoria di Fiorano – Historic, family-owned, organic winery located about 35 minutes outside of Rome
• Roscioli – Amazing wine list at both the Salumeria and Rimessa – check out both and decide which vibe you prefer!
• Trapizzino – Solid wine selection in Trastevere with casual sandwich-like bites
• Latteria – Deemed by many as the best wine bar in Trastevere, great for natural wine lovers
• Bar Camponeschi – Great wine selection in a picturesque square
• Il Goccetto – Globally-inspired wine list and delicious small plates

Aperitifs / Cocktails

• Jerry Thomas Speakeasy – Elevated cocktails in a 1920s-inspired hidden space – be sure to make a reservation
• The Court – Incredible martinis with an even better view (overlooking the Colosseum!)
• The rooftop bar at Hotel de la Ville, Cielo, has a beautiful view of the city
• L’Angolo Divino – Cozy enoteca with wine and cocktails
• Cafè Peru – Mentioned above for breakfast, but don’t sleep on their negroni at aperitivo!
• Bar at Hotel Locarno
• Bar in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti
• Freni e Frizioni – Cocktail bar with terrace in bustling Trastevere
• Harry’s Bar – Pricey but worth it, featured in the Fellini film La Dolce Vita
• Hassler Bar – Cozy hotel bar with red leather furniture and dark paneled walls
• Stravinskij Bar at Hotel de Russie is a must – Calm, al fresco garden bar – great for aperitivo
• Salotto 42 – Trendy cocktail bar with well-executed small bites

Additional Activities

• Check out all the tourist sites – they’re well-known for a reason! The Pantheon, Colosseum, The Spanish Steps, and Roman Forum are all essentials
• Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain
• Peruse St Peter’s Basilica and stroll through Vatican City
• Pay a visit to Basilica San Clemente and Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola
• Auditorium Parco della Musica
• San Pietro in Vincoli – Beautiful church near the Cavour metro station
• Stroll around Trastevere, Rome’s coolest ‘hipster’ neighborhood
• Enjoy a Spritz on the Piazza Navona
• Take in the greenery at Orto Botanico
• Take a walk through the Villa Borghese Gardens
• Visit the Mausoleo di Augusto
• Take a run (or walk) along the Tiber
• Take in the second largest Roman public baths at the Baths of Caracalla
• Make art at Studio Cassio’s Mosaic Classes – Note: The studio works on restoration and new projects but also allows amateurs to come for two-hour courses to learn about the history and make their own squares. Classes start at about $85 per person.
• Book a Tour with Access Italy

Shopping

• Via dei Condotti – Busy street known for its fashion offerings
• Laura Bosetti Tonatto – Custom-made perfumes
• Ibiz – Small leather shop for bags and belts
• La Grotta Dipinta – Artisanal mosaics
• Chez DéDé – French-Italian boutique and atelier
• Society Limonata – Brick-and-mortar store for centuries-old textile company
• Saddlers Union – Luxury bags
• Gente – Luxury designer for men’s and women’s shoes, clothing, and bags
• Valentino Flagship / Palazzo Fendi – Even just to take a peek! It is Italy, after all…

Pro tip: If you don’t speak Italian, no worries! Keep these useful phrases in your back pocket.

I don’t speak Italian: Non parlo italiano
I’m lost: Mi sono perso/a
How much is…: Quanto costa…
I would like…: Vorrei…
How do I get to…: Per andare a…

Remember, heading to Italy is all about immersing yourself in the country’s signature ‘la dolce vita’ mentality – simply eat, drink, and enjoy!