This was my first time being back in Rome during tourist season and the entire city was bustling.

My last few visits to Rome have been during the fall or winter so the city wasn’t as crowded. I didn’t do anything touristy besides going out to eat at some of my favorite spots plus a few new additions. One day I need to drag Tommaso to see the inside of the colosseum as he’s never been inside (I’ve been twice) but I guess we’ll have to save that for another trip…

1. Romanè: This was our second visit to this newish restaurant in the city serving up traditional Roman cuisine. I love the texture of their homemade fettuccine as it’s slightly thick and with a firm bite.

2. Sbanco: This has been on my list for awhile after watching it on Munchies and they’re known for their cacio e pepe pizza. I’m glad we were in a group sharing it because it was quite pungent in flavor from the Pecorino Romano cheese (still really good though). I also really enjoyed the fried pizza with chicken and peppers on top.

3. Pompi: If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Pompi is the place for you. They are a chain dessert shop that’s known for having various flavors of tiramisu. Last time I tried the original so I wanted to get something different this time around. I also got their pistachio dessert which I tried last time and it was sublime.

4. Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina: This is my third visit here, I guess that means I like it right?! Their menu is extensive but this was my first time with a group so we were able to try numerous dishes! Everything was fantastic but the highlights were the Burrata with anchovies, fried zucchini flowers stuffed with braised oxtail with a cacio e pepe sauce, all the pastas, and the tiramisu and cannolo. I’ve already made my reservation for my October visit!

5. Maccheroni: My least favorite meal in Rome was here but nothing was necessarily bad. We didn’t have reservations this night so I can’t really be picky since all the popular spots were full. Somehow I forgot to take a picture of the best dish of the night, my tonnarelli al cacio e pepe!

6. Colline Emiliane: My second visit here was equally as delicious as the first. We came with a friend and shared the appetizer while we all got our own pasta and main course. You can’t miss the tortellini in broth or cream whenever you come here and the desserts are divine!

7. Trattoria Ai Due Ponti: We were meeting Tommaso’s friend for dinner where he made a reservation at a local spot outside the city center. While the atmosphere is nicer than an average trattoria, the food is still traditional Roman cuisine. We shared a variety of appetizers which were all scrumptious. I got a sampler of pasta with carbonara and amatricianella (sauce with fresh tomatoes, lardo, and Pecorino Romano cheese). Somehow I forgot to take a picture of the desserts but we got zabaione and chocolate cake.

8. Trattoria Pennestri: This was my second time dining here and while it was still tasty, the main courses were stronger on my first visit. Their signature watermelon tomato salad with goat cheese and bread is a must. Their carbonara was also one of my favorite carbonaras that I tried during this trip.

In just a few months I’ll be back in Rome and can’t wait to explore more spots and eat all the delicious goodies that the city has to offer!