When in Rome: Eat At The Restaurants the Tourists Don't Know About

Da Enzo

When I see innocent tourists in Rome fawning over frozen pizza and generic gelato, I just want to take them by their t-shirts, scrub their sticky, tiramisu-covered fingertips, and finally (basta!) feed them food that tastes like, well, Italy. Here are five, trusted Roman ristorantes that the tourist books don’t tell you about.

Da Enzo

Local Italians cherish this place (pictured above). They would protect it from all of us English-speakers if they could. Located in the most peaceful part of eastern Trastevere, this genuine Roman trattoria has a serious focus on quality of ingredients, with all their eggs, meat, wine and cheese being 100% organic. Here, the concept of “kilometer zero” is not a gimmick, but a religion—the olive oil comes from the verdant Viterbo area (north Lazio), all produce comes from nearby farms. The setting isn't fussy at all—clean and simple, with children's artwork hung on its sunshine yellow walls. But the food is out of this world. Da Enzo is especially known for its carciofi judia, cacio e pepe, stuffed zucchini blossoms, and perfectly-salted baccalà. My advice? Order anything with artichokes. (Via dei Vascellari 29; +39 06 58 12 260)

Osteria Bonelli

While Osteria Bonelli is not far from the chic Pignetto, the restaurant’s specific location in Torpignattara is on the side of seedy. And that nice-to-rough ratio—superb food on cheap paper tablecloths—is exactly what you’ll find inside this always-bustling osteria, where the dishes are truly exceptional and the waitresses, in their thick black eyeliner, know exactly what you want before you say a word (which is good because there are no menus). I lick my plate every time I eat there, inhaling the ricotta e spinaci ravioli and pasta alla gricia, guzzling the wonderful house red wine, before looking at the bill and crying out loud about how cheap it is. Of course, no one can understand me. The closest thing to English is a crooked, black and white framed photograph of Steve Jobs, with the quote, “Siate affamati! Siate folli!” Translation: “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.”(Viale dell'Acquedotto Alessandrino, 172; +39 329 863 3077)

Farinè

This National School of Pizza-trained husband and wife operation is no joke, with five strict selections of Roman-style pizza per night, with no substitutions, no exceptions, and no decisions – other than “beer or wine?” On the menu, you will find these options: Margarita, Mediterranean, Napoli, Marinara, Mozzarella & Anchovies and a seasonal Daily Special. Wife cooks, husband serves. The pizza is quickly sliced, and then unceremoniously delivered on a slab of paper (no plate), in sizes small, medium or large. Yes, Farinè is a peculiar, ultra-simple place, with a slightly hostile attitude, but none of that matters because the pizza is just so perfect. Why? The dough has a long, 72-hour rise, resulting in a strong, fluffy crust, and the ingredients are hyper-fresh bought daily from nearby markets. This locals-only pizzeria takes minimalism to another level (albeit unintentionally): There’s one table, no forks, and zero staff. Strange and splendido! (Via degli Aurunci, 6/8; +39 06 445 1162)

La Carbonara dal 1906

Hurry. Word is getting out about La Carbonara in Monti. With generous portions of traditional homemade pastas like (my favorite) Ravioli alle Noci, classic dishes like fritto vegatale, and bollito dressed with olive oil and lemon, not to mention all the impassioned Italian graffiti on the walls, the experience here is never dull. Especially if you order the spicy pasta zi Tere made with fresh tomato, chile, basil, and pecorino. For 32 years, the owner, chef and lady of the house, Donna Teresa, has run a tight ship—insisting that the food is consistently magnifico, and that her son, the manager, doesn’t misbehave (too much). (Via Panisperna 214; +39 06 482 5176)

Capo Boi

Just because you’re eating like a local, that doesn’t mean it can’t be elegant. Capo Boiis a fish-centric, Sardinian-kitchen restaurant where dignified Romans go for special occasions. The precious neighborhood itself, Coppide, in between Parioli and Trieste, might as well be one of the secret ingredients on the restaurant’s no-miss menu, with its glamorous, high-status streets reminiscent of 1920’s Rome. The crudo fish appetizers, like the raw and smoked mussels and clams, are the best in town, as are the oysters, but save room for the entrees which are massive and sublime (I dream about the mixed grilled fish), but first comes the addictive Pane Carassua bread, otherwise known as “Italian music sheets” (this, because they’re so crispy and noisy, and there’s no stopping once you start). While dinner won’t come cheap, the white-linen experience is first class all the way. (Via Arno, 80; +39 06 841 5535)

Contributed by Alyssa Schalasky, cntraveler.com

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Recommended Things To Do In Florence

Contributed By Shelby Gotelli, Party Earth.

Picture a cool, evening breeze gently sweeping across your cheeks as you overlook Ponte Vecchio, mesmerized by the same view that some of the most powerful figures in history witnessed. Leaving the Ponte Vecchio and heading towards the Duomo, you navigate through picturesque cobblestone streets framed by light yellow villas adorned with olive green shutters. Music and laughter from visiting tourists and students ricochet off the walls, fostering a lively vibe and a sense of wonder of this enchanting city. But stop daydreaming and get out to explore this charming city because listed below are some of the amazing things to do in Florence to start your adventure.

Via dei Cazaiuoli

When in Florence, do as the Florentines do and shop! Via dei Cazaiuoli is the perfect location to get your fix of Italian fashion and one of the best locations for shopping in Florence. From high end clothing stores, such as Stefanel, Swarovski and Furla, to shoe stores, like Leonardo's Shoes and Bata, along with a number of authentic Italian goods shops, there is something for everyone in this section of Florence. After an exhausting day of shopping, step into one of the many charismatic cafes or bars overlooking the hustle of downtown and take in the excitement of Florence.

Piazza Santa Croce & Piazza della Liberta

As the day comes to an end and dusk descends upon the Florentine valley, the fun doesn't stop, as Florence comes alive at night. As you head back to your hotel to gear up for the evening, stop by the whimsical Piazza della Liberta to see the carousal illuminate the square with a brilliant arch serving as a backdrop. Once you have made it back to your hotel, get ready for a night out in Piazza Santa Croce, donning your recently purchased Italian wardrobe. Before exploring this strip of bars and clubs, be sure to visit Basillica di Santa Croce, which is a scaled down version of the Duomo. From here, there are an assortment of bars, like Red Garter and Lion's Fountain, or clubs like Twice and Club TwentyOne.

The Fish Pub

Before heading out to one of the many clubs in Florence, stop for drinks at The Fish Pub, a popular and very lively pub neighboring San Lorenzo market. The pub is uniquely marked by green lights highlighting gold letters reading, "Fish Pub." Energetic crowds sway to top American hits with a crowd of locals and students surrounding The Fish Pub's wooden bar. Tables line the walls of The Fish Pub, making it the perfect spot to begin a night of drinks, dancing, and fun with friends.