Rome, Italy

[Puzzolento]

Are there any pizzerias of note in Rome?

[Pete-zza]

Are there any pizzerias of note in Rome?

Puzzolento,

One of our members brought this YouTube to my attention.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRziWWLmDMU

I found it to be very interesting.

Peter

[Puzzolento]

Thanks. I'll take a look.

[scott r]

I hit a bunch of spots this past summer.  Rome is a lot like NY.  You can walk around and pass 100 amazing looking pizzerias without even going to destination spots.  Most of them appear to be pretty great and I was always happy with what I tried. 

I would make sure you hit Bonci's Pizzarium for exceptional teglia.  If you are not also hitting Naples I would definitely hit 50 Kalo for just as good as the best in Naples Neapolitan.  Come il Latte has awesome gelato 2 min from 50 kalo, but ciro's desserts at 50 kalo amazing too.  If you only have time for 2 pizzerias while you are there these are the two to hit.

Piccolo Buco was very good creative pizza, but im not sure I would go back, mostly due to the lines and how much great pizza is in this city.  100% organic, all local tomatoes no cans, hand mixed dough, and its right at Trevi fountain which is a must see destination and a great touristy area, very close to pantheon and not far from the colosseum.  No reservations so plan to wait in line.

Seu Pizza Illuminati is on many lists of people favorites, its a very modern take on neapolitan.

For Pinsa check out Casa Manco and Pinsa mpo near the Vatican and Sistine Chapel.
Pizza E Mozzarella is another good one.

Pizzeria I Gemelli is square thin crispy pan pizza similar to the very famous Roscoli

For pizza Tonda alla romana (thin and crispy wood burning pizza with rolling pin)I would check out Pizzeria Ai Marmi.  I tried Emma which a lot on this forum love but I think I was there too early (at open) and the dough was really chewy. 

Coffee its good everywhere but a favorite is Sciascia

[scott r]

I had a really great non pizza meal at Cipasso
More non pizza ideas that wont disappoint:
Osteria Da Fortunata
Tonnarello
Trattoria Da Enzo

Next time I go I want to go here.
Il Carroccio https://youtu.be/OkfFOJ_uMws?si=v1GYpHwQqj40WNkU

[Puzzolento]

Our plans are in flux right now, but we may end up in both Florence and Rome soon.

I would like to give Neapolitan a shot, since I'm not sure I've ever had one that was made correctly. I've had Mozza, which was awful, and Anthony's Coal-Fired, which was like a big greased cracker.

[scott r]

I agree about both of those spots. 

Rome is going to blow your mind... you NEED to go there not just for the pizza but also because its such a city.  Go to 50kalo and walk to the Trevi fountain then hit the pantheon.  This is all really close.  Then, hop in a short cab ride or even better ride some scooters to the Vatican and go to Pizzarium.  This day will be one of your favorites of your trip to Italy I promise.  The scooters are available on almost every major corner and inexpensive.

[jsaras]

Our plans are in flux right now, but we may end up in both Florence and Rome soon.

I would like to give Neapolitan a shot, since I'm not sure I've ever had one that was made correctly. I've had Mozza, which was awful, and Anthony's Coal-Fired, which was like a big greased cracker.

Not a pizza place, but if you're near the Trevi Fountain/Spanish Steps/Pantheon you really must have a lunch at Antica Salumeria.  You will not regret it.

[stickyD]

Not pizza but ice cream, Fatamorgana, several locations in Rome--pecorino ice cream, fava bean, horseradish--wild fantastic combinations. The pecorino one is insanely good.

There are four classic Roman pasta dishes (sorry for any man-splaining): cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, and alla gricia. Each one is a variation on the other. (Carbonara was created for American soldiers who were hungry for bacon and eggs.) Having mentioned more non-pizza things, these four pasta dishes then become four popular pizza toppings. Potato pizza also a must try at Bonci's joint.

The food market Mercato Centrale in Florence is a must visit, two or three pizza places there, all good, and tripe sandwiches if you need a change from pizza.

Happy trails!

[ebpizza]

I love wine and espresso as much as pizza.


il Vinaietto
Via del Monte della Farina, 38

La Casa del Caffè Tazza d'Oro
Via degli Orfani, 84
http://www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com/

I wasn't impressed with the hype of Sant' Eustachio Caffè

[Puzzolento]

Thanks for all the help. We will be there in a few days.

[Puzzolento]

Finally got to Rome.

The first place was Cucina Nationale, which is across the street from our hotel. I had a Margherita. It was about a foot across.  Very thin. A little char on the bottom. I think they use tomatoes, not sauce. No oregano detected.

Really excellent pie. Slightly crunchy. Light but not fluffy.

Makes me wonder if a Neapolitan-style oven might be a good investment. First time I've had a good high-temperature pie. I see they use hot wood ovens here.

Seems like they use something like 00. Didn't see a bag, though. I never got it to work with my NYC and Sicilian recipes at 500-550

The second joint was Peppo al Cosimato. Recommended by a tour operator. Margherita as well as the same basic thing with fresh mozzarella. Not so good. The crust was limp. No crunch anywhere on it.

Hoping to try Ivo in Trastevere today. I'm looking for classic pizza. I don't want to be anywhere near a place people say is creative or innovative.

The pasta I've had here was not exciting. Honestly, I like American-style Italian better.

[scott r]

If its not too late try to get to Bonci Pizzarium near the Vatican....Maybe the best pizza I have ever had.  I was surprised by this!  There is so much hype I dint think it would be, but it was.  To me it's not really modern/neauveau pizza although you can get some with very unusual toppings.  It was just simply the most perfectly executed Sicilian pizza I have had yet in my life.  Im sure they dont consider it Sicilian pizza, but to a guy that grew up eating pizza from Pittsburgh and NY thats what it was. 

[Puzzolento]

Went to Ivo last night. It is somewhat highly regarded.

Fun experience. They cram you in next to other people, and the pace is frantic. Waiters flying in and out.

I has pizza with sausage. Very nice. Thin with a little crunch. Dark at the very edge.

I also had a suppli, which is mozzarella wrapped in risotto, breaded and fried. These things are great.

They serve fries with sausage and pecorino sauce. My wife tried it. Not great. Frozen fries.

I believe the price of a Margherita was 8.50.

Still, Cucina Nazionale is better.