Upon first glance, one would never assume that my friend Savannah Citron is actually Italian and English, as her laid-back-cool LA demeanor doesn’t quite give it away. However, get her talking about food- one of her many passions- and it won’t take long to figure out this girl is molto Italiana. By day Savannah is a designer, and by night she eats…or plans to, at whichever global destination she may be heading to. As an homage to her Italian roots and a city she loves, here is Savannah’s guide to a day Rome, in her words. Who needs to eat, pray, and love when you can eat, shop, and eat more.
Rome is such an amazing city, full of history, incredible monuments, churches, museums, food and fashion. Did I mention the food and fashion part?? Let’s just assume you have already been to Rome and hit all the must-see tourist sights and this time you are here for the food and maybe a little shopping. Here is my 24 hour culinary, drinking and shopping guide to Rome…
Audrey Hepburn circa 1960
As you leave the airport and make your way into the center of Rome, grab lunch with the locals at Il Caminetto. This restaurant has been around since 1959, located on the beautifully tree lined Via dei Parioli, tucked into a lovely residential area. It has an old world, glamorous flair to it, where your antipasti, primi and secondi are delivered on silver platters then transferred to your plate by the waiter. Once fully sated, you should stop by Harry’s Bar for an espresso and great people watching – I just couldn’t leave it out, it’s legendary! As you become pleasantly caffeinated and in need of walking off that power lunch, grab a taxi to Via Condottii for some seriously impressive shopping not to mention the window displays. After having satisfied your shopping needs and wants, a pre-dinner cocktail at the famous Hassler Hotel is a must! Touting some impressive history – the US Air Force used it as their Rome headquarters during World War II – it has become the preferred destination of world travelers and society’s elite, always buzzing from morning to night. It will be hard, but you must drag yourself away from the Hassler to make your dinner reservation at Ristorante Roscioli. An exquisite Italian gastronomic experience awaits you. Roscioli has very few seatings and there is never an empty table so make sure you make a reservation in advance! The wine list is as impressive as the food and kindly, they will let you buy wines at the restaurant and ship them to you. If you still have enough steam left for one more stop, swing by Il Tartarughino for a night cap and some amusing piano bar, it will not disappoint!
Il Caminetto www.caminettoroma.it
Harry’s Bar www.harrysbar.it
Hassler Hotel www.hotelhasslerroma.com
Ristorante Roscioli www.salumeriaroscioli.com
Il Tartarughino www.iltartarughino.com
Great article Savannah should write a book about the best things in life her terrific personality will enhance everything she writes!
Yes, Savannah’s guide to chic eats is amazing!
What fun to read this and to see the photos. I’m all ready for the Hassler Hotel! Never been to Harry’s Bar and always wanted to go there. I had the pleasure of enjoying Savannah’s stuffed red snapper from the grill on Valentine’s Day when she and her equally fabulous cook sister-in-law (Nancy) prepared a love feast. Savannah and Nancy are innovators in the kitchen, and yes, to both of them to write a book, start a food blog, or or or . . .
Savannah’s food, travel, cooking and fashion tips are the best – hands down! I must go tour Rome and check out everything!!