Have you ever wanted to get a sneak peek into the lives of your favorite chefs on TV? Eating like them in their hometown is even better than seeing what and where they eat. Giada De Laurentiis was born in Rome, Italy, and she has an extensive list of her favorite restaurants that you should go try out if you are there. Or rather, these delightful restaurants and cafés will get you scrambling to buy tickets to Italy.
Al Moro
Giada loves the spaghetti alla moro and spaghetti alle telline here, so be sure to try those. The spaghetti alle telline, or spaghetti with clams, is pictured above. The spaghetti alla moro is essentially pasta, eggs, pork, cheese, and chili, but it is definitely not any old carbonara. Make sure you visit to see why.
Antica Pesa
Giada recommends the pasta all’amatriciana, a sauce made of guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese, and tomato. But she also mentions to enjoy the delicious toasted bread with olive oil, salt, and a side of ganache. Her favorite spot to sit at the restaurant is outside under the canopy.
Baffetto
This is the spot for some casual Roman pizza. They are known for their signature thin, crispy crust, and you can get a huge variety of toppings.
Baladin
Giada says they have the best burgers in town so you should definitely stop by. They have a unique selection, including the one pictured above: It has a special curry-flavored bun, patty made of chickpeas and tahina, grilled eggplant, sun dried tomatoes, and homemade fig compote.
Caffé Farnese
One of her favorite places to relax with some espresso and tiramisu.
Dolce
The dessert must be ordered first, says Giada, because it is amazing. It’s pretty self explanatory with this beautiful picture of their cheesecake.
Forno Campo de’ Fiori
Start your day off right with some breakfast pizza at Forno Campo de’ Fiori. This is a slice of their famous potato pizza.
Il Gelato di San Crispino
Giada reckons they have the best gelato in Rome so make sure to save room in your stomach for some gelato here.
Il Sanlorenzo
It’s probably best to go here several times because they get fresh fish from Ponza every day and Giada recommends the fish tartar, sea urchin, farro pasta with anchovy and breadcrumbs, and the fritto misto, which may be difficult eating all at once.
La Antica Osteria
Make sure to stop by for some gnocchi, rigatoni carbonara, and fun salads.
La Rosetta
This is the place for fish in Rome. The fresh fish you can find here is bound to make you swear off of any chain sushi restaurant forever.
Matricianella
This place has a great fritto misto (fried zucchini) and bucatini alla amatriciana (pasta with amatriciana sauce). Pictured is another popular appetizer — fried artichokes.
Molto
My favorite meal of the day, brunch, is when Giada likes to come here. The buffet-style brunch is bound to make you stuffed to the max.
Otello
The antipasti fritti, lasagna, and spaghetti with clams are some of Giada’s favorites.
Ristoranta Ambasciata d’Abruzzo
The eggplant parmesan is unbelievable here according to Giada.
Roscioli
The hamburger with pesto and reduced balsamic vinegar is a must try, and the mortadella and pizza bianca are also awesome.
Trattoria Monti
Giada wants to make sure you don’t miss out on their specials, like the ravioli. Just look at that egg oozing out.
It was hard not to drool over all the pictures and dishes that Giada recommended. Rome has definitely gone up to the top of my bucket list. If it has gone up to the top of your list too, I’m ready to book my flight and become new food buddies.