5 Best Restaurants in Side Trips from Rome, Italy

Arianna al Borghetto

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A short walk from the excavations—tucked away in the charming walled medieval borgo of Ostia Antica next to the Castello di Giulio II—this cozy trattoria is an ideal spot to restore your energy with some seasonal dishes and Roman specialties. On warm days, request an outdoor table.

Il Piscarello

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Tucked away in a garden at the bottom of a steep side road, this elegant restaurant comes as a bit of a surprise. The menu has both seafood and meat dishes (some topped with white and black truffles), and the pasta can be made gluten-free if you call at least one day ahead of time. The excellent service makes this a favorite choice for wedding parties and anniversaries, which are usually in one of the private rooms. In summer, you can eat outside on the small patio overlooking the garden.

Via delle Pratarine 2, Palestrina, Latium, 00036, Italy
06-9574326
Known For
  • truffle-topped dishes
  • excellent service
  • outdoor seating in summer
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Thurs. No dinner Sun.

L'Aricciarola

$

This fraschetta around the corner from Palazzo Chigi is great for people-watching, which you can do while enjoying a platter of cold cuts and assorted cheeses, washed down with a carafe of local Castelli wine. Order your own appetizers and slices of porchetta at the counter near the door, snag a table on the patio, flag down a waiter if you want to order pasta, and then settle into the rustic setting surrounded by Roman families who've abandoned the city for the day to enjoy the local food.

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Pizzeria Clementina

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A 10-minute drive from Ostia Antica in Fiumicino, modern Rome's fishing port, Pizzeria Clementina is set on a seaside promenade with views of bobbing boats. The fried appetizers and the pizzas are made using ingredients sourced from the hills around the city or from the daily catches brought in by local fishermen. The seafood pizza is excellent, particularly those topped with crudo (raw fish). However, pizza maker Luca Pezzetta grew up in Marino (next to Ariccia) so the porchetta pizza is also superb.

Via della Torre Clementina, 158, Fiumicino, Latium, 00054, Italy
328-8181651
Known For
  • supplì (fried risotto balls) with braised oxtail
  • savory cornetto with smoked provola and roasted mushrooms
  • porchetta-topped pizza
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Sat.

Taverna Etrusca

$$

Located between the heart of San Pellegrino and Porta Romana, this friendly trattoria is known for its excellent home cooking and pizza. Be sure to admire the Etruscan-inspired decorations and check out the dessert—all the gelato is made on-site.

Via Annio 8, Viterbo, Latium, 01100, Italy
347-8516619
Known For
  • homemade pasta alla viterbese (spicy red sauce with fennel)
  • tagliolini (ribbon pasta) with lemon
  • great gelato
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.