The Zest Layover: 48 Hours in Roma

Hidden along the cobbled Via dei Banchi Vecchi, you will find Il Pagliaccio, an experience that rewrites the rules of Roman fine dining. Step through the unassuming entrance, and you’ll find yourself in a sleek, intimate dining room where every detail, from the navy walls to the elegant lighting, whispers understated luxury. At the helm is Chef Anthony Genovese, a culinary nomad who channels his French-Italian heritage and global adventures into dishes that feel like miniature works of art. The menu? A globe-trotting masterpiece. One moment you’re savoring delicate Chinese noodles in yellow tomato broth with razor clams, the next you’re marveling at lamb paired with caviar and sea urchin—a pairing so bold it feels like a dare. And yet, it works. Even the simpler creations—like shrimp with agretti and coconut—are layered with unexpected flavors and textures, each bite a revelation. This is food that asks for your full attention and rewards you for giving it. The wine list is a connoisseur’s dream, expertly curated to elevate every dish without stealing the spotlight. Service? Impeccable but refreshingly unpretentious. They know you’re here for the food, and they let it shine. With tasting menus ranging from four to ten courses (yes, vegetarians are beautifully accommodated), Il Pagliaccio offers a culinary journey that’s as daring as it is refined. At €200–€300 per person, it’s an indulgence—but one that lingers long after the last bite. Rome may be a city steeped in tradition, but Il Pagliaccio is proof that the Eternal City knows how to innovate. For anyone serious about food, this is a meal you simply can’t afford to miss.

Not impressive on the outside, Casa Bleve is a real hidden gem located in a small street of Rome equidistant and 2 blocks away from both Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Occupying the courtyard of a refined 15th-century palazzo with large vaulted ceilings, this restaurant offers an à la carte menu of Italian specialities and is less familiar to tourists crowds. In fact Casa Bleve is ideal when you start to feel overexposed to rustic Roman cuisine and you urge for an above-average dining experience, quiet, cozy and elegant! The menu reads like a love letter to Italian and Mediterranean flavors. Every dish feels thoughtfully crafted, with ingredients that sing of quality and seasonality. More of a dinner than a lunch place the artichokes and octopus salad is a must have. And then, there’s the wine. Casa Bleve’s cellar is legendary, boasting a curated selection of Italian vintages that rivals some of the city’s best enoteche. The service is polished yet warm, striking the perfect balance between professionalism and genuine hospitality.

Just steps from the Tiber, Il Marchese is where old-world Roman charm meets modern sophistication. Inspired by the iconic Italian film Il Marchese del Grillo, this osteria and cocktail bar perfectly blends the playful opulence of aristocracy with the hearty traditions of Roman cuisine. The menu is steeped in classics, featuring creamy cacio e pepe, rich amatriciana, and delicately crispy supplì, all made with precision and respect for tradition. The flavors are bold and authentic, yet the presentation is refined—Roman comfort food elevated to another level. But what truly sets Il Marchese apart is its amaro bar, the first of its kind in Europe. With over 500 labels, the cocktail bar is a treasure trove for amaro lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The Negroni Sbagliato with an amaro twist or the Signature Amaro Sour are absolute must-tries. Whether you’re a seasoned amaro aficionado or just curious to explore its possibilities, the bar is an experience in itself. The ambiance is an elegant mix of vintage and contemporary, with dramatic lighting, dark wood accents, and playful nods to its cinematic inspiration. Whether you’re stopping in for a cocktail, indulging in a full Roman feast, or simply soaking in the sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere, Il Marchese delivers an experience that feels both timeless and fresh.