Il Maritozzaro

Fascinating places in Rome - a little bit of this, a little bit of that, mixing classics with some unpopular, hidden gems! Where to eat/drink (including a bunch of beautiful rooftops), where to shop (outlets, bespoke & made in Italy - brands you rarely find outside this country) and what to visit around (gorgeous sights included, so be sure to check them out and take lots of pictures). Highlights: 🛵 Vespa - is an Italian luxury brand of scooters and mopeds manufactured by Piaggio. The name means wasp in Italian. An Italian icon since 1946. You’ll see many of these all over the city. 🍕 Roman style Pizza - we encounter "pizza al taglio," which means "by the cut". The scizzas, which are a type of scissors, are used to cut this pizza into square-shaped slices. This helps to maintain the structure of both the toppings and the crust. There is also “pizza bassa”, with a thin base. Roman pizza is practically the opposite to Neapolitan pizza: it is crispy and they are not afraid of toppings. A classic on all menus in Rome is the Capricciosa: topped with ham, mushrooms, olives, artichoke, an egg and tomato. Oil is added to the dough and there is much less water than the Naples version. 🥯 The maritozzo - is a classic sweet pastry, traditionally packed full of whipped cream, which has satisfied Romans for centuries. The dough-based bun is typically eaten in Rome for breakfast but can also be eaten as a hefty snack, or dessert, throughout the day. ☕️ Ristretto - is Italian for "short shots", and that's exactly what this shot of espresso brings to the table. Its main difference is that it takes a shorter extraction time, and uses less water therefore the flavor is rich and bold, and very intense. 🍧 La Grattachecca Romana - a favourite icy drink with fruity flavor; for the Romans, the grattachecca is sacred - strictly prepared by hand in the historical kiosks of the Rioni Trastevere, Testaccio and Prati, in the lively Ponte Milvio area and Trieste and Trionfale districts. Grattachecca derives, in fact, from the action with which the “ghiacciata" (ice) is produced: with a special tool, the ice is scraped off a block, called the "checca" in Roman dialect. 🛍️ When it comes to shopping, Rome can be quite the haven for designer brands, but there is no other fashion house more Roman than Valentino Garavani. The brand’s design (its famous studs) has its origins in the Renaissance architecture of Rome - the “bugnato” technique of the ancient Roman buildings. The largest Valentino store (in the world) lies here, in Rome, on the famous Piazza di Spagna site.

To all the foodies out there, this guide is for you! Here, you will find a list of all the MUST-TRY street foods in Rome and the best places to enjoy them. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: I believe it is only fair that you know this guide features carefully selected places, many of which may not be the most famous, Instagrammable, or viral spots. However, what truly makes them extraordinary is the tastiness and high quality of the products, but most importantly, the passion and traditions that the owners put into them. I have personally tried all them, both alone and with some of my clients during tours, and I must say that every taste has left everyone amazed. Furthermore, the most delightful aspect is that standing in line beside you, you will find locals, true Romans from Rome, who come here to relish in the authentic Roman culinary tradition.

Alright, carbonara is delicious, and we all agree, but if you're traveling in Rome, you've probably already eaten at least 4 or 5 in few days 😂. This guide aims to help you navigate the menus of Roman restaurants, allowing you to explore different and lesser-known dishes from the traditions of my city. You'll find insider tips on our habits and traditions, restaurants, and street food spots to try. Unlock the guide and start tasting Rome! 😋