Frankie Esposito

Too Good To Gatekeep

Frankie's favourite places, flavours and experiences around here

How to use this guide: If something catches your eye, simply click on its name and Google Maps will guide you there. When available, the Book button allows you to reserve a table or purchase tickets directly. You can also click the Website button to visit the official site for more information, reservations, tickets, etc.

Rome, Italy
Our home away from home on this tour isHotel delle Nazioni

Nestled in the heart of Rome, Hotel delle Nazioni invites you to embark on a journey through timeless elegance and rich history, where the whispers of antiquity blend seamlessly with the vibrant pulse of modern Italian life. Discover the enchanting allure of the Eternal City.

Where to Eat

Restaurant

Authentic Italian eatery right outside our hotel, famous for its Roman pinsa, traditional pasta dishes & salads, and a welcoming atmosphere in a cozy setting.

"Enjoy authentic Roman pinsa and warm hospitality in a cozy gem steps from Trevi Fountain."

1 min walk4.9Reservation recommended
Authentic Roman PinsaSteps from Trevi FountainTop RatedOutdoor Seating

Cocktail Bar & Restaurant

A stylish Roman establishment blending traditional flavors with culinary innovation, featuring elegant modern interiors and a menu of authentic pastas, pizzas, and signature cocktails.

"Exceptional Roman cuisine and cocktails located steps away from the historic Piazza Colonna."

5 min walk4.6Reservation recommended
Traditional Roman CuisineCentral LocationModern Design

Cocktail Bar & Restaurant

A chic Mediterranean restaurant and cocktail lounge behind Piazza Navona, blending traditional Roman dishes with a vibrant nightlife scene and creative drinks.

"Experience a stylish mix of authentic Roman cuisine and expertly mixed cocktails near Piazza Navona."

13 min walk4.5Reservation recommended
Near Piazza NavonaCocktail BarOutdoor Seating

Restaurant

A traditional Roman trattoria offering authentic local pasta dishes and specialties in a cozy, rustic environment located very close to the Trevi Fountain.

"Authentic Roman cuisine served in a charming, traditional atmosphere just steps from the hotel."

2 min walk4.5Reservation recommended
Traditional RomanNear Trevi FountainHomemade Pasta

La Pergola

€€€€

International Fine Dining

Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred sanctum, perched atop the Cavalieri, offering Heinz Beck’s visionary cuisine and an unparalleled panoramic vista of the Eternal City.

"Experience the pinnacle of Italian fine dining with Rome's most prestigious three-Michelin-starred tasting menu."

65 min walk (15 min drive)4.9Reservation recommended
Best for DinnerRomanticInstagram Worthy

Aroma

€€€€

Fine Dining

High-altitude dining at its finest, offering a Michelin-starred menu that competes only with the close-up, majestic views of the ancient Colosseum.

"Dine in the shadow of history with the most spectacular Colosseum view in the city."

26 min walk4.6Reservation recommended
Best for DinnerRomanticInstagram Worthy

Italian Delicatessen

An essential epicurean temple blending a world-class deli with a refined kitchen, serving arguably the most legendary carbonara in the city.

"A mandatory pilgrimage for food lovers seeking the finest ingredients and authentic Roman pasta."

17 min walk4.5Reservation recommended
Best for LunchBest for DinnerHidden Gem

Baccano

€€€

Bistro & Grill

A sophisticated Mediterranean grill echoing the grandeur of a Parisian bistro, conveniently located moments from the Trevi Fountain for a chic culinary escape.

"Chic, vibrant atmosphere perfect for a late-night dinner or a sophisticated oyster pairing."

2 min walk4.4Reservation recommended
Best for DinnerInstagram WorthyBest for Rainy Day

Traditional Roman

A venerable institution since 1961, preserving the soul of Roman gastronomy with elevated simplicity just steps from the majestic Pantheon.

"Discover the true heart of Roman cooking in a setting that breathes history and tradition."

11 min walk4.6Reservation recommended
Best for LunchHidden Gem

What to Do

Terrazza Borromini

€€€€

Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

An upscale dual-level rooftop venue within Palazzo Pamphilj, featuring a refined art gallery setting and spectacular 360-degree panoramic views over Piazza Navona.

"Unrivaled views of Bernini’s fountains and the Roman skyline from an exclusive historic terrace."

13 min walk4.2Reservation recommended
Rooftop BarPanoramic ViewsHistoric BuildingAperitivoFine Dining

Art Museum

Experience the pinnacle of Renaissance and Baroque artistry within a stunning cardinal's villa, showcasing unrivaled sculptures and paintings in an intimate, prestigious setting.

"Witness Bernini's 'Apollo and Daphne' in Rome's most prestigious and exclusive art gallery."

20 minutes4.8Reservation recommended€18
Best for Rainy DayInstagram Worthy

Private Palace

Step into the private world of Roman nobility at this majestic palace, renowned for its gilded Great Hall and extraordinary 14th-century artistic legacy.

"Visit the breathtaking Great Hall, an opulent masterpiece often compared to Versailles."

6 minutes4.7Reservation recommended€36.50
Hidden GemInstagram Worthy

Art Museum

Wander through the opulent residence of a princely family, where corridors are lined with masterpieces by Velázquez and Titian amidst glittering chandeliers.

"Admire Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X in a stunningly lavish private palace."

8 minutes4.7Reservation recommended€16 (online €17)
Hidden GemRomantic

Activity

A chilling subterranean museum and ossuary where the skeletal remains of 3,700 friars are arranged in elaborate, macabre baroque-style decorations.

"Experience a hauntingly unique memento mori through artistic bone-decorated chapels."

9 min walk4.5Reservation recommended€10 (senior €6.50)
HistoricReligious HistoryMacabre ArtUnique Experience

Historical Landmark

A cylindrical fortress and museum overlooking the Tiber River, originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum and later serving as a fortified papal refuge.

"Historic papal fortress offering spectacular panoramic views of Rome and St. Peter's Basilica."

21 min drive4.7Reservation recommended18
UNESCO HeritagePanoramic ViewsMust-See

Opera House

Indulge in an evening of world-class cultural excellence within this historic theater, offering breathtaking opera and ballet performances in an elegant setting.

"Experience the glamour of Italian opera in a venue renowned for its superb acoustics."

15 minutes4.6Reservation recommended
RomanticBest for Dinner

Historic Gardens

Perched atop the Pincian Hill, this Renaissance palace offers exquisite gardens and breathtaking panoramic views over the rooftops of Rome's historic center.

"Explore serene gardens and enjoy one of the most sophisticated vantage points in the city."

12 minutes4.6Reservation recommended
Hidden GemInstagram Worthy

Archaeological Museum

A sophisticated Richard Meier-designed pavilion housing the ancient Altar of Peace, blending contemporary architecture with Augustan-era Roman history.

"See the exquisite ancient reliefs in a minimalist, light-filled contemporary glass structure."

Best for Rainy DayHidden Gem

Architectural Gem

A hidden Art Nouveau courtyard featuring exquisite frescoes dedicated to the glorification of women, providing a quiet sanctuary of beauty near the Trevi.

"Escape the crowds to discover this stunningly painted secret courtyard."

Hidden GemInstagram Worthy

Gelateria

Historic Roman landmark since 1900, celebrated for its artisanal gelato, Liberty-style decor, and a vast selection of classic and unique flavors.

"Experience world-famous gelato at Rome's oldest creamery, a favorite of celebrities and locals alike."

HistoricFamousLate-NightIconic

Religious Site

A Roman Catholic church in Rome, renowned for housing the Contarelli Chapel which contains three masterpieces by the Baroque master Caravaggio.

"Witness three iconic Caravaggio paintings inside a stunning, free-to-enter Baroque church."

Art HistoryCaravaggioMust SeeArchitectural Landmark

Neighborhood/Sightseeing

A charming medieval neighborhood known for narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant nightlife, artisan shops, and the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

"Experience Rome's bohemian heart with authentic Roman trattorias and picturesque evening walks."

Historic DistrictBohemianNightlife Hub

Useful Info

ATM

A branch of Banca Sella providing full-service banking and an accessible ATM for 24/7 cash withdrawals located just steps from the Trevi Fountain.

"Conveniently withdraw Euros from across the street"

24/7 ATMCurrency ExchangeHandicap Accessible

Supermarket

A convenient city-center supermarket offering fresh produce, pantry staples, and beverages, ideal for picking up snacks or travel essentials while exploring Rome.

"Convenient for grabbing snacks, drinks, or travel essentials just steps from the hotel."

SupermarketGroceriesCentral Location

Pharmacy

Rome's oldest pharmacy, founded in 1552, features historic 18th-century interiors and offers medicinal, homeopathic, and beauty products directly next to the iconic Trevi Fountain.

"Visit Rome's oldest operating pharmacy for health essentials amidst stunning historic apothecary décor."

Historic SiteOldest PharmacyEnglish Speaking

Curated by Frankie Trip Leader