Testaccio is home to the former slaughterhouse, many of the trattorie (typical italian restaurant) in this rustic part of town stick with tradition, cooking up dishes using butcher's cuts of meat known as the ‘fifth quarter' such as offal, tripe and the classic Roman oxtail. Rome's centre has an electric dining scene to sate all palates.
See and be seen in the upmarket, silver-service restaurants near the Pantheon, or explore the winding streets behind Piazza Navona for a gourmet pizza topped with thinly sliced prosciutto and fragrant rocket.
The run-down university quarter of San Lorenzo is packed with quirky, offbeat restaurants buzzing with leftfield character. Navigate the students and join the intelligentsia discussing lofty ideas over anything from vegetarian fare to gourmet game dishes.
Wake up your tastebuds at aperitivo time, when many bars offer complimentary finger food with pre-dinner drinks. Lots of eateries are shut on either Sunday or Monday. Service is almost always included, otherwise a discretionary 5-10% is the maximum expected. Both bars and casual restaurants charge extra if you order at the table than at the bar.