Cristiano is a local classic, you mention the name, people will know what you're talking about,…read moreregardless of whether they're regulars or not. Cristiano is a "pasticceria", not a cafe, so they duly take their lunch break, and open at a leisurely 8am. This is not to say their coffee is no good, they simply offer much more and they produce everything in-house. Depending on the season, you might want to try their gelato, which always comes in generous portions. I wouldn't call it a gourmet option, they don't tout exotic names or fancy food origins (Bronte pistachios anyone?), they just make good gelato, and with fresh ingredients. No strawberries available? Well, no strawberry gelato, and I like it that way. Personal favorites are "Bacio bianco" (with delicious whole hazelnuts) and Kinder (vanilla + rich chocolate), but debating flavor preferences is an exercise in futility. I enjoy the cakes, and while not everything is top notch, you have some memorable winners there. The "torta al limone" (dough, custard and pine nuts) is to die for, especially in its mignon version, which you might be tempted to savor alongside a cappuccino. That's a hell of a breakfast combo, you won't be craving food for a while. I also like the tea pastries, especially the "occhio di bue" (round dough disc with jam in the middle). And they're always fresh, come in on a Monday morning, there's nothing on display, and they start filling the shelves as the products are ready. The outdoor seating area is nice, but could be tidier, and it gets busy at times. Most people order to go, bringing a cake or a tray of sweets home, but I enjoy the place even for just a cappuccino with friends. The price point is just right, and some items might even be a bargain vs. similar options elsewhere. And since they accept any credit card, order away, you won't be disappointed.

Love the ambiance! Very Italian very cozy family style ! Our server was amazing he sat us down gave…read moreus a few minutes and took our order straight away . The cappuccino was delicious... this is really how it should taste so if and when In Italy this is the place to do a sit down cappuccino. Of course you can grab and go at the bar located in the lobby of the cafe or just stand at the bar and enjoy your cappuccino. Seems like the locals go here too. We felt like locals!!!

In the past, I knew of Gelateria Navona, just a few doors up from the actual piazza, and that was…read moremy go-to place for gelato in Rome. Expecting it to be there one year, I walked over to Piazza Navona and Gelateria Navona had evidently closed. I would then get gelato here and there. I then learned that Giolitti is a long standing gelateria and it's also in the historic center. I filed the name away in my head. Then, one day, I happened to walk right in front of it without even looking for it, so I went in. Giolitti is popular and it can be crowded. I'm going to say that I waited about 10 to 15 minutes. You pay at a counter first, deciding on what you want and how much of it, such as scoops and whether it will be in a cup or a cone. Once up at the counter, they don't rush you, which surprised me. I don't take that much time since I don't experiment much, but I still appreciate the courtesy. The price is roughly what everyone else in the historic center is charging. I always opt for the gelato it in a cup so you can "control" the dripping. The gelato - a mix of dark chocolate and two citrus flavors - was "molto buono." That said, just because it's so popular, I'm not going to downgrade Giolitti for it and complain about the crowds. You downgrade gourmet donut places in the U.S. where their fame has gone to their heads. There is also a spacious salon with nicer decor in which you can eat inside. At this point, Giolitti is really the only gelateria in Rome whose name I remember. I would gladly go back and I recommend it.

Many people have a favorite gelato place in Rome, and this is mine. There's this location in…read moreTrastevere, one in Centro Storico, and one in Monti. A decent gelato place has fresh, standard flavors like chocolate, pistachio, or stracciatella. A good gelato place has interesting flavors like lavender, basil, or pear. A superb gelato place, like Fatamorgana, combines multiple interesting flavors in *one* flavor. My favorite Fatamorgana flavors at the moment are: * Rose petals, violet flowers, and walnuts * Lavender flowers and wood strawberries * Carrot cake * Chestnut and myrtle ...I don't even know what myrtle is, but I know I like it.

We were introduced to this gelateria on our first night in Rome, via the walking Trastevere food…read moretour I'd booked for us. Our guide said this is his favorite gelato spot, owing to the creativity of flavors and rotating menu offerings. We liked it so much we went back once on our own. They were busy both times, with a line out the door, but the people working were friendly and patient (which was especially noticeable on our first visit, when a group of 10 tourists wandered in after a few hours drinking, eating and drinking our way through the town.) The did have some interesting flavor combos lined up for us to try, but I went with the flavors I craved. Everything was tasty and creamy, and the serving sizes were generous. They offered whipped cream on top of each portion as well, which we passed on, the gelato was yummy and creamy enough without the added cream. The shop is tiny (explains the line) but clean, and they do a good job of labeling each of the vats of gelato they have on display. Definitely a winner, and seemed to be quite popular with locals.

A great Sicilian sweet shop in the residential Casal Palocco area. Ice creams, granite, cassate,…read morecannoli, cakes (the sette veli is simply amazing!) and much more. Sweet tooth paradise! There's also a next door rosticceria, under the same management, where you can try arancine and rustici, together with all other typical Sicilian goodies.

We came to this local restaurant to grab a bite for lunch. We ordered a few delicious toasted…read morepaninis, and I had a cappuccino as well. The price was very reasonable, service was great and everyone was very friendly even though not all of the local staff spoke English. Definitely a great find and a high recommendation!

Had lunch at La Terrazza on a sunny crispy afternoon during the workweek…read more I already have reviews for most places I frequent here in Aurelia. It seems as though I had to expand on this one. Typical Italian meal, meat and pasta, lots of carbs, gnocchi-calzone-panini-macaroni, plus tons of desserts. Desserts at La Terrazza are really good. La Terrazza offers a rooftop terrace seating with gorgeous views of the country side. This is the type of place in the business park, within walking distance from Mariott, where many offices are located. People go to lunch here, it's a sort of a cafeteria style setting in terms of the presentation of food. Not your typical trattoria style. Great assortment of antipasti (cold appetizers), including sautéed veggies, artichokes, eggplant, roasted zucchini, red bell papers, carpaccio, prosciutto, soppressata, fresh mozzarella nuggets drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Beef stew, meat loaf, steamed seasoned potatoes, pasta shells, sautéed green beans, octopus with macaroni. I called them that, they may have proper Italian names attached, I just didn't care to go deep today, nor did I have time for that. Fabulous selection of pastries and desserts downstairs, including Sfogliatelle, Sanguinaccio dolce, Semifreddo, Zeppole, Canoli, Panna Cotta, Tartufo, and fruit compote. Advertised pizzas include the following: Pizza con Forno a Legna, anche Integrale - pizzas cooked in the wood burning oven, and also plate combos (complete meal): Ortolana - garden veggie pizza Margherita - traditional wood fired oven pizza Patate - Pizza di Patate with potatoes Boscaiola (Mozzarella, Funghi, Salsiccia) - mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, sausage Amatriciana (Pomodoro, Guanciale, Pecorino) - tomatoes, cured meat from pork cheeks, pecorino cheese