Typical IKEA store, large selection of economical Swedish design that won't break the bank. It's a…read morelittle hard to find staff to help you because they are all very busy but when you locate a person you get help. The food in my opinion is less good than in the states but the cafeteria always has tons of people.

I was having a great morning shopping at IKEA when the hunger pangs started making their presence…read moreknown. I have eaten in the IKEA restaurant a few times, both in the US and here in Italy, so I knew how great it was and because of that I made a straight line towards the meatballs! We ate the traditional choice of meatballs served with mash potato, gravy and lingonberry jam. There were also some fabulous looking salmon filets, salads and a bunch of other delicious looking sides. This time I also chose the Swedish apple cake served with a side of vanilla sauce, which was delicious and not too sweet as is the way once you leave the US. Many people have reviewed this restaurant but I wanted to confirm that the food is just as good in Rome as elsewhere and if you are in the neighborhood you should definitely stop by.

I *love* this store, it's one of my favorites in all of Rome. It's chock full of cool posters,…read moreprints, postcards, coffee table books, tote bags, unique goodies, and other neat-o designs from European artists that'll appeal to all creative types. Most items for sale are prints from original works. I've bought movie-inspired posters, espresso cups, funny postcards, and more here. It's part stationery store, part bookshop, and part art gallery. Everyone working here has always been friendly to me over the years and leisurely browsing is encouraged. A stop in this store usually results in half a dozen squeals of glee as I always seem to spot tons of quirky stuff that I just HAVE to have! The hours can be a little spotty, so go during popular times to avoid disappointment. I wanted to drop by before I left for the airport to buy a print but I saw earlier in the day, but they decided to close early. That's Italy for you!

Though I'd read that Rome's Monti district was hip and very popular, the route I took from the…read moretrain station to my rental apartment didn't convince me: tourist restaurants and tchotchke shops galore. After a few days traipsing to Rome's other districts I was overjoyed to find the heart of Monti and realize it was exactly as I'd read. MercatoMonti was my destination but getting there was the reward. Walking down a street different than that I'd come in on I learned that the area was indeed filled with authentic shops, vintage stores, and intriguing looking cafes, bars, and restaurants. Be still, heart. Sitting amongst all of that is MercatoMonti, a converted parking garage (now part of a hotel) that's used on the weekend as an up-market shopping (non-food/drink) destination. Not a grand affair, but one with maybe 50 vendors, it proved a hugely successful place in which to part with a large wad of euro. Vendors hawked stylish, unique products, much of them hand-crafted. Stylish sunglass frames from the '80s updated with new Ray Ban lenses (90euro), leather/canvas backpack (80euro), a felt coat (70euro), and a camouflage jacket (40euro); clearly I needed to return to my apartment to stow away my bounty. Many of the vendors are "cash only" but there's ATMs nearby. The great thing about MercatoMonti, in addition to the good shopping opportunity, is that it puts you right in the thick of Monti. I'm surprised it's not rated more highly on yelp but I liked it. If you've got the urge to spend, MercatoMonti is a nice, hip place in which to do so.

Quite a nice market, but small and nothing like you would think of a traditional flea European…read moremarket. Mostly lots of clothes and jewelry, some are nicer that others. Merchants are very friendly and the ones I talked to actually were selling their own products. I found the selection to be quite odd however, like handmade kimonos, next to silky scarves, bulky jewelry, urban-style lamps, umbrellas and canvas bags. Prices are low and I did find two great items. Bottom line: great to check out if you are in the neighborhood but I would not go here specifically to see the market.

This is an adorable little shop with top-end kitchen and home supplies. It's a great stop if you…read moreare looking for some nice souvenirs to take home from Italy. I found some gorgeous Italian made espresso spoons for about 3 Euros each. There are all sorts of espresso cups, coffee accessories, kitchen gadgets, soaps, linens and more. Lots of pretty Italian things. Definitely worth a look if you are a kitchen person. The employees were very friendly as well.

Beautiful ceramics made in Italy! A variety of designs to choose from and the staff is very…read morefriendly and helpful.

Beautiful selection and incredibly helpful employees. The owner, also, is lovely. Definitely stop…read morein for both modern and traditional Italian housewares. Great place to buy gifts!