While exploring the Pantheon area on your next Roman holiday, you may well discover that each and every restaurant claims to be the most ‘authentic’ in the city. Could that be? Well, yes indeed, Italians take their cuisine very seriously, and Rome in particular boasts quite delectable and unique specialities; yet one should be a little wary of the dreaded tourist traps. Restaurants all over the world are renowned for cutting corners when serving foreigners, and sometimes the Italians do so with glee. But don’t despair, help is at hand! Book an apartment in Rome near the Pantheon and you will not only have the best of the city’s attractions right at your door step, but you’ll also be able to visit the following three gastronomic gems. Tried and tested (oh no really, it was our pleasure), all three tick our imperative list: welcoming atmosphere, great service and delectable food at reasonable prices. So as they say “When in Rome...” go ahead and eat your heart out! Da Fortunato Al Pantheon, Via del Pantheon 55 Considered to be the favoured ‘local’ of Rome’s most colourful personalities (and that’s just the politicians), Da Fortunato is an excellent choice if great food, ambience and ...

Around the Spanish Steps of Rome there are some excellent restaurants and these include options for all budgets whether you are looking for high-end Rome restaurants or budget ones. The great thing about food in Italy is that even if you go for budget restaurants, you can still expect very decent quality food and this is especially true for restaurants around the Spanish Steps area. Da Gino Trattoria (Vicolo Rosini, 4) – is a traditional trattoria which is a great option if you are looking for a budget restaurant near the Spanish steps. Be sure to try the pasta e ceci in brodo di arzilla or the home-made fettuccine. Order the house wine and you will get to sample a quality wine and a budget price. Situated near to the Piazza del Parlamento, this restaurant comes highly recommended. Naturist Club L'Isola - despite its name, the Naturist Club L'Isola has nothing to do with nudists and is in fact a macrobiotic restaurant. Both well priced and known for using fresh, seasonal, organically grown vegetables in their cooking, this is a wonderful place to eat. Although the menu is largely vegetarian and features many vegan dishes, fish is available here as well. The ...

Rome is famous for the delicious ice cream available in the Gelaterie as they are known locally. The area around the Pantheon in particular is typically full of gelaterie or ice cream shops that offer tourists and locals the chance to sample the rich and creamy delights of Italian Gelato. Giolitti (Via degli Uffici del Vicario) – is one of the most famous places for buying ice cream in Rome and this has been a favourite haunt of locals and tourists alike for years. Giolitti is located close to the Piazza Montecitorio on the Via Uffici del Vicario and the place can be quite crowded, such is the popularity of the ice cream here. There is a fantastic range of ice cream flavours and this place comes highly recommended. Cremeria Monteforte (via della Rotonda 22) - is another popular place for ice cream and located in the Pantheon area. The ice cream at the Cremeria Monteforte is made on the spot by the owner of this ice cream shop, with Roberto’s yoghurt gelato particularly delicious and believed by many to be the best in the city. Note that the Cremeria Monteforte is closed between the middle of December and the middle of ...

$$$ Restaurant of Hotel de Russie: [Via del Babuino 9, Rome tel: +39 06 328881] Le Jardin de Russie Restaurant is in one of the most romantic settings in Rome and that's really saying something. You can experience some of the best Italian food among the cypresses, umbrella pines, rose bushes, magnolia and orange trees on the terrace within sight of the Borgese Gardens. $$$ Restaurant Otello alla Concordia: [via delle croce 81, Rome tel:+39 06 6791178] Old established Roman restaurant, great atmosphere, excellent service and consistently good food - served in an ancient Roman courtyard. $$ Restaurant Gusto: [Piazza Augusto Imperatore 9, Rome, tel: 06 3226273] Large and modern with contemporary cuisine. Gusto's is an excellent to eat with great atmosphere. The pizza is the thicker neopolitan style that won't leave you hungry. Try the restaurant and bar around the back, here you can get a glass of the house Chianti for only 1 Euro. $$ L'Enoteca Antica: [via delle Croce 76B, Rome] A great place to sit and people watch while sampling many of the excellent wines on offer. During the winter it's warm and inviting and a great place to meet up with friends and treat yourself to the selection ...

Campo dei Fiori is such vibrant area and has many wonderful restaurants. $$ Monserrato: [Via Monserrato, 96, 06 6873 386] Monserrato is a tiny restaurant known for it's seafood close to Piazza Farnese with tables outside in the summer on Piazza Santa Caterina della Rota, and where typical Roman cuisine is delightful. This restaurant has been famous amongst Romans for the past 10 years, so make sure to reserve. $$$ Ristorante Pierluigi: [Piazza dé Ricci 144 06 68 61 302 http://www.pierluigi.it ] Pierluigi's restaurant is situated in one of the most pleasant squares of Rome amidst beautiful renaissance buildings, including the Ricci palace, famous for its splendid sixteenth century fresco. Fish here is excellent, the crowd is mostly Roman and middle-aged. On a sunny day and for a true Roman lunching/dining experience, there is no better spot than this one! $$ La Taverna di Lucifero: [Via dei Cappellari 28 06 68 80 55 36] Enjoy a fantastic fondue at this lovely small restaurant just off Campo dei Fiori. Their cheese fondue and beef fondue are just to die for and make an excellent experience for a bunch of friends going out together. Try the fried eggs with tartuffo as a primo. The pasta ...