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When Anthony Bourdain focused his Travel Channel show No Reservations on Rome, he shot the episode in black-and-white, heavily influenced by the cinema of Fellini, making the city look like a gorgeous set piece from another era. Indeed, there is something undeniably old-school about the Italian capital, especially when it comes to dining. Yes, there are some sleek restaurants with minimalist decor and innovative cuisine, but for the most part, visitors seek out the mom-and-pop trattorias of yesteryear or, in some cases, yester-century.

Rome is one of Indagare’s most popular destinations, and it’s not unusual for a member to work with one of our travel experts on mapping out an itinerary entirely based around the restaurants, meals and types of food not to be missed. One scene-stealer has been Aroma, where diners sit on a terrace with an up-close view of the Colosseum. Families will be happy to discover the sumptuous antipasta buffet at Gusto where kids can fill up on delicious mini-pizzas and pasta salads in an informal and fun ambience. And since Rome is all about the cool al fresco scene of the city’s many piazzas, it’s good to know the best casual cafés where people-watching and frothy espresso are available all day.

Here is a list of Indagare favorites. If you recently traveled to Rome and made new discoveries, please share them with the community by emailing info@indagare.com or posting them on the Discussion Boards.

Best for…

…a Big Night Out

• Aroma, overlooking the Colosseum
• Antico Arco, on Janiculum Hill in Trastevere
• Checcino Dal 1897, in Testacchio, a 15-minute taxi ride from the historic center
• Jardin de Russie, at the Hotel de Russie

…Families

• Ivo, in Trastevere
• Le Mani in Pasta, in Trastevere
• Gusto Tati ‘Al 28, near Ara Pacis (walking distance to Hotel de Russie and Babuino 181)
• Popi Popi, in Trastevere
• Pier Luigi, near Palazzo Farnese and Campo dei Fiori

…an old-school Roman trattoria

• Da Felice, in Testacchio, a 15-minute taxi ride from the historic center
• Dal Bolognese, near Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps
• Fischetteria, near the Spanish Steps
• Sora Margherita, near Isola Tiber and 10-minute walk to Musei Capitolini

…Lunch

• Obika, on Campo dei Fiori
• Babette, near Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo
• Pier Luigi, near Palazzo Farnese and Campo dei Fiori
• La Colonna, in the Palazzo Esposizione (15-minute walk to Galeria Doria Pamphilij)
• Caffè Capitolino, in the Musei Capitolini

…a Local Scene

• Le Mani in Pasta, in Trastevere
• Al Moro, near Fontana di Trevi
• Roscioli, near Campo dei Fiori and Isola Tiber

…an Aperitivo (or two)

• Gusto Tati ‘Al 28, near Ara Pacis (walking distance to Hotel de Russie and Babuino 181)
• Salotto 42, near the Pantheon
• Hotel Raphael rooftop, near Piazza Navona
• Il Palazetto Wine Bar, on top of the Spanish Steps

…a Quick Break (breakfast, coffee, snack)

• Canova, on Piazza del Popolo
• La Buvette, near Spanish Steps (walking distance to Hotel de Russie and Babuino 181)
• Caffè Atelier Canova, near Spanish Steps (walking distance to Hotel de Russie and Babuino 181)
• Sant Eustachio Caffè, near the Pantheon
• Panella l’Arte del Pane, near Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (a 10-15 minute walk to the Colosseum)
• Casa e Bottega, near Piazza Navona

…Gelato

• Fior di Luna, in Trastevere (after a meal at Popi Popi, Ivo or Le Mani in Pasta)
• Giolitti, near the Pantheon (after a meal at Al Moro)
• Gelateria del Teatro, near Piazza Navona (a short stroll from Pier Luigi)
• San Crispino, near Fontana di Trevi (a snack when sightseeing in the area)