My City: Rome with Anna Marra

On a quiet street near Piazza del Popolo, Artisanal Cornucopia sells what Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley calls an “abundance” of high-quality crafts from across the world. The boutique’s peripatetic founder, Elif Sallorenzo, is half Turkish, half American, and married to an Italian. After showcasing her curated collections at trunk shows in her SoHo, New York loft, she moved to Rome and opened the Via dell’Oca concept store in 2015.

Here, she shares her guide to the Eternal City.

Mornings in Rome

I love starting my day with a walk in Villa Borghese, the green lung in the center of Rome.

Lunch Spots

With a local friend, Salotto 42 has a unique atmosphere under the majesty of Hadrian’s Temple. It’s a risto-cocktail bar perfect for a quick and informal lunch. Rhinoceros is great for lunch with a friend from out of town. It’s fine dining and a great place for a drink on the stunning rooftop. Bubi’s is good for lunch with family, as it serves typical Roman dishes. For romance, Terrazza Borromini has a gorgeous rooftop.

Museum Musts

Chiostro del Bramante for repeated visits, but don’t miss Cappella Sistina and the Vatican Museums if you’ve never been to Rome.

Neighborhood Wanderings

Rione Monti is for sure a treasure in plain sight. Full of artisan workshops plus atelier and niche shops, it is very popular among locals. Despite bordering Rome’s major tourist attractions, it’s a quiet jewel compared to the other popular parts of the city.

Countryside Escapes

Corvara in Badia in the mountains, and Porto Ercole by the sea.

Clothing Stores

For women, I like Tricots for the trendiest brands and Closet Roma for luxury vintage.For kids, Age d’or is great.

For Special Gifts

Campomarzio70 is a niche perfumery that also sells highly sought-after home and personal accessories, and the Barbara Biffoli Jewelry showroom is a must for fashion and fine jewelry.

Food Shops

For cheese, Micocci Antonio. For meat, Macelleria Angelo Feroci. And for deli products, Ercoli 1928.

Wellness Break

Visiting Irene Forte Spa, at Hotel de la Ville.

Dinner Favorites

Duke’s is great for dinner with a local friend, as it has excellent, quality cuisine and cocktails plus music and a very pleasant garden during the hot season. If I’m going with a friend from out of town, the Rome EDITION has Italian culinary classics in a beautiful, sunken courtyard. Pianostrada is good with family. It has an unusual menu and a very cozy interior and courtyard. And for romance, Aroma has stunning views of the Colosseum and is Michelin starred.

Favorite Hotels

Hotel de Russie, Hotel Hassler, Hotel de la Ville, and Hotel d’Inghilterra.