"Everything in Rome comes with a history lesson, including a meal at Piatto Romano. It’s located in Testaccio, a neighborhood where cucina Romana was basically invented. Order the offal, amatriciana, and the great daily specials like crispy artichokes. They also offer a fantastically-fresh salad with local mixed greens dressed in a zesty, light vinaigrette (yes, Italians do eat salads). Dessert is equally old-school: go with the tiramisu or the ricotta e visciole and a bitter shot of genziana, a gentian root liqueur made in the mountains of Abruzzo. It’s best for a long, mid-week lunch or a quieter dinner in their newly refurbished dining room. " - gillian mcguire, annie replogle