Inventive tasting menus with foraged ingredients, open kitchen
"Florence is no stranger to popular sandwich places—yes, we’re talking about All’Antico Vinaio and its lines longer than the entrance to the Uffizi. But for our favorite panino, head to Retrobottega near Piazza della Signoria. Unlike the city’s other sandwich spots, they have (gasp, shock) space to sit inside and a great Happy Hour where you can snack on some crostini and sip a glass of organic wine as you take down an affordable panini. Order the Bambola with salty, crunchy schiacciata and watch them assemble your masterpiece with slices of mortadella, pistachio pesto, and a zing of lime zest. We also like the Sloppy Rob that’s stuffed with delicious pulled beef cooked slowly in red wine and served with crunchy onions and homemade honey mustard." - coral sisk, georgette jupe
"Minimalist decor and clean lines characterise this restaurant decorated in dark tones, which is open from breakfast to late in the evening. The two owner-chefs, both of whom have experience in various Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and further afield, are full of brilliant ideas and inspirations, all of which result in an entertaining and exciting dining experience." - Michelin Inspector
"A favorite neighborhood bar known for its espresso tonic, a refreshing cold coffee drink." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"You'll need to reserve a table at this moody hot spot in advance. The kitchen turns out thoughtful, poetic dishes that push culinary boundaries, and the best way to understand it all is by going for one of the no-holds-barred tasting menus. Expect seasonality, creativity, and traditional ingredients, but don't expect typical Roman dishes. Chefs Giuseppe Lo Iudice and Alessandro Miocchi are so dedicated to sourcing local products that they often spend their mornings foraging for goodies in the forests and fields just outside the city." - Maresa Manara
"The open-kitchen format has arrived in Rome at Retrobottega, a sultry and stylish restaurant in the city center. A squad of chefs led by Alessandro Miocchi and Giuseppe Lo Iudice prep, assemble, and plate within full view of communal tables. Lo Iudice and Miocchi revisit traditional recipes and techniques with creative innovations, and the seasonal menu focuses on local farmers and producers, with many of the greens and veggies foraged by the Retrobottega team themselves. The experienced foodie should book a reservation for 20 Bites, Retrobottega’s kaiseki-style tasting menu that showcases Retrobottega’s 20 most noteworthy dishes."