The Monocle Muse x ROMA — The Monocle Muse

I’ve been back in New York for a few weeks now and Italy almost seems like a distant dream. Of the three cities - Milan, Florence and Rome - that we visited in a mere 6 days, I can confidently say that Roma stole my heart. My old soul swooned at the vintage charm found in the ancient architecture, the tiny balconies and the horse drawn carriages. I stopped to admire (and photograph) almost every vintage car or vespa that blanketed the streets. The romantic in me was infatuated by the street musicians, the warmth and friendliness of the people, and the hint of flirtation in the air when a handsome man would drop the casual, “Ciao Bella” as we passed them on the street. And the food. To be clear, I’m not a “foodie”, as most big-city millennials claim to be, although I do enjoy a good meal. But the food in Italy…. the rigatoni, the truffle-covered spaghetti, the gelato… it was all simply divine. I’m almost salivating just at the thought of it (and oh so grateful that my travel partner-in-crime, Paige (@theacuchick), happens to be a foodie in every sense of the word, and came armed with a list of incredible food recs).

SO as they famously say, when in Rome…

TO DO: the touristy stuff (blah blah)

Colosseum (duh)
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
Vatican City

Not so touristy:

Grab a coffee and people watch at Caffe Greco. My favorite character was the most precious Italian gentleman who was painting in the corner of the cafe. Of all the handsome Italian men we met along the way, he undoubtedly pulled my heart strings the most.

Settle in with a drink and watch the sunset on the rooftop of Hotel Raphael (no filter needed - seriously)

Roam (pun intended) the streets and shop. It’s all Gucci - literally.

Most importantly … TO EAT:

Trattoria Da Enzo - cute, quaint, delicious food and amazing service
Roscioli - possibly one of the best meals we had in Italy
Armando Al Pantheon- all I will say is truffle. spaghetti. need I say more?!
Giolitti for gelato - yes, it’s worth the long line of tourists

A big thank you to all of you who answered my instastory with recommendations. I have compiled all of them below for anyone else who is planning on visiting Rome soon (and for my next trip):

Venchi gelato
Emma’s pizza
The Basilica of San Clemente
I Dolci di Nonna
Ai Tre Scalini in Monti
La Buvette near the Spanish steps
Taverna Trilussa
Gallery Borghese
Ristorante alla Rampa
Gelateria La Romana
Zuma
Pizzarium
Metamorfosi
Jerry Thomas Project
Hotel Angelina rooftop
Alle Carratte

Con Amore, xx

The Monocle Muse