Our recommendations on where to eat in Rome include:
Ai Tre Scalini: I went back to this restaurant, at Piazza Navona 30 – 35 , after many years. The original restaurant is in the same location but under different ownership, having been split by the two original brothers. There are two restaurants with the same name. I had a good pizza for lunch overlooking the wonderful pedestrian plaza.
Ristorante Angelina: Located at Via Poli 27, right near the Trevi Fountain. I had lunch there upon arriving in Rome and enjoyed their reasonable buffet with great pastas, antipasti and salads. It is frequented by local business people and not tourists. They also do an afternoon tea.
Pastificio San Lorenzo: This is a neighborhood spot located at Via Tiburitna 196 and they advertise themselves as Cucina non Tradizionale, or not traditional cooking. I had a wonderful gazpacho, pasta entrée with calamari and clams and probably the best tiramisu I have ever had. The service was good and the décor was warm and contemporary. You won’t find the tourist crowds here!! Check out the website also for the Pastifico Cerere Foundation which was founded with the intent of spreading contemporary art in the city. They offer exhibitions so you might look at the schedule.
Trattoria Pizzeria da Olimpio: At Via degli Avignonesi 37-38, this is a very casual restaurant with great pastas, pizzas and traditional entrees and decor. The owner is friendly and the prices reasonable!
Osteria Quaranta Quattro: A newly opened restaurant not far from the Via Veneto at Via Aureliana 42/44. It has a contemporary dining room and outdoor seating area. The food has a new take on Italian favorites. I enjoyed my meal as did the Americans at the adjoining table. Sergio, the owner, was very helpful in choosing the right dishes. I would say it is a gourmet restaurant and more on the expensive side in terms of price but well worth it for the experience.
Museum Cafes and restaurants worth trying are sleek 138 MACRO at the MACRO Museum, and the restaurant at the MAXXI Museum. Their contemporary restaurant is located across from the Zaha Hadid designed museum that overlooks the museum plaza.