Rome Reviews

The following is a list of reviews of hotels, restaurants and other services during our travel to Rome, Italy in July 2012.


Rome Vacation Rental/ Efficiency Apartment overlooking the Colosseum
We found this place on www.vrbo.com, which I have good experiences with in the past. We stayed in this apartment for four nights this past week in July. Irina met us at the agreed-upon time, showed us around and left us the keys. It was nice to stay in a place that wasn't a hotel for a change- where you have the freedom to come and go and no one is cleaning up after you immediately. This gem was a nice relief after travelling all over Italy all week- cozy, but comfortable. Perfect for one or two people. The bed was comfortable, and the air conditioning was heaven sent after staying so many places without! The view of the Colosseum out the kitchen window and the balcony is magical! The apartment was clean and useful. Cable TV was available, although we hardly used it, as the only channels en English were the news, as to be expected. It is equipped with a decent bathroom, a small kitchenette with all appliances, and a penthouse balcony with a view! Bus and metro lines are conveniently close, although we walked to several sites. Irina was even nice enough to call and arrange a car for us for transport to the airport. It was a nice, comfortable stay, and I would recommend it to others. A nearby restaurant is recommended to avoid the touristy spots- Naumachia was a very good experience and only a block away! Although only big enough for two people, this place was fantastic! 


Naumachia, Via Celimontana 7, Rome, Italy 
Only steps away from our apartment, we found this place on Trip Advisor app while in Italy. It is our last night in town, and we were looking for something close to our apartment. Luckily this place had good reviews and is only 192 feet away! The service was outstanding! Our waiter (I wish I knew his name) was so entertaining- great sense of humor and made an effort to make us Americans feel comfortable. He made an effort to speak English well and made lots of jokes. The food was good. We got the fried ricotta- awesome with honey! The zucchini flowers were ok too. We both had pasta and both were homemade and good. We ended splurging with the wine- first we split one large bottle for 9 euro and then we opted to get a small bottle for 5 euro. Our server let us know that the small bottle "was on him"! We then shared a piece of tiramisu, and it was to die for! So light, airy and tasty! We left our server a hefty tip although it was not expected. In short- good food, outstanding service!


Dar Poeta, vicolo del bologna 45, Rome, Italy
We went here based on a recommendation from friends. It was a little hard to find, but found it in a niche of the street. It is somewhat hidden in Trastevere. We ate inside and waited a bit long for service, but ordered a creative bruschetta (lots of fun choices!) that had white beans and "spicy sauce". It was very good and not very spicy, but was different and tasty. The Dar Poeta pizza was excellent, while the Bufala pizza was somewhat tasteless. Overall good experience, but get the Dar Poeta pizza.


Old Bear, via a dei Gigli d'oro, 2-3-4, 00186 Rome, Italy
We went here based on TA reviews when in Rome. We were visiting the Piazza Novona and wanted a good place to eat in Rome.  This was close by. We sat inside, which was ok, but would have liked to sat inside- very rustic and warm looking. The table outside was ok, but a bit crammed and wobbly. We ordered the bruschetta which was satisfactory, but then we also got bread. We ordered the clams and mussels - not very good. The chicken and potatoes with spicy sauce was good and a nice change from pasta or pizza. The sangria was good, but a bit pricey. The service was just ok.

L' Antica Birreria Peroni, Via S. Marcello 19, 00187 Rome, Italy
This was our first night in Rome. It was a perfect stop after the Trevi. We were actually tired of wine and were craving beer- there couldn't be a more perfect place! It was busy when we first arrived at about 9:30, but slowed down quickly at 10. They are open noon til midnight. We each ordered 2 beers and wanted "pub food". We ordered the hamburger and fries (does not come with a bun like its American cousin). It was good-very rich, succulent beef- almost like meatloaf. My husband ordered zucchini flowers and supli, which were good and then the carbonara. It was very rich, but good. Overall a nice change of pace for Italy.


Gelateria Grom, Via della Maddalena 30, Rome, Italy
I had heard great reviews about his place so when we spotted it as we were leaving the Piazza Navona, we thought we would give it a try. It was busy and there was a line, but it is was worth it.  Although it is a chain, this gelato was to die for!    Excellent flavors and the creamiest texture I have ever encountered!  Go here! 


Cafe Apia Antica, on the Via Appia past the San Sebastiano catacombs
We stopped here for a light lunch, as recommended by Rick Stevespomodoro (tomato) sandwich with mozzarella and some eggplant pomodoro recommended by our server.  The service was good considering they speak limited English and we spoke limited Italian.  When we were done eating here we rented bikes for 4 euro per hour to ride on the Via Appia Antica.  I did not have a passport or license with me, but they nicely accepted a copy in exchange for the bikes. However, the bikes are a bit rickety and not in the best shape, but usable for short jaunts.