Ok, since
@TimurNegru prompted me,
@TiffanyFong I saw you are in Rome. I just came back and it's my home city.
Let me help you with some recommendations. To all Italians, feel free to add yours so that Tiffany has a great experience.
If you are into ice cream, the place you must visit is "Come il Latte", near Via Veneto. Probably the best ice cream ever. It's not necessarily well known, but if you had to pick only one recommendation from this list, pick this one:
maps.google.com/?q=Come+il+L…. I guarantee this is going to be a 10/10.
For aperitivo, even though touristic (nowadays), Hotel de Russie near Piazza del Popolo is the right place. Please email them to book beforehand. Lovely internal garden and excellent cocktails, including their own interpretation of the Spritz:
maps.google.com/?q=Hotel+de+…
In terms of restaurants, there's literally infinite variety and it really depends on the mood and vibe.
For an interesting experience, I'd recommend it especially for lunch, Roscioli. Overall, it's always a must:
maps.google.com/?q=Roscioli+…
An evergreen, in a good location, I due Ladroni:
maps.google.com/?q=Due+Ladro…
On the "serious side": best for fish, large portions, excellent service (sit outside) and book before. Ai Piani, in a residential area, no party vibe, "old-school" quality:
maps.google.com/?q=Ai+Piani,…
Easy going options (among many):
- Giulio Passami l'Olio:
maps.google.com/?q=Giulio+Pa…
- For fresh pasta, the winner is Osteria da Fortunata:
maps.google.com/?q=Osteria+d…
- Lastly, if you want to push yourself towards the Testaccio area, Felice a Testaccio, excellent cacio e pepe and their famous tiramisù reinterpretation:
maps.google.com/?q=Felice+a+…
For sushi and a more vibey international environment, Zuma. Among the serious ones, for fish, Tempio di Iside too:
maps.google.com/?q=Tempio+di…
There's literally so much on offer, but I think if you choose something above you'll do well and have a great experience. Enjoy!