The Best Restaurants In Prati, Rome

Il Sorpasso is not only one of the best restaurants in Prati, it is one of the best dining experiences in all of Rome. Part of the charm of Il Sorpasso is its perfect fusion of modern and rustic aesthetics: it juxtaposes hanging meat shanks on display at a charcuterie station, vaulted brick ceilings and plenty of wine barrels, juxtaposed with industrial-chic elements such as warehouse windows, a marble-top bar and suspended light bulbs. It’s menu is enticing as well, serving up creative spins on classic fare such as tagliatelle with pesto and zucchini flowers or salads as entrees that combine sweet and savory flavors. Open from morning till late, it’s a great place to stop by for coffee and a pastry, a leisurely lunch after a visit to the Vatican museums, a glass of wine with the locals during aperitivo hour or a thoroughly satisfying dinner in the evening.

If you’re after succulently grilled meats, entrees that prominently feature mushrooms and are craving Tuscan flavors while in Rome, head to Ristorante Dal Toscano for a hearty meal. This historic institution is a favorite with Romans who want to trade their amatriciana for ribollita and a bistecca alla Fiorentina,though you’ll find some Roman options on the extensive menu as well. The service is classic, with old-school waiters, white tablecloths and an array of the daily antipasti that greet you when you walk into the restaurant. There are also a dozen tables outside so you can soak in the atmosphere of one of Rome’s most refined neighborhoods while you sip your Chianti.

For a great traditional meal in a typical eatery (think set prices, classic favorites and great value), head to Osteria dell’Angelo. This tasty spot is just a few blocks up from the Vatican, but unknown to tourists, meaning you’re in for a truly local experience. When you arrive, you can peruse your paper place mat for menu items, while the waiter comes over and tells you the daily specials. This is a restaurant where you order one course at a time, so let the waiter know if you’d prefer to skip the pasta and move on to the seconds. In the evening the restaurant serves a full menu for €25, which concludes with the most ambrosial dessert wine and twice-baked biscotti for happy dipping.

The second branch of popular Flavio al Velavevodetto in Testaccio, Velavevodetto ai Quiriti offers the same wonderful cuisine in a delightful piazza off Prati’s main drag, Cola di Rienzo. The atmosphere is refined but relaxed, and the quality of each dish is top notch: it’s hard to pick favorites because everything is prepared to perfection. If you’re an adventurous eater, try out traditional Roman dishes that list offal as an ingredient, such as rigatoni alla pajata or coda alla vaccinara – recipes that have their roots in the working-class Testaccio district that used to boast Europe’s largest slaughterhouse. Just be sure to save room for tiramisu afterwards, because it’s one of the best in the city! https://instagram.com/p/BAYLEavCcsL/

Call ahead if you want to snag a table at La Pratolina, because this popular spot gets booked up nights in advance. Its allure lies in the fact that it serves up a unique type of pizza, different to the paper-thin and crispy pies you find at a traditional Roman pizzeria. La Pratolina offers the pinsa, a recipe that has its roots in Ancient times when Romans prepared their breads by extending and pressing them into oval shapes: the pizza prepared in this manner is fluffy and chewy, thicker than a Roman pizza but not as doughy as a Neapolitan pizza. The dough is left to rise over a long period, making it very easy to digest, and the restaurant prides itself on using the highest quality ingredients. With 37 different pizzas to choose from, you’d be wise to reserve your table ASAP.