Food Wine Rome: A Foodie's Guide to Rome

Food Wine Rome, a new guidebook by David Downie (food and travel writer who has contributed to Gourmet and Bon Appetit and many many other food publications), is the food guidebook for gourmets who are visiting Rome. In his book you will discover the best restaurants, food shops, and wine purveyors. Even long-time residents of Rome will find surprises in this beautifully designed and illustrated book.

Trattoria Baldovino in Florence

You’ve been walking all day. The line at the Duomo was brutal. You finally made it to Piazza Santa Croce where the sun is shining and the crowds have thinned. But you’re hungry. Starving. Where should you go? There are a million choices-but how do you know the difference between what’s good what’s a tourist trap? Baldovino to the rescue! Located just a few steps to the left of Santa Croce at Via Giuseppe 22 (and 22r), you will find a restaurant and wine bar that’s refreshing in attitude, decor and cuisine. At the trattoria they have traditional Tuscan dishes like ribolitta (vegetable and bread soup) and the enoteca/caffe serves countless salads-perfect for lunch. The restaurant is light and airy, the wine selection is unique, and you can’t beat the location. Baldovino is actually owned by Scottish expatriates, which explains the departure from the typical Tuscan trattoria menu and decor. Buon gusto!

David Lynch's Wine Bar Picks

Mario Batali's famous Manhattan restaurant, Babbo, is well-known not only for its terrific food, but also for its impeccable wine selection. That wine selection is thanks to David Lynch, Babbo's wine director. Lynch is an expert on Italian wines and naturally has a few favorite wine bars to visit in Rome. He includes Cul de Sac, the quintessential enoteca just off the Piazza Navona. But he recommends several more wine bars in almost every neighborhood in Rome. In the Prati (north of the Vatican) he touts Del Frate not only for its wines but also for its cheese selection. In Trastevere, trendy Ferrara is the place to visit for an "encyclopedic" wine list. If you are looking for something a little more low-key, try L'Angolo Divino just off Campo dei Fiori. Salud!

Wine Bars in Rome

If you are looking for a terrific wine selection and delicious food that is often quite reasonable, try a wine bar (or enoteca). In recent years, many of Rome's wine shops have expanded and now serve small plates and full meals to accompany wine tastings. You can often reserve a table ahead of time, which is rare in Rome. Cul de Sac is the enoteca of choice-located near Piazza Navona, it consistently gets the best ratings and has great atmosphere. For more recommendations from insiders, see Starklandcellars and katieparla.