Authentic Living: Rome, Italy

Quick Summary 

In this article, you will discover insights into the authentic Roman experience through the perspective of Luca, a lifelong resident of Rome. He discusses his favorite spots in the city, highlighting the beauty of places like Villa Borghese, the importance of Rome’s ancient atmosphere, and the challenges the city faces in adapting to modern needs. Additionally, Luca shares recommendations for authentic Roman food, local bars, and clubs, as well as the best areas to stay and explore, offering readers a more intimate and local way to experience Rome.

Authentic Roman Experiences with Luca

Part of the ongoing series: Authentic Living

Coming from a long line of Romans, Luca is the perfect person to speak with when looking for advice on the Eternal City. I caught up with him over Skype recently.

Hey, Luca, it’s great talking with you today. So you’re originally from Rome, yes?

I am! I grew up in Rome, in the area known as Montesacro, close to Via Nomentana. My family has been living in Rome for many generations. I spent most of my life in Rome, except some periods I spent abroad to learn new cultures and languages.

Wow, you and your family are about as Roman as it gets then! When you think of your hometown, what comes to mind?

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Rome is the beauty of the places that have been the background of my adolescence. I imagine myself walking in Villa Ada or Villa Borghese—two amazing huge gardens in the center of Rome.

Villa Borghese. Rome, Italy.

How does Rome compare to the rest of Italy?

In Italy every community—even a small village—has his own identity. I could talk for hours about the difference between Rome and some big cities in the north or the south of Italy, but the biggest thing that distinguishes Rome from the rest of Italy is its ancient atmosphere; the sense of the past that surrounds and fills its boulevards, streets, and alleys.

Yet, this atmosphere also hurts Rome. While beautiful, it is stuck in the past and resistant to change. Yes, we want to preserve our heritage, but we should also be able to adapt to the modern world’s needs. For instance, there is a big demand for bicycling lanes here, but the city hasn’t adjusted the streets yet to accommodate this, something that wouldn’t be hard to do.

Castel Sant’Angelo. Rome, Italy.

What is your favorite thing to do in Rome? What should people avoid?

I like to visit Rome’s museums and churches. It is really charming to spend a late night just wandering the city’s largely-abandoned streets, or – when I am in Rome in the right period – visiting the museums during one of the special evenings when admission is free. On the other hand, I would never go to visit a place that has nothing to do with Rome like MAXXI, the museum of 21st-century art.

Italy is famous around the world for its food—what are some must-eat dishes in Rome?

That’s simple: you’ve got to try pasta alla carbonara [noodles—usually spaghetti—covered in a sauce of eggs, pancetta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and black pepper] and coratella di agnello ai carcioffi [a mixture of lamb liver, lungs, and heart served with artichokes]. Both are traditional peasant dishes and very, very Roman! 

Spaghetti alla Carbonara in a Roman trattoria.

And where should someone go if they are looking to have an authentic Roman meal?

The alleyways near the Coliseum are filled with small trattorie that serve great food. Outside of those, one of my favorites is Taverna Rossini [Viale Gioacchino Rossini 54], located near the Gallery of National Modern Art. I also really like Su Ghetto [Via del Portico d’Ottavia 1C] and Trattoria da Danilo [Via Petrarca 13] for pasta alla carbonara, and Trattoria da Teo [Piazza dei Ponziani 7] for coratella di agnello ai carciofi.

What are some good bars/clubs to go to in Rome?

I’ll start with bars. Visitors should check out BlackMarket [Via Panisperna 101] which has a cozy, hipster feel. I’d also recommend C1BO [Viale Tirreno 2]. I myself stopped going to clubs a while ago, but Testaccio and Piramide are probably the best areas to head to for late-night partying. 

A cocktail at BlackMarket. Rome, Italy.

What would you recommend people do in Rome to experience the city the way locals do?

Well, I’d check out the restaurants I suggested above, but I’d also grab a cocktail or a beer in Piazza Trilussa, on the banks of the Tiber.  This is THE place for locals to go during a warm summer night.

Where would you suggest people stay in Rome?

The public transportation in Rome isn’t great—every time they try to add to the subway system, they run into a new archaeological site—so it’s best to find a place near the center of town, perhaps by the Colosseum, so you can go on foot to most of the sites. I’d suggest AirBnB for the best deals.

You spoken glowingly about your hometown, yet I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that I don’t live in Rome right now. Many foreigners consider Italy a paradise for food, art, and culture, and they will probably wonder why you would ever leave there! So why’d you leave?

Haha, you caught me! Right now I’m living in Lima, Perù, where I teach history and philosophy at a private college. I came here because I thought it would be fun to gain some international working experience. But I can’t wait to get back to the city and country that I love! 

Part of the ongoing series: Authentic Living

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best traditional dishes to try in Rome?

 The best traditional Roman dishes to try are pasta alla carbonara and coratella di agnello ai carcioffi. Both are beloved local specialties, with carbonara being a classic pasta dish and coratella offering a unique mix of lamb organs served with artichokes.

 Where are the best spots for an authentic Roman experience?

To experience Rome like a local, visit the small trattorie near the Coliseum, enjoy a cocktail in Piazza Trilussa, or wander through the peaceful gardens of Villa Ada and Villa Borghese. These areas offer a blend of Rome’s ancient beauty and vibrant local culture.

Why did Luca leave Rome despite his love for the city?

 Luca left Rome to gain international work experience in Lima, Peru, where he teaches history and philosophy at a private college. While he enjoys his time abroad, he looks forward to returning to the city and country he loves.