Eating in Rome: Spagna/Barberini

With so many hotels in the neighborhood, it’s natural that there would be terrible tourist-trap restaurants to match. Here are some of the exceptions:

Gina

Via San Sebastianello, 7a

066780251

Monday-Saturday 1100-2400

Sunday 1100-2000

Gina’s stark yet cozy white interior attracts a local professional clientele seeking light fare. Their soups, sandwiches, and salads are fresh and made-to-order. The menu has many vegetarian selections and the service is attentive and pleasant. They will prepare picnic baskets (Villa Borghese is a short walk uphill) with advance notice.

Il Giardino di Albino

Via Zucchelli, 29

064885202

Just off the busy Via del Tritone, this family run Sardinian restaurant is a quiet oasis. They serve a broad selection of Sardinian food including meat and fish. A specialty is the maiolino sardo, a tender roasted piglet. Their pastas and grilled fish are fresh and tasty.

Otello alla Concordia

Via della Croce, 81

066791178

The food here is reliable and a great value considering it is location near the Spanish Steps. Ask to sit in the garden patio (open year round and air conditioned accordingly) with its funky fruit fountain. The service is friendly and accommodating.

Recafe’

Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 36

0668134730

This busy Neopolitan pizzeria and restaurant is huge, noisy and very trendy. The pizza and steaks are quite good and their typical Neopolitan desserts will not disappoint you. In spite of some of the worst service in the city, Recafe’ is still packed every night with those looking to see and be seen.