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Earlier than shifting to Rome, I had but to find out how extraordinary the seafood eating places right here had been. Like many, I’d assumed I’d spend my days digging into spaghetti carbonara and supplì. Whereas I definitely did, I additionally discovered myself feasting on scrumptious oceanic fare for a lot of of my night meals.
Romans love their seafood; you’ll spot locals tucking into fried anchovies and sautéed mussels any night time of the week, each in high-end ristorantes and laidback trattorias.
Through the years, as I’ve explored the gastronomic panorama of the Italian capital and guided my meals walks by means of Rome, I’ve had the privilege of discovering a few of the high seafood eating places in Rome. These are my all-time favorites!
Our Guides’ Favourite Fish Spots
Though Rome is a brief distance from the coast, the town has a deep-rooted custom of having fun with recent Mediterranean seafood. We’ve got chosen eating places that obtain day by day deliveries from the close by ports of Fiumicino and Anzio. These venues supply a real style of the ocean proper within the coronary heart of the town.
Pierluigi
Picture credit score: Pierluigi
It wouldn’t really feel proper to kickstart a compilation of seafood eating places in Rome wherever apart from Pierluigi. Sitting in Piazza de’ Ricci for over 80 years, Pierluigi began as an informal osteria and has change into one of many metropolis’s most sought-after high-quality eating institutions.
The indoor seating space is subtle and chic, with atmospheric dimmed lighting and darkish furnishings. Although I’ve by no means truly dined al fresco right here, primarily as a result of it’s fairly difficult to safe a seat exterior in the summertime, the terrace at all times appears to have a beautiful vibe.
I got here by with a good friend a number of months again, and we opted to share the pink prawn carpaccio and Mediterranean lobster pasta. The sommelier recommended pairing these with Ciampagnis chardonnay, and the jasmine and citrus notes complemented the flavors of the dishes superbly.
First up was the pink prawn carpaccio, offered with a colourful lineup of herbaceous roasted pumpkin and tart grapefruit. Vibrantly pink and blended with briny oyster mayonnaise, the prawns had been agency and recent, with a refined sweetness.
This was adopted up by a mouthwatering serving of selfmade tagliolini that served as the proper base for the plum tomato and basil-infused lobster. The juicy tomatoes and pungent basil enhanced the fragile flavors of the succulent, savory lobster meat.
Pierluigi (€€€€) – Piazza de’ Ricci, 144, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open day-after-day, 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and seven:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Trattoria del Pesce
Trattoria del Pesce is a superb fish restaurant located between the neighborhoods of Portuense and Gianicolense. Although it’s a little exterior the town middle, I promise it’s definitely worth the journey, as a few of the tastiest seafood in Rome might be discovered right here.
At Trattoria del Pesce, the workforce has managed to create a eating space that’s vivid and fashionable with out sacrificing its homely and heat ambiance. I really like how they’ve balanced the white tiled partitions and greyscale wood flooring with off-white decor.
The menu right here sometimes options seasonal catches from the Lazio area, and the final time I used to be there, my server beneficial a few of the scampi dishes. After a little bit backwards and forwards, I went for the scampi linguine, as the addition of pistachios sealed the deal for me.
As at all times, the service was immediate, and I used to be savoring this hearty pasta dish very quickly. An explosion of unpolluted, summery flavors; I couldn’t get sufficient of the zesty citrus sauce and the way it elevated the mildness of the scampi.
Topped with crunchy, earthy pistachios, this dish additionally packed a punch with its textures.
Trattoria del Pesce (€€€) – By way of Folco Portinari, 27, 00151 Roma RM, Italy, Closed Monday. Open Tuesday to Wednesday, 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm, Thursday to Sunday, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Go-To Mediterranean Flavors
Seafood in Rome is loved merely, permitting the pure sweetness of the fish to shine by means of. We suggest these spots for his or her dedication to conventional Roman-Jewish fish recipes and fashionable seaside classics. Our workforce values the experience of cooks who deal with each ingredient with the respect it deserves.
VII Coorte
Picture credit score: VII Coorte
For those who’re in search of a style of Sicily proper within the coronary heart of Trastevere, VII Coorte is the place to be. I’ve been a frequent customer right here since my first go to a number of years again and have been raving about it ever since.
They’ve a beautiful, understated eating space full of crisp white linen and smooth furnishings, however I like to recommend attempting to snag a seat on the terrace. Right here, you’ll be capable of take pleasure in a culinary extravaganza whereas admiring the pastel-colored buildings dotting the encompassing streets.
Seafood dishes are usually not all these guys supply, although I hardly ever veer away from the oceanic fare each time I dine right here. I used to be strolling by only a few weeks in the past, and although I used to be solely a little bit peckish, I couldn’t assist however cease by after I noticed a number of empty seats.
Craving one thing gentle, I selected the prawn-filled panelle. These basic Sicilian cornflour fritters are pleasant in their very own proper. But, once they’re full of wealthy pink prawns, umami sea urchin-based mayonnaise, and gently acidic tomato confit, they’re on an entire different stage.
VII Coorte (€€) – Piazza Sidney Sonnino, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy, open Tuesday to Thursday, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday to Monday, 12:30 pm to three:00 pm and seven:00 pm and 11:00 pm
Il San Lorenzo
Only a five-minute stroll from Piazza Navona is Il San Lorenzo, an upscale spot that occurs to whip up some nice seafood in Rome. Il San Lorenzo is certain to impress if you happen to’re a foodie in search of an unforgettable seafood-inspired eating expertise.
Excessive ceilings, luxe furnishings, and uncovered stone options characterize this swanky eatery, and funky fashionable artwork provides a unusual contact to the eating room. Prime-tier service is a given right here, and any time I’ve visited, the workforce has gone the additional mile, providing strategies and wine pairings.
I began with the amberjack tartare, and after struggling to determine between the seafood pasta dishes and seabass for my fundamental course, the latter gained out.
The tartare was beautiful, from the sturdy, buttery flavors of the extremely recent fish to the stainless presentation alongside nutty avocado and spicy black pepper. Blended with a pinch of bitter lemon and pungent olive oil, the amberjack had a well-balanced taste profile.
Subsequent was the pan-seared branzino sea bass accompanied by thick, mashed potato. Not solely was the fish’s flaky consistency good, however the cautious additions of candy garlic, daring oregano, and peppery thyme added new layers to its taste.
Il San Lorenzo (€€€€) – By way of dei Chiavari, 4/5, 00186 Roma RM, Italy, open Monday, 7:30 pm to 12:00 am, Tuesday to Sunday, 12:30 pm to three:00 pm and seven:30 pm to 12:00 am
Chosen Coastal Cuisines
We’ve got curated a listing of eateries that vary from informal fish-fry retailers to elegant eating rooms targeted on the catch of the day. These areas are the place we go after we wish to expertise the bounty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Every selection displays our dedication to discovering probably the most genuine and high-quality seafood experiences obtainable.
Crab Fish Restaurant
Picture credit score: Crab Fish Restaurant
Fancy sampling some drool-worthy shellfish after taking within the majesty of the Colosseum? Crab Fish Restaurant is mere steps from the famed amphitheater, making it a great spot to relaxation up and bask in some marine delicacies after a day of explorations.
It is a stylish spot with impartial decor, an expansive eating space, and charming touches like fairy lights and gold-colored finishes. Nonetheless, with such a fascinating location, it will get tremendous busy, so it might not be probably the most appropriate selection if you happen to’re hoping for a quiet, relaxed meal.
I’ve had the lobster risotto a bunch of occasions right here, and it was my dish of selection as soon as once more on my final go to. Decadent and oh-so-filling, the risotto is one thing I normally solely go for after I’m feeling famished, so I’d advise you to return hungry if you happen to’re eager to attempt it for your self!
Regardless of the slew of bustling tables, the waitress rapidly arrived with my meals. Each chew was satisfying, nourishing and full of creamy arborio rice, salty lobster, and tangy stracciatella cheese.
The dish included a black garlic cream, and its sharp, balsamic flavors had been sensational.
Crab Fish Restaurant (€€€) – By way of Capo d’Africa, 2, 00184 Roma RM, Italy, Closed Monday. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12:15 pm to 11:00 pm
Crispi 19
Picture credit score: Crispi 19
Crispi 19 is a beloved seafood restaurant in Rome’s Trevi neighborhood and is lower than a ten-minute stroll from the world’s namesake fountain. Not your typical eatery, the cooks at Crispi 19 have a menu filled with revolutionary takes on basic dishes whereas nonetheless providing some conventional favorites.
The restaurant’s nautical-themed frescoes and pale shade palette make for a laidback and trendy set-up. Amongst the clusters of tables are white-washed wine cupboards and a slick bar, all of which I believe replicate the eclectic nature of the menu.
I’ve at all times been keen to return right here after listening to stellar critiques from fellow foodies, and I lastly made it this final yr. After recognizing the spaghetti clams, a long-time favored choice of mine, I used to be interested by the way it was paired with bottarga, a cured fish roe pouch, and I simply needed to attempt it.
Due to the saline bottarga, all of the delectable flavors of old-school spaghetti with clams, like the mineral style from the clams and smooth, lemony sauce, got a brand new lease of life. Made out of gray mullet, this delicacy was intense with out overshadowing the gentleness of the dish.
Crispi 19 (€€€) – By way of Francesco Crispi, 19, 00187 Roma RM, Italy, Closed Tuesday. Open Wednesday to Monday, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Da Benito e Gilberto
Ask any native the place to search out seafood in Rome’s Prati district, and I’ll wager a lot of them will level you towards Da Benito e Gilberto. A family-run restaurant, Da Benito e Gilberto has been supplying the best seafood fare to loyal patrons for nearly 50 years.
Each time I step inside, the workers greet me with the warmest welcome. Teamed with photo-covered partitions and a comfortable seating space, Da Benito e Gilberto offers off probably the most healthful vibes. Judging by their lengthy checklist of movie star clientele, it’s secure to say I’m not the one one who thinks so!
The menu contains all of the best and freshest seafood, together with sea urchins, oysters, salmon, and squid. Whereas I’ve by no means been disenchanted with the meals right here, the fisherman-style mussels are significantly tasty.
Cooked up in a manner that mirrors how a fisherman may put together them, the mussels are positioned in a steaming broth of flavorful components. Every mouthful had hints of floral white wine and zingy tomatoes, with some refined touches of fragrant parsley and woodsy rosemary.
These tastes complemented the brininess of the mussels, which had a chewy but velvety texture.
Da Benito e Gilberto (€€€) – By way of del Falco, 19, 00193 Roma RM, Italy, Closed Monday and Sunday, Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 pm to three:00 pm and seven:00 pm and 11:00 pm
Provenance of Roman Seafood
Many of the high-quality seafood present in Rome’s markets and eating places originates from the day by day fish auctions in close by Anzio. We consider that figuring out precisely the place your fish was caught is important for each taste and moral consumption. Many conventional Roman seafood dishes depend on “blue fish” like anchovies and mackerel, that are plentiful in our native waters. By consuming in accordance with the native catch, you get a more energizing product and help the regional fishing group.
Historical past of Seafood in Rome
The consumption of fish in Rome has traditionally been tied to spiritual calendars, significantly the custom of consuming lean meals on Fridays. We see this legacy in basic dishes like “baccalà” (salt cod), which grew to become a staple as a result of it may very well be transported removed from the coast. Historic Romans had been additionally masters of fish preservation, a ability that advanced into the delicate seafood tradition we take pleasure in at the moment. Exploring these historic flavors offers a deeper connection to the town’s enduring culinary id.
Conclusion
An underrated metropolis for seafood lovers, Rome doesn’t fairly take pleasure in the identical glory as its neighbors in southern Italy. For those who ask me, the seafood eating places in Rome may give eateries within the likes of Sardinia and Sicily a run for his or her cash, however perhaps I’m biased after dwelling right here for therefore lengthy.
Don’t take my phrase for it, although, and pattern the delights of Rome’s seafood choices for your self.
