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Earlier than shifting to Rome, I had but to learn the way extraordinary the seafood eating places right here have been. Like many, I’d assumed I’d spend my days digging into spaghetti carbonara and supplì. Whereas I actually 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.
Over time, as I’ve explored the gastronomic panorama of the Italian capital and guided my Rome meals excursions, I’ve had the privilege of discovering among the greatest seafood eating places in Rome. These are my all-time favorites!
Pierluigi
Photograph credit score: Pierluigi
It wouldn’t really feel proper to kickstart a compilation of the perfect seafood eating places in Rome anyplace aside from Pierluigi. Sitting in Piazza de’ Ricci for over 80 years, Pierluigi began as an off-the-cuff osteria and has turn out to be one of many metropolis’s most sought-after fantastic 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 outdoors in the summertime, the terrace at all times appears to have a beautiful vibe.
I got here by with a good friend just a few months again, and we opted to share the purple prawn carpaccio and Mediterranean lobster pasta. The sommelier steered pairing these with Ciampagnis chardonnay, and the jasmine and citrus notes complemented the flavors of the dishes fantastically.
First up was the purple prawn carpaccio, offered with a colourful lineup of herbaceous roasted pumpkin and tart grapefruit. Vibrantly purple and blended with briny oyster mayonnaise, the prawns have been agency and contemporary, with a refined sweetness.
This was adopted up by a mouthwatering serving of home made tagliolini that served as the right 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 on daily basis, 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 outdoors town heart, I promise it’s definitely worth the journey, as among the greatest seafood in Rome will be discovered right here.
At Trattoria del Pesce, the staff has managed to create a eating space that’s shiny and fashionable with out sacrificing its homely and heat ambiance. I really like how they’ve balanced the white tiled partitions and greyscale picket flooring with off-white decor.
The menu right here usually options seasonal catches from the Lazio area, and the final time I used to be there, my server really useful among the scampi dishes. After just a little forwards and backwards, 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 fresh, 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 (€€€) – Through 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
VII Coorte
Photograph credit score: VII Coorte
Should you’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 just a few years again and have been raving about it ever since.
They’ve a beautiful, understated eating space full of crisp white linen and glossy furnishings, however I like to recommend making an attempt to snag a seat on the terrace. Right here, you’ll have the ability to take pleasure in a culinary extravaganza whereas admiring the pastel-colored buildings dotting the encircling streets.
Seafood dishes are usually not all these guys supply, although I hardly ever veer away from the oceanic fare every 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 just a little peckish, I couldn’t assist however cease by after I noticed just a few empty seats.
Craving one thing mild, I selected the prawn-filled panelle. These basic Sicilian cornflour fritters are pleasant in their very own proper. But, once they’re filled with wealthy purple prawns, umami sea urchin-based mayonnaise, and gently acidic tomato confit, they’re on an entire different degree.
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 among the greatest 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. High-tier service is a given right here, and any time I’ve visited, the staff has gone the additional mile, providing recommendations and wine pairings.
I began with the amberjack tartare, and after struggling to resolve between the seafood pasta dishes and seabass for my principal course, the latter gained out.
The tartare was beautiful, from the sturdy, buttery flavors of the extremely contemporary 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 (€€€€) – Through 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
Crab Fish Restaurant
Photograph 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 take pleasure 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. Nevertheless, with such a fascinating location, it will get tremendous busy, so it will not be your best option if you happen to’re hoping for a quiet, relaxed meal.
I’ve had the lobster risotto a bunch of instances right here, and it was my dish of alternative as soon as once more on my final go to. Decadent and oh-so-filling, the risotto is one thing I often 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 chunk was satisfying, nourishing and filled with creamy arborio rice, salty lobster, and tangy stracciatella cheese.
The dish included a black garlic cream, and its sharp, balsamic flavors have been sensational.
Crab Fish Restaurant (€€€) – Through Capo d’Africa, 2, 00184 Roma RM, Italy, Closed Monday. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12:15 pm to 11:00 pm
Crispi 19
Photograph 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 realm’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 feel replicate the eclectic nature of the menu.
I’ve at all times been keen to return right here after listening to stellar opinions from fellow foodies, and I lastly made it this final yr. After recognizing the spaghetti clams, a long-time favored possibility of mine, I used to be inquisitive about the way it was paired with bottarga, a cured fish roe pouch, and I simply needed to attempt it.
Because of the saline bottarga, all of the delectable flavors of old-school spaghetti with clams, like the mineral style from the clams and mushy, lemony sauce, got a brand new lease of life. Constructed from gray mullet, this delicacy was intense with out overshadowing the gentleness of the dish.
Crispi 19 (€€€) – Through 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 seek out the perfect seafood in Rome’s Prati district, and I’ll wager lots 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 essentially the most healthful vibes. Judging by their lengthy checklist of celeb clientele, it’s secure to say I’m not the one one who thinks so!
The menu contains all of the most interesting and freshest seafood, together with sea urchins, oysters, salmon, and squid. Whereas I’ve by no means been dissatisfied with the meals right here, the fisherman-style mussels are notably tasty.
Cooked up in a means that mirrors how a fisherman would possibly put together them, the mussels are positioned in a steaming broth of flavorful elements. 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 (€€€) – Through 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
Conclusion
An underrated metropolis for seafood lovers, Rome doesn’t fairly take pleasure in the identical glory as its neighbors in southern Italy. Should you ask me, the perfect seafood eating places in Rome may give eateries within the likes of Sardinia and Sicily a run for his or her cash, however possibly I’m biased after dwelling right here for thus lengthy.
Don’t take my phrase for it, although, and pattern the delights of Rome’s seafood choices for your self.
