Rome, Italy, June 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monterrey N.L., Mexico: Rome, Italy’s historic and illustrious capital, has many incredible qualities. From the breathtaking scale of the still-standing Roman Colosseum to the beauty of the Sistine Chapel, Rome is home to some of the most amazing cultural landmarks and artistic achievements in human history. Still, no matter how you spin it, in most people’s minds, Rome is famous for one thing and one thing only: Its cuisine. As the birthplace of so many classic Italian delicacies, Rome has become a destination for foodies all over the world due to its unbeatable access to some of the freshest cheeses, coffee, and wine the world over, not to mention its world-famous pizza and pasta parlors. For Royal Holiday vacationers staying at the beautiful Palazzo al Velabro, great food is never more than a few steps away. That is, if you know how to find it. From melt-in-your-mouth gelato to the best cacio e pepe in Rome, here’s a full glossary of what to what and where to eat it during your Royal Roman Holiday.
Guests enjoying a stay at Royal Holiday’s Palazzo al Velabro won’t find it difficult to dine like a local. For breakfast, saunter over to La Veranda, right near Vatican City. You’ll be able to start off your day with an authentic cappuccino, pastry, and a beautiful view. Living like a Roman, however, means that dinner and lunch take precedence as the most important meals of the day. So eat light, and when the clock strikes 12, head over to La Tavernaccia for lunch and sample the suckling pig and the delicious house red wine. Italians eat late, so if you want to live like a Roman, don’t skimp on lunch. If you’re still feeling peckish, the sophisticated Madre near the Villa Aldobrandini serves up elegant small bites like ceviche and garlic shrimp.
Italians, and Romans in particular, have a tradition that’s unheard of in American culture: Siesta, which allows shop owners, business people, and restaurants to close up shop around 4 p.m. in order to rest. The thinking here is that after a long day (and presumably a large lunch) Romans will want to take a nap, go for a stroll, or generally prepare for the next big meal of the day: Dinner. Until everything reopens at 6 or 7, you’ll have some time on your hands which you can spend strolling around the city, seeing the sights and walking off that lunch. You could also, of course, use that time to figure out where you’re going for dinner.
For ambiance and a collection of distinctly rustic Roman favorites, head to Da Bucatino for a superb Chicken Cacciatore. The beautiful Capo Boi offers a classic take on a signature dish, pasta with steamed mussels, along with other catch-of-the-day pasta dishes, and Piatto Romano, in the Testaccio district, serves up a divine salt cod.
On the more traditional side of things, the simply named Eggs restaurant might seem a bit basic for your taste, but if carbonara is what you crave, this spot on the Via Natale will be the perfect one-stop shop for all things la carbonara. With 10 types of the dish to order, you’ll be in the choice position of having to choose between pappardelle with black truffle oil or a crispy artichoke option, followed by an obligatory course of creme brulee.
Of course, if having too many choices just isn’t your thing, there’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple. Located on the far side of town, Osteria Bonelli serves up classic fare like creamy spinach ravioli, fresh burrata cheese, and of course, a world-class cacio e pepe (literally just pasta with cheese and pepper, a Roman delicacy.) For something closer to home, try Farina la Pizza on the Via Degli Aurunci for a classic, old-school take on the Pizza Margherita.
In Rome, the Gelateria is the only place to go for dessert. Il Gelato di Claudio Torce and Fatamorgana are among the best in terms of consistency and flavor options, while the homemade fior di latte at Neve di Latte on the Via Luigi Poletti is the perfect mix of subtle and sweet.
Once you’re finished dining, a night at Royal Holiday’s luxurious Palazzo al Velabro suites will restore you completely and get you ready for another day of eating, drinking, and tasting your way through Rome.
About Royal Holiday Vacation Club: For 26 years, the Mexican-based vacation company Royal Holiday has been providing members with access to over 180 destinations worldwide. With locked-in low rates and all-inclusive cruise and resort packages, Royal Holiday remains one of the most esteemed vacation clubs on offer, with 100,000 customers coming back each year to explore new places and reconnect with family in exotic, beautiful locales the world over. For more information, visit: https://royal-holiday.com/en/us/