A Charming First Taste of Rome
There’s something magical about arriving in Rome and stepping into the warm embrace of its historic streets. After a long journey, nothing feels more rewarding than a relaxing first dinner in the Eternal City. For my first meal in Rome, I chose DEROMA Farine Romane, a cozy restaurant just steps away from the iconic Trevi Fountain. I wanted a place that was close enough to my hotel, atmospheric, and not overly touristy—and DEROMA Farine Romane delivered on every front. With a soft Roman sunset settling over the cobbled alleyways, I walked into DEROMA Farine Romane feeling both excited and exhausted. Little did I know, this would become one of the most comforting meals of my entire trip.
The Atmosphere – Quiet, Welcoming, and Roman at Heart
What struck me immediately about DEROMA Farine Romane was its gentle, inviting ambiance. DEROMA Farine Romane has both indoor and outdoor seating, and both areas were filled with relaxed locals and travelers sipping on Aperol Spritz as soft conversations floated through the air. The lighting was warm, and gentle music played in the background, creating a serene yet lively environment. I opted to sit indoors, by a window, where I could still enjoy the gentle breeze and people-watching. It wasn’t loud or rushed—just a beautifully paced Roman evening. It felt like the kind of place where you could linger over a glass of wine without feeling pressured to leave.
A Personal Welcome and the Owner’s Recommendation
The hospitality at DEROMA Farine Romane stood out from the start. I was greeted warmly and, after a brief exchange in English, the owner kindly recommended a light starter since I mentioned it was my first meal after a long trip. She suggested their freshly baked focaccia, paired with a glass of crisp white wine from the Lazio region. I happily accepted—and it turned out to be the perfect choice. The focaccia was served warm, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with coarse salt and rosemary. The wine was chilled, aromatic, and paired beautifully with the bread. It was simple yet deeply satisfying. This kind of genuine recommendation, tailored to my mood and appetite, made me feel like more than just another tourist.
A Perfect Introduction to Roman Dining
While I only had a light meal that evening, it was enough to give me a strong sense of DEROMA Farine Romane’s quality. The focaccia was golden and chewy, with that rustic, slightly crisp exterior that you only get from traditional Italian ovens. I took my time, sipping the wine slowly, soaking in the calm ambiance, and watching as other tables were served their pasta, seafood, and wood-fired pizzas. It made me wish I had a bigger appetite that night, but I was also content with the simplicity of what I had. The staff checked in on me just enough—attentive but never intrusive. It was a perfect first taste of what Roman hospitality should feel like.
Observing Locals and the Culture of Aperitivo
One of the unexpected highlights of the evening was witnessing the Roman aperitivo culture unfold around me. Inside and outside the restaurant, people were gathered in small groups with tall, orange-tinted glasses of Aperol Spritz, paired with olives and small bites. Some were chatting after work, others were clearly tourists winding down after a day of sightseeing. This relaxed yet social tradition added to the authentic charm of the place. It was a refreshing reminder that dining in Italy is not just about eating—it’s about slowing down, being present, and savoring the moment. DEROMA Farine Romane allowed me to ease into this rhythm right away.
An Ideal Location After Visiting the Trevi Fountain
If you’re planning to visit the Trevi Fountain—which you absolutely should—DEROMA Farine Romane is just a 3-minute walk away. After throwing a coin into the fountain and making a wish, walking over to DEROMA Farine Romane is the perfect next step. The restaurant is tucked away enough that it avoids the chaos of the fountain’s crowds, yet close enough to feel connected to the heart of the city. I loved that I didn’t have to walk far or search long for a decent place to eat. It’s rare to find a restaurant so close to a tourist hotspot that feels so relaxed, so authentic, and so reasonably priced.
Menu, Prices, and Practical Details
While I only tried the focaccia and wine, I took note of the rest of the menu for a future visit. DEROMA Farine Romane specializes in traditional Roman cuisine with a modern touch. Their wood-fired pizzas are popular, and their carbonara and cacio e pepe pasta dishes are made with fresh ingredients and true to local tradition. You’ll also find a good selection of meat and seafood dishes, and the wine list features Italian labels from various regions. The restaurant is well-reviewed for both its food quality and service, and reservations are accepted.
Menu Highlights (Average Prices):
- Focaccia Bread: €5
- Aperol Spritz: €7
- White Wine (by the glass): €6–€8
- Wood-Fired Pizza: €10–€14
- Cacio e Pepe / Carbonara Pasta: €12–€15
- Grilled Seafood Platter: €20–€25
- Dessert (Tiramisu, Panna Cotta): €6–€8
Restaurant Details:
- Name: DEROMA – Farine Romane
- Address: Via Poli, 27, 00187 Rome RM, Italy
- Phone: +39 06 6936 9190
- Hours: Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Website: www.deromamor.com
- Location Tip: 3-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain
If you’re arriving in Rome and looking for a place to enjoy your first meal in peace and style, I can’t recommend DEROMA enough. The food is honest, the service sincere, and the atmosphere exactly what you’d hope for in a Roman evening.
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