Diana Hubbell

3 days ago | atlasobscura.com | Diana Hubbell

Jewish people have been living in Rome for over 2,000 years. In 1555 a Papal decree confined the entire community to a ghetto near the Tiber. Here, some of the city’s cucina ebraica staples were perfected and codified: chrysanthemum-shaped carciofi alla giudea (fried artichokes), puffy fritters, rich ricotta crostatas.

3 days ago | atlasobscura.com | Diana Hubbell

Seeking “trendy new places” that are genuinely good in the Eternal City is usually as futile as searching for Andy Warhols at the Vatican Museum—and yet. Those craving a break from nose-to-tail Roman menus will be thrilled with the vivid modern Sicilian flavors of Giano located on Via Liguria. The main thing to know about Giano is that it’s the first Roman outpost of the unstoppably creative Sicilian chef Ciccio Sultano, who holds two Michelin stars at his restaurant Duomo in Ragusa.

3 days ago | atlasobscura.com | Diana Hubbell

Sometimes it’s an outsider who infuses local cuisine with fresh energy. The brilliant chef Leonardo Vignoli, born near Rome, worked for years at Michelin-starred starred places in France, finally returning to open his Cesare al Casaletto back in 2009 and creating a cult hit by updating beloved Roman classics with sharp technique and ingredients from tiny local producers.

3 days ago | atlasobscura.com | Diana Hubbell

So attached are Romans to their quartet of iconic pastas, they’ll argue forever about where to find the best version of each. For carbonara (guanciale, eggs) they might favor Roscioli or Bacano; for amatriciana (guanciale, tomato sauce) Trecca in Garbatella; for gricia (black pepper, pecorino, guanciale) Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto is best.  And for cacio e pepe (black pepper, pecorino—no guanciale)?

4 days ago | atlasobscura.com | Diana Hubbell

Although it was recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, L’Osteria della Trippa still remains under the radar of most tourists toting their lists of usual suspects. At the helm of this cozy tripe-centric spot deep in Trastevere with wooden tables and mustard-hued walls, is feisty chef-owner, signora Alessandra Ruggeri. Here she urges her customers to try, say, a fruity red Cesanese from Lazio along with a daily special of snails stewed with tomato, chiles, and sage.